39 CFR 954.20: Appeals.

(a) A party may appeal to the Judicial Officer from an initial decision by filing exceptions in a brief on appeal within 15 days from the receipt of a written or oral initial decision.

(b) The time for the filing of the reply brief is 10 days after receipt of the appeal brief. No additional briefs shall be received unless requested by the Judicial Officer.

(c) Appeal briefs shall contain the following matter in the order indicated:

(1) A subject index of the matters presented with page references;

(2) A table of cases alphabetically arranged;

(3) A list of statutes and texts cited with page references;

(4) A concise abstract or statement of the case;

(5) Numbered exceptions to the findings and conclusions of the presiding officer and the reasons for the exceptions.

(d) Reply briefs shall contain paragraphs (c) (1), (2), and (3) of this section and the reasons for opposing the exceptions.