---
kind: "section"
citation: "39 C.F.R. § 955.27"
title: "39"
number: "955.27"
heading: "(Rule 27) Ex parte communications."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/39/955.27"
---

# §955.27. (Rule 27) Ex parte communications.

- (a) An ex parte communication is a communication between a Board judge or staff and a party or a party's representative without the presence of the opposing party or its representative.
- (b) Except as set out in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section, no Board judge or staff, party to an appeal, or party representative may have or attempt to have any ex parte communication. Nor may a party file any evidence, explanation, analysis, or advice, whether written or oral, regarding any matter at issue in an appeal unless a copy of the filing is provided to the opposing party.
- (c) **Paragraph (b) of this section does not apply to—**
  - (1) Consultation among Board judges and staff about an appeal;
  - (2) Communications between the Board's staff and a party or a party's representative about the Board's administrative functions or procedures; or
  - (3) Any event, such as a conference call or a hearing, where a party has received notice of the event and fails to appear.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 39 U.S.C. 204, 401; 41 U.S.C. 7101-7109.

### Source

Source: 90 FR 25895, June 18, 2025, unless otherwise noted.