Title 18—Conservation of Power and Water Resources--Volume 1
PART 1307—NONDISCRIMINATION WITH RESPECT TO HANDICAP
§ 1307.1   Definitions.
As used in this part, the following terms have the stated meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) Section 504 means section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pub. L. 93-112, as amended, 29 U.S.C. 794.
(b) Recipient means any individual, any State or its political subdivision, or any instrumentality of either, and any public or private agency, institution, organization, or other entity to which financial assistance is extended by TVA directly or through another recipient, including any successor, assignee, or transferee of a recipient as hereinafter set forth, but excluding the ultimate beneficiary of the assistance.
(c) Financial assistance means the grant or loan of money; the donation of real or personal property; the sale, lease, or license of real or personal property for a consideration which is nominal or reduced for the purpose of assisting the recipient; the waiver of charges which would normally be made, in order to assist the recipient; the entry into a contract where a purpose is to give financial assistance to the contracting party; and similar transactions.
(d) Facility means all or any portion of buildings, structures, equipment, roads, walks, parking lots, or other real or personal property or interest in such property.
(e) Federal agency means any department, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of the United States, other than TVA.
(f) Handicapped person means any individual who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment, as further defined below, except that, as related to employment, the term handicapped individual does not include any individual who is an alcoholic or drug abuser whose current use of alcohol or drugs prevents such individual from performing the duties of the job in question or whose employment, by reason of such current drug or alcohol abuse, would constitute a direct threat to property or the safety of others:
(1) Physical or mental impairment means (i) any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or (ii) any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term physical or mental impairment includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments; cerebral palsy; epilepsy; muscular dystrophy; multiple sclerosis; cancer; heart disease; diabetes; mental retardation; emotional illness; and drug addiction and alcoholism.
(2) Major life activities means functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
(3) Has a record of such an impairment means has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
(4) Is regarded as having such an impairment means (i) has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but which is treated by a recipient as constituting such a limitation; (ii) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward the impairment; or (iii) does not have a physical or mental impairment as defined in paragraph (f)(1) of this section but is treated by a recipient as having such an impairment.
(g) Qualified handicapped person means (1) with respect to employment, a handicapped person (except an alcoholic or drug abuser as defined in paragraph (f) of this section), who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question and (2) with respect to services, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of such services.
(h) Historic property means an architecturally, historically, or culturally significant property listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or a property officially designated as having architectural, historic, or cultural significance under a statute of the appropriate State or local governmental body.
(i) Building alterations means those changes to existing conditions and equipment of a building which do not involve any structural changes, but which typically improve and upgrade a building, such as site improvements and alterations to stairways, doors, toilets or elevators.
(j) Structural changes shall mean those changes which alter the structure of a building, including but not limited to its load bearing walls and all types of post and beam systems in wood, steel, iron or concrete.
(k) Program or activity means all of the operations of any entity described in paragraphs (k)(1) through (4) of this section, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance:
(1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(ii) The entity of such State or local government that distributes such assistance and each such department or agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
(2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
(B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or
(ii) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship; or
(4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (k)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
§ 1307.2   Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to effectuate section 504 to the end that no otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance from TVA.
§ 1307.3   Application.
This part applies to any program or activity for which financial assistance is provided by TVA, except that this part does not apply to any (a) TVA procurement contracts, contracts with other Federal agencies, or contracts of insurance or guaranty, (b) money paid, property transferred, or other assistance extended to a recipient before the effective date of this part, or (c) assistance to any individual or entity which is the ultimate beneficiary. Nothing in paragraph (b) of this section exempts any recipient of financial assistance under a contract in effect on the effective date of this part from compliance with this part.
§ 1307.4   Discrimination prohibited.
(a) General. No qualified handicapped person, shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity to which this part applies.
(b) Specific discriminatory actions. (1) A recipient to which this part applies shall not, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap:
(i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or services available under the program or activity;
(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others under the program or activity;
(iii) Provide a qualified handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others under the program or activity;
(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others, unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others under the program or activity;
(v) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to an agency, organization, or entity that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefit, or service to beneficiaries of the recipient's program or activity;
(vi) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards with respect to the program or activity; or
(vii) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment under the program of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others under the program or activity.
(2) A recipient shall not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate under the program or activity in aid, benefits, or services that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different aid, benefits, or services.
(3) A recipient shall not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration (i) that have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, (ii) that have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program or activity with respect to handicapped persons, or (iii) that perpetuate the discrimination of another recipient if both recipients are subject to common administrative control.
(4) A recipient shall not, in determining the site or location of a facility under the program or activity, make selections (i) that have the effect of excluding handicapped persons from, denying them the benefits of, or otherwise subjecting them to discrimination under the program or activity, or (ii) that have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of the program or activity with respect to handicapped persons.
(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from aid, benefits, or services limited by Federal statute or executive order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from aid, benefits, or services limited by Federal statute or executive order to a different class of handicapped persons is not prohibited by this part.
(d) Recipients shall administer programs or activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons. A recipient who wishes to establish a policy of separate aid, benefits, or services or different treatment for handicapped and nonhandicapped persons shall request and receive written approval from TVA before instituting such policy or undertaking any such separate treatment.
(e) Recipients shall take appropriate steps to ensure that communications to their applicants, employees, and beneficiaries are available to such persons with impaired vision and hearing.
§ 1307.5   Employment discrimination.
(a) General. No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity subject to this part.
(b) Specific discriminatory actions. With respect to a program or activity subject to this part, a recipient shall not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that adversely affects their opportunities or status because of handicap.
(c) A recipient shall make all decisions concerning employment under any program or activity subject to this part in a manner which ensures that discrimination on the basis of handicap does not occur, including the following activities:
(1) Recruitment, advertising, and processing of applications for employment;
(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right of return from layoff, and rehiring;
(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation and changes in compensation;
(4) Job assignments, job classifications, organizational structures, position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;
(5) Leaves of absence, sick leave, or any other leave;
(6) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment, whether or not administered by the recipient;
(7) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities, and selection for leaves of absence to pursue training;
(8) Employer sponsored activities, including those that are social or recreational; and
(9) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
(d) A recipient shall not participate in a contractual or other relationship that has the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped applicants or employees to discrimination prohibited by this part, including relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient, and with organizations providing training and apprenticeships.
(e) Reasonable accommodation. (1) A recipient shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the recipient can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the program or activity subject to this part. Reasonable accommodation may include:
(i) Making facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; and
(ii) Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, the provision of readers or interpreters, or other similar actions.
(2) In determining whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of a recipient's program or activity under this paragraph factors to be considered include but are not limited to:
(i) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed, and its effect, if any, on the recipient's programs or activities.
(ii) The kind of operation conducted by the recipient, including the composition and structure of the recipient's workforce; and
(iii) The overall size of the recipient's program or activity with respect to number of employees, number and type of facilities, and size of budget.
(3) It is not an undue hardship with respect to a qualified handicapped employee or applicant if the sole basis for the claim of hardship is the need to make an accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the otherwise qualified employee or applicant and the accommodation is deemed by TVA to be reasonable.
(f) Employment criteria. A recipient shall not use employment tests or criteria that discriminate against handicapped persons and shall ensure that employment tests are adapted for use by persons who have handicaps that impair sensory, manual, or speaking skills.
(g) Preemployment inquiries. (1) A recipient shall not conduct a preemployment medical examination or make a preemployment inquiry as to whether an applicant is a handicapped person or as to the nature or severity of a handicap except as set out in this paragraph (g).
(2) A recipient may make a preemployment inquiry into an applicant's ability to perform job-related functions.
(3) When a recipient is taking remedial action to correct the effects of past discrimination, taking voluntary action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in its TVA-assisted program or activity or is taking affirmative action pursuant to section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the recipient may invite applicants for employment to indicate whether and to what extent they are handicapped: Provided, That the recipient states clearly on any written questionnaire used for this purpose, or makes clear orally if no written questionnaire is so used, that:
(i) The information requested is intended for use solely in connection with such remedial, voluntary or affirmative action efforts;
(ii) The information is being requested on a voluntary basis and it will be kept confidential as provided in paragraph (g)(4) of this section;
(iii) Refusal to provide the information will not subject the applicant or employee to any adverse treatment; and
(iv) The information will be used only in accordance with this part.
(4) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a recipient from conditioning an offer of employment on the results of a medical examination conducted prior to the employee's entrance on duty: Provided, That:
(i) All entering employees are subjected to such an examination regardless of handicap; and
(ii) The results of such an examination are used only in accordance with the requirements of this part.
(5) Information obtained in accordance with this section as to the medical condition or history of an employee or applicant shall be collected and maintained on separate forms that shall be accorded confidentiality as medical records, except that:
(i) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restrictions on the work or duties of handicapped persons and regarding necessary accommodations;
(ii) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, where appropriate, if the condition might require emergency treatment; and
(iii) TVA officials investigating compliance with section 504 shall be provided information which they deem relevant upon request.
§ 1307.6   Accessibility.
(a) General. No qualified handicapped person shall, because facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity subject to this part.
(b) Existing facilities. (1) Each program or activity subject to this part shall be operated so that when each part is viewed in its entirety it is readily accessible to and usable by qualified handicapped persons. This paragraph does not necessarily require a recipient to make each of its existing facilities or every part of an existing facility accessible to and usable by handicapped persons. A recipient is not required to make building alterations or structural changes if other methods are effective in achieving accessibility. Such compliance methods may include (subject to the provisions of §§ 1307.4 and 1307.5), reassigning aid, benefits, or services to accessible locations within a facility; providing assistance to handicapped persons into or through an otherwise inaccessible facility; delivering programs or activities at other alternative sites which are accessible and are operated or available for use by the recipient; or other methods which comply with the intent of this paragraph.
(2) This paragraph governs the timing of development of transition plans and the completion of necessary building alterations and structural changes to existing facilities, including historic property covered by paragraph (c) of this section. If building alterations or structural changes will be necessary to comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the recipient shall develop a transition plan setting forth the steps necessary to complete the alterations or changes in accordance with such standards as TVA may specify in the contract or agreement, and shall have the plan approved by TVA. If the financial assistance from TVA is expected to last for less than three years, the contract or agreement shall specify the date by which the transition plan shall be developed and approved. If the financial assistance from TVA is expected to last for at least three years, the transition plan shall be developed and submitted to TVA within six months from the effective date of the contract or agreement, subject to extension by TVA for an additional six month period, for good cause shown to it. A transition plan shall:
(i) Be developed with the assistance of interested persons or organizations representing handicapped persons;
(ii) Be available for public inspection after approval by TVA (or at any earlier time required by state or local law applicable to the recipient);
(iii) Identify the official responsible for implementation of the approved plan; and
(iv) Specify the date by which the required alterations or changes shall be completed, which shall be as soon as practicable and in no event later than three years after the effective date that financial assistance is extended by TVA.
(3) Alterations to existing facilities shall, to the maximum extent feasible, be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
(c) Historic property. If a recipient's program or activity uses an existing facility which is an historic property, the recipient shall endeavor to assure compliance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section by compliance methods which do not alter the historic character or architectural integrity of the historic property. The recipient must determine that accessibility cannot be accomplished by such alternative methods before considering building alterations as a compliance method. To the maximum extent possible any building alterations determined to be necessary shall be undertaken so as not to alter or destroy architecturally significant elements or features. A recipient may determine that structural changes are necessary to accomplish accessibility only if the recipient has determined that accessibility cannot feasibly be accomplished by any of the other foregoing methods. To the maximum extent possible, any structural changes determined to be necessary shall be undertaken so as not to alter or destroy architecturally significant elements or features.
(d) New construction. (1) New facilities required under a program or activity subject to this part shall be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
(2) Effective as of November 4, 1988, design, construction, or alteration of buildings in conformance with Sections 3-8 of the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) (41 CFR Subpart 101-19.6 app. A) shall be deemed to comply with the requirements of this section with respect to those buildings. Departures from particular technical and scoping requirements of UFAS by the use of other methods are permitted where substantially equivalent or greater access to and usability of the building is provided.
(3) For purposes of this section, section 4.1.6(1)(g) of UFAS shall be interpreted to exempt from the requirements of UFAS only mechanical rooms and other spaces that, because of their intended use, will not require accessibility to the public or beneficiaries or result in the employment or residence therein of physically handicapped persons.
(4) This section does not require recipients to make building alterations that have little likelihood of being accomplished without removing or altering a load-bearing structural member.
§ 1307.7   Assurances required.
(a) TVA contributes financial assistance only under agreements which contain a provision which specifically requires compliance with this part and compliance with such standards for construction and alteration of facilities as TVA may provide. If the financial assistance involves the furnishing of real property, the agreement shall obligate the recipient, or the transferee in the case of a subsequent transfer, for the period during which the real property is used for a purpose for which the financial assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits. Where the financial assistance involves the furnishing of personal property, the agreement shall obligate the recipient during the period for which ownership or possession of the property is retained. In all other cases the agreement shall obligate the recipient for the period during which financial assistance is extended pursuant to the agreement. TVA shall specify the form of the foregoing agreement, and the extent to which an agreement shall be applicable to subcontractors, transferees, successors in interest, and other participants.
(b) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, acquired with TVA financial assistance, or in the case where financial assistance was provided in the form of a transfer by TVA of real property or interest therein, the instrument effecting or recording the transfer of title shall contain a convenant running with the land assuring compliance with this part and the guidelines contained herein for the period during which the real property is used for a purpose for which the TVA financial assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits. Where no transfer of property is involved, but property is improved with of TVA financial assistance, the recipient shall agree to include such a covenant in any subsequent transfer of such property. Where the property is obtained by transfer from TVA, the covenant against discrimination may also include a condition coupled with a right to be reserved by TVA to revert title to the property in the event of a breach of the covenant where, in the discretion of TVA, such a condition and right of reverter is appropriate to the statute under which the real property is obtained and to the nature of the grant and the grantee. In such event, if a transferee of real property proposes to mortgage or otherwise encumber the real property as security for financing construction of new, or improvement of existing, facilities on such property for the purposes for which the property was transferred, TVA may agree, upon request of the transferee and if necessary to accomplish such financing, and upon such conditions as it deems appropriate, to forbear the exercise of such right to revert title for so long as the lien of such mortgage or other encumbrance remains effective.
§ 1307.8   Compliance information.
(a) Cooperation and assistance. TVA shall to the fullest extent practicable seek the cooperation of recipients in obtaining compliance with this part and shall provide assistance and guidance to recipients to help them comply voluntarily with this part.
(b) Compliance reports. Each recipient shall keep such records and submit to TVA timely, complete and accurate compliance reports at such times, and in such form and containing such information, as TVA may determine to be necessary to enable it to ascertain whether the recipient has complied or is complying with this part. In the case which a primary recipient extends financial assistance to any other recipient, such other recipient shall also submit such compliance reports to the primary recipient as may be necessary to enable the primary recipient to carry out its obligations under this part.
(c) Access to sources of information. Each recipient shall permit access by TVA during normal business hours to such of its books, records, accounts, and other sources of information, and its facilities, as TVA may require to ascertain compliance with this part. Where any information required of a recipient is in the exclusive possession of any other agency, institution or person and this agency, institution or person shall fail or refuse to furnish this information, the recipient shall so certify in its report and set forth the efforts it has made to obtain the information.
(d) Information to employees, beneficiaries and participants. Each recipient shall make available to employees, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the program or activity for which the recipient receives financial assistance, and shall make such information available to them in such manner, as TVA finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this part.
§ 1307.9   Conduct of investigations.
(a) Periodic compliance reviews. TVA shall from time to time review the practices of recipients to determine whether they are complying with this part.
(b) Complaints. Any individual who claims (individually or on behalf of any specific class of individuals) to have been subjected to discrimination prohibited by this part may, personally or by a representative, file with TVA a written complaint. A complaint must be filed not later than ninety (90) days from the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by TVA.
(c) Investigations. TVA will make a prompt investigation whenever a compliance review, report, complaint, or any other information indicates a possible failure to comply with this part. The investigation shall include, where appropriate, a review of the pertinent practices and policies of the recipient, the circumstances under which the possible noncompliance with this part occurred, and other factors relevant to a determination as to whether the recipient has failed to comply with this part.
(d) Resolution of matters. (1) If an investigation pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section indicates a failure to comply with this part, TVA will so inform the recipient and the matter will be resolved by informal means whenever possible. If TVA determines that the matter cannot be resolved by informal means, action will be taken as provided for in § 1307.10.
(2) If an investigation does not warrant action pursuant to paragraph (d) (1) of this section, TVA will so inform the recipient and the complainant, if any, in writing.
(e) Intimidatory or retaliatory acts prohibited. No recipient or other person shall intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by section 504 or this part, or because the individual had made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this part. The identity of complainants shall be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this part, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding arising thereunder.
§ 1307.10   Procedure for effecting compliance.
(a) General. If there appears to be a failure or threatened failure to comply with this part, and if the noncompliance or threatened noncompliance cannot be corrected by informal means, compliance with this part may be effected by the suspension or termination of or refusal to grant or to continue financial assistance or by any other means authorized by law. Such other means may include, but are not to be limited to, (1) a reference to the Department of Justice with a recommendation that appropriate proceedings be brought to enforce any rights of the United States under any law of the United States, (2) institution of appropriate proceedings by TVA to enforce the provisions of the agreement of financial assistance or of any deed or instrument relating thereto, and (3) any applicable proceeding under State or local law.
(b) Noncompliance with § 1307.7. If any entity requesting financial assistance from TVA declines to furnish the assurance required under § 1307.7, or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with a requirement imposed by or pursuant to that section, financial assistance may be refused in accordance with the procedures of paragraph (c) of this section; and for such purposes, the term “recipient” includes one who has been denied financial assistance. TVA shall not be required to provide assistance in such a case during the pendency of the administrative proceedings under such paragraph except that TVA shall continue assistance during the pendency of such proceedings where such assistance was due and payable pursuant to an agreement therefor entered into with TVA prior to the effective date of this part.
(c) Termination of or refusal to grant or to continue financial assistance. No order suspending, terminating or refusing to grant or continue financial assistance shall become effective until (1) TVA has advised the recipient of the failure to comply and has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means, (2) there has been an express finding on the record, after opportunity for hearing, of a failure by the recipient to comply with a requirement imposed by or pursuant to this part, including any act of discrimination on the basis of handicap in violation of this part, and (3) the action has been approved by the TVA Board pursuant to § 1307.12. Any action to suspend or terminate or to refuse to grant or to continue financial assistance shall be limited to the particular recipient as to whom such a finding had been made and shall be limited in its effect to the particular program or activity, or part thereof, in which such noncompliance had been so found.
(d) Other means authorized by law. No action to effect compliance by any other means authorized by law shall be taken until (1) TVA has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means, (2) the recipient or other person has been notified of its failure to comply and of the action to be taken to effect compliance, and (3) the expiration of at least ten (10) days from the mailing of such notice to the recipient or other person. During this period of at least ten (10) days additional efforts will be made to persuade the recipient or other person to comply with this part and to take such corrective action as may be appropriate.
§ 1307.11   Hearings.
(a) Opportunity for hearing. Whenever an opportunity for a hearing is required by § 1307.10, reasonable notice shall be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the affected recipient. This notice shall advise the recipient of the action proposed to be taken, the specific provision under which the proposed action against it is to be taken, and the matters of fact or law asserted as the basis for this action, and shall either (1) fix a date not less than twenty (20) days after the date of such notice within which the recipient may request of TVA that the matter be scheduled for hearing or (2) advise the recipient that the matter in question has been set down for hearing at a stated time and place. The time and place so fixed shall be reasonable and shall be subject to change for cause. The complainant, if any, shall be advised of the time and place of the hearing. A recipient may waive a hearing and submit written information and argument for the record. The failure of a recipient to request a hearing under this subsection or to appear at a hearing for which a date has been set shall be deemed to be a waiver of the right to a hearing and a consent to the making of a decision on the basis of such information as is available.
(b) Time and place of hearing. Hearings shall be held at the time and place fixed by TVA unless it determines that the convenience of the recipient requires that another place be selected. Hearings shall be held before the TVA Board or before a “hearing officer” who shall be either a member of the TVA Board or, at the discretion of the Board, a person designated by the Board who shall not be employed in or under the TVA division through or under which the financial assistance has been extended by TVA to the recipient involved in the hearing.
(c) Right to counsel. In all proceedings under this section, the recipient and TVA shall have the right to be represented by counsel.
(d) Procedures, evidence, and record. (1) The hearing, decision, and any administrative review thereof shall be conducted in accordance with such rules of procedure as are proper (and not inconsistent with this section) relating to the conduct of the hearing, giving of notices subsequent to those provided for in paragraph (a) of this section, taking of testimony, exhibits, arguments and briefs, requests for findings, and other related matters. Both TVA and the recipient shall be entitled to introduce all relevant evidence on the issues as stated in the notice for hearing or as determined by the officer conducting the hearing at the outset of or during the hearing.
(2) Technical rules of evidence will not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this part, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination shall be applied where reasonably necessary by the officer conducting the hearing. That officer may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. All documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by the parties and opportunity shall be given to refute facts and arguments advanced on either side of the issues. A transcript shall be made of the oral evidence except to the extent the substance thereof is stipulated for the record. All decisions shall be based upon the hearing record and written findings shall be made.
(e) Consolidated or joint hearings. In cases in which the same or related facts are asserted to constitute noncompliance with this part with respect to two or more Federal statutes, authorities, or other means by which Federal financial assistance is extended and to which this part applies, or noncompliance with this part and the regulations of one or more other Federal agencies issued under section 504, the TVA Board may, by agreement with such other agency, provide for the conduct of consolidated or joint hearings, and for the application to such hearings of rules of procedure not inconsistent with this part. Final decisions in such cases, insofar as this part is concerned, shall be made in accordance with § 1307.12.
§ 1307.12   Decisions and notices.
(a) Decision by a member of the TVA Board or a hearing officer. If the hearing is held before a “hearing officer” as defined in § 1307.11(b), that hearing officer shall either make an initial decision, if so authorized, or certify the entire record including recommended findings and proposed decision to the TVA Board for a final decision. A copy of such initial decision or certification shall be mailed to the recipient. Where the initial decision is made by a hearing officer, the recipient may file with the TVA Board exceptions to the initial decision, which shall include a statement of reasons therefor. Such exceptions shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the notice of initial decision. In the absence of exceptions, the TVA Board may on its own motion within forty-five (45) days after the initial decision serve on the recipient a notice that it will review the decision. Upon the filing of such exceptions or of such notice of review, the TVA Board shall review the initial decision and issue its own decision thereon including the reasons therefor. In the absence of either exceptions or a notice of review, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the TVA Board.
(b) Decisions on record or review by the TVA Board. Whenever a record is certified to the TVA Board for decision or it reviews the decision of a hearing officer pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, or whenever the TVA Board conducts the hearing, the recipient shall be given reasonable opportunity to file with the Board briefs or other written statements of its contentions, and a copy of the final decision of the Board shall be given in writing to the recipient and to the complainant, if any.
(c) Decisions on record where a hearing is waived. Whenever a hearing is waived, a decision shall be made by the TVA Board on the record and a copy of such decision shall be given to the recipient, and to the complainant, if any.
(d) Rulings required. Each decision shall set forth a ruling on each finding, conclusion, or exception presented, and shall identify the requirement or requirements imposed by or pursuant to this part with which it is found that the recipient has failed to comply.
(e) Approval by TVA Board. Any final decision (other than a decision by the TVA Board) which provides for the suspension or termination of, or the refusal to grant or continue financial assistance, or the imposition of any other sanction available under this part or section 504 shall promptly be transmitted to the TVA Board which may approve such decision, vacate it, or remit or mitigate any sanction imposed.
(f) Content of orders. The final decision may provide for suspension or termination of, or refusal to grant or continue financial assistance, in whole or in part, to which this regulation applies, and may contain such terms, conditions, and other provisions as are consistent with and will effectuate the purposes of section 504 and this part, including provisions designed to assure that no financial assistance to which this regulation applies will thereafter be extended to the recipient determined by such decision to have failed to comply with this part, unless and until it corrects its noncompliance and satisfies TVA that it will fully comply with this part.
(g) Posttermination proceedings. (1) A recipient adversely affected by an order issued under paragraph (f) of this section shall be restored to full eligibility to receive financial assistance upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions for such eligibility contained in that order, or if the recipient otherwise comes into compliance with this part and provides reasonable assurance of future full compliance with this part.
(2) Any recipient adversely affected by an order entered pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section may at any time request that TVA fully restore the recipient's eligibility to receive financial assistance. Any such request shall be supported by information showing that the recipient has met the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section. If TVA determines that those requirements have been satisfied, it shall restore such eligibility.
(3) If TVA denies any such request, the recipient may submit a request for a hearing in writing, specifying its reasons for believing TVA to have been in error. The recipient shall thereupon be given an expeditious hearing, with a decision on the record, in accordance with rules of procedure issued by TVA. The recipient, upon proving at such a hearing that the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section are satisfied, will be restored to such eligibility. While proceedings under this paragraph are pending, the sanctions imposed by the order issued under paragraph (f) of this section shall remain in effect.
§ 1307.13   Effect on other regulations; supervision and coordination.
(a) Effect on other regulations. Nothing in this part shall be deemed to supersede or affect any of the following (including future amendments thereof): (1) Regulations by TVA and other Federal agencies issued with respect to section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or (2) any other regulations or instructions, insofar as they prohibit discrimination on the ground of handicap in any program or activity or situation to which this part is inapplicable, or which prohibit discrimination on any other ground.
(b) Supervison and coordination. TVA may from time to time assign to officials of other Federal agencies, with the consent of such agencies, responsibilities in connection with the effectuation of the purposes of section 504 and this part (other than responsibility for final decision as provided in § 1307.12), including the achievement of effective coordination and maximum uniformity within the Executive Branch of the government in the application of section 504 and this part to similar programs or activities and in similar situations. Any action taken, determination made, or requirement imposed by an official of another federal agency acting pursuant to an assignment of responsibility under this part shall have the same effect as though such action had been taken by TVA.