Complaints governed by section 208(b)(1) of the Act.

(a) Any party that intends to file a complaint subject to the 5-month deadline in 47 U.S.C. 208(b)(1) must comply with the pre-complaint procedures below. The Enforcement Bureau's Market Disputes Resolution Division will not process complaints subject to the 5-month deadline unless the filer complies with these procedures. (b) A party seeking to file a complaint subject to 47 U.S.C. 208(b)(1) shall notify the Chief of the Market Disputes Resolution Division in writing of its intent to file the complaint, and provide a copy of the letter to the defendant. Commission staff will convene a conference with both parties as soon as practicable. During that conference, the staff may discuss, among other things: (1) Scheduling in the case; (2) Narrowing factual and legal issues in dispute; (3) Information exchange and discovery necessary to adjudicate the dispute; (4) Entry of a protective order governing confidential material; and (5) Preparation for and scheduling a mandatory settlement negotiation session at the Commission. (c) Staff will endeavor to complete the pre-complaint process as expeditiously as possible. Staff may direct the parties to exchange relevant information during the pre-complaint period. [83 FR 44832, Sept. 4, 2018]