(a) Within 10 days after receiving a request for a hearing, the
Secretary shall designate a hearing officer. The hearing officer shall
give reasonable notice of such hearing by certified mail, return receipt
requested, to the appropriate sponsor (Federal or state registered), the
State Apprenticeship Council, or both, as the case may be. Such notice
shall include: (1) A reasonable time and place of hearing, (2) a
statement of the provisions of this part, pursuant to which the hearing
is to be held, and (3) a concise statement of the matters pursuant to
which the action forming the basis of the hearing is proposed to be
taken.
(b) The hearing officer shall regulate the course of the hearing.
Hearings shall be informally conducted. Every party shall have the right
to counsel, and a fair opportunity to present his or her case including
such cross-examination as may be appropriate in the circumstances.
Hearing officers shall make their proposed findings and recommended
decisions to the Secretary upon the basis of the record before them.
