§ 137.422 - How is an informal conference held?

§ 137.422 How is an informal conference held?

(a) The informal conference must be held within 30 days of the date the request was received, unless the Indian Tribe and the authorized representative of the Secretary agree on another date.

(b) If possible, the informal conference will be held at the Indian Tribe's office. If the meeting cannot be held at the Indian Tribe's office and is held more than fifty miles from its office, the Secretary must arrange to pay transportation costs and per diem for incidental expenses to allow for adequate representation of the Indian Tribe.

(c) The informal conference must be conducted by a designated representative of the Secretary.

(d) Only people who are the designated representatives of the Indian Tribe, or authorized by the Secretary are allowed to make presentations at the informal conference. Such designated representatives may include Office of Tribal Self-Governance.