Notice of appeal.

(a) Time to file. A respondent may contest ORI's findings of research misconduct and/or proposed HHS administrative actions by filing a notice of appeal within 30 days of receipt of the charge letter provided under § 93.405. (b) Form of a notice of appeal. The respondent's notice of appeal must be: (1) In writing; (2) Signed by the respondent or by the respondent's attorney; and (3) Submitted to the DAB Chair through the DAB electronic filing system, with a copy sent to ORI by certified mail, electronic mail, or other equivalent ( i.e., with a verified method of delivery). (c) Contents of a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal must: (1) Admit or deny each ORI finding of research misconduct and each factual assertion made in support of each finding; (2) Accept or challenge each proposed HHS administrative action; (3) Provide detailed, substantive reasons for each denial or challenge with references to the administrative record; (4) Identify any legal issues or defenses that the respondent intends to raise during the proceeding, with references to the administrative record; and (5) Identify any mitigating factors in the administrative record.