What We Do

The Office of Adjudication (AGC-70) provides fair, efficient, and impartial resolution of controversies involving acquisitions (protests, disputes, and pre-disputes) and certain aviation matters. We provide FAA Hearing Docket services for the DOT Office of Hearings to support FAA civil penalty hearings. On a case-by-case basis, we may also provide alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes and the services of a neutral mediator, if requested by the parties. Our functions include the following:

Acquisition Matters

The Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisition (ODRA)

We are the FAA Administrator's statutorily-mandated adjudicative forum for all Acquisition Management System (AMS) bid protests and contract disputes pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 40110(d), and 14 C.F.R. Parts 14 and 17. The ODRA's subject matter jurisdiction is exclusive and broad. It includes small business size and eligibility protests.

Aviation Matters

FAA Hearing Docket Services for Matters Under 14 C.F.R. Part 13, Subparts D and G

The FAA Hearing Docket, identified in 13 C.F.R. § 13.43 and 13.210, is housed in the Office of Adjudication. The FAA Hearing Docket Clerk maintains the records in civil penalty enforcement hearings (subpart G), informal hearings (subpart D), and related appeals to the FAA Decisionmaker. (Special Note: Our office DOES NOT accept filings under 14 C.F.R. Part 16, relating to Federally-Assisted Airport Enforcement Proceedings. See 14 C.F.R § 16.13.)

FAA Informal Hearings Under 14 C.F.R. Part 13, Subpart D

The Office of Adjudication provides administrative judges to hear informal matters governed by subpart D of Part 13.

Civil Penalty Appeals Program

The Office of Adjudication administers appeals from the decisions of the Department of Transportation administrative law judges in civil penalty cases. See 14 C.F.R. § 13.322(b). We provide similar services for appeals from matters heard under 14 C.F. R. Part 13, subpart D. See 14 C.F.R. § 13.65.

Other Administrative Adjudication and Dispute Resolution Services

On a case-by-case basis, we provide administrative dispute resolution, and adjudication services in connection with airport improvement grant disputes, other grant-related disputes, and civil enforcement matters.

Resources

• DOT Office of Hearings
• Decisions and Orders in ODRA Matters
• Decisions and Orders in Appeals under Subpart D
• Decisions and Orders in Appeals under Subpart G
• Optional Mediation in Subpart D and G Matters
• Contact Us