435.81—Initial appeal.
(a) Timeliness of appeal to ACOAG.
A grantee may appeal an adverse decision rendered by the GMO by submitting to the ACOAG a written request for review of the adverse decision. The written request for review must be received by the ACOAG no later than 30 calendar days after the date of the GMO's adverse decision. Any request for review that is received after the thirtieth day will be dismissed as untimely.
(b) Content of appeal to ACOAG.
The written request for review should fully explain why the grantee disagrees with the GMO's decision, state the pertinent facts and law relied upon, and provide any relevant documentation in support of the grantee's position.
(c) Decision of ACOAG.
The ACOAG, or the ACOAG's delegate, will issue a written decision within 30 calendar days of the date of receipt of the written request for review. If the written decision is adverse to the grantee, the decision will include the following statement:
This is the final decision of the Office of Acquisition and Grants. It will become the final decision of the Social Security Administration unless you submit a request for review of this decision to the Commissioner of Social Security, Social Security Administration, Baltimore, Maryland 21235-0001. Your request for review must be in writing, include a copy of this decision, and fully state why you disagree with it. The request for review must be received by the Commissioner no later than 15 calendar days after the date of this decision. You should also send a copy of the request for review to the ACOAG.