25 CFR 585.8: What is the process for pursuing settlement in an appeal to the Commission?

(a) General. At any time after the commencement of a proceeding, but before the date scheduled for the Commission to issue a final decision under § 585.7, the parties may jointly move to stay the proceeding for a reasonable time to permit negotiation of a settlement or an agreement disposing of the whole or any part of the proceeding.

(b) Content. Any agreement disposing of the whole or any part of a proceeding shall also provide:

(1) A waiver of any further proceedings before the Commission regarding the specific matter(s) settled under the agreement; and

(2) That the agreement shall constitute dismissal of the appeal of the specific matter(s) settled, a final order of the Commission, and final agency action.

(c) Submission. Before the expiration of the time granted for negotiations, the parties or their authorized representatives may:

(1) Notify the Commission that the parties have reached a full or partial settlement and have agreed to dismissal of all or part of the action, subject to compliance with the terms of the settlement agreement; or

(2) Inform the Commission that an agreement cannot be reached.

(d) Disposition. If the parties enter into a full or partial settlement agreement, it shall constitute: full or partial dismissal of the appeal, as applicable; a final order of the Commission; and final agency action.