1780.6—Public hearings.
(a) General rule.
All hearings shall be open to the public, unless the Director, in his discretion, determines that holding an open hearing would be contrary to the public interest. The Director may make such determination sua sponte at any time by written notice to all parties.
(b) Motion for closed hearing.
Within 20 days of service of the notice of charges, any party may file with the presiding officer a motion for a private hearing and any party may file a pleading in reply to the motion. The presiding officer shall forward the motion and any reply, together with a recommended decision on the motion, to the Director, who shall make a final determination. Such motions and replies are governed by § 1780.25.
(c) Filing documents under seal.
OFHEO's counsel of record, in his discretion, may file any document or part of a document under seal if such counsel makes a written determination that disclosure of the document would be contrary to the public interest. The presiding officer shall take all appropriate steps to preserve the confidentiality of such documents or parts thereof, including closing portions of the hearing to the public.