Priority Action Appeal Process

Service users may appeal any priority level assignment, denial, revision, or revocation to the TSP Program Office. However, close coordination between the TSP Program Office and service users throughout all steps of the TSP assignment process should minimize (or preclude) instances of appeals.

Appeal to the TSP Program Office

The Manager, NCS, has delegated the responsibility for administering the TSP Program to the TSP Program Office. Because the TSP Program Office assigns priority levels subject to final review by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the TSP Program Office is the first point of appeal for Federal and non-Federal service users.

Federal Service Users

Federal service users may appeal any priority action directly to the TSP Program Office within 30 days of notification of the action. The service user should complete a TSP Action Appeal For Service Users Form (SF 317) and send it, along with copies of any relevant correspondence, to the TSP Program Office. The service user must also submit a copy of the appeal package, clearly marked as an information copy, to the FCC at the address on the form.

The TSP Program Office must determine the disposition of the appeal and respond within 30 days of receipt. If not satisfied with the TSP Program Office's decision, the service user may then escalate the appeal to the Manager, NCS. This escalation is due within 30 days of the notice of action from the TSP Program Office on the initial appeal. The service user should submit a letter explaining the reason for escalating the appeal and attach the appeal package submitted to the TSP Program Office. The Manager, NCS, will determine the disposition of the appeal and respond to the service user within 30 days of receipt. If still not satisfied, the Federal user can then appeal directly to the FCC.

Non-Federal Service Users

Non-Federal Government service users appeal priority actions through their sponsor within 30 days of notification of the action. The user submits the SF 317 form to the sponsor, who then submits the appeal to the TSP Program Office. The sponsor should also forward a copy of the completed form back to the service user. The service user should then forward a complete copy of the appeals package to the FCC at the address on the form. If not satisfied with the TSP Program Office's decision, the sponsor or non-Federal service user may escalate the appeal to the Manager, NCS. The service user must submit the escalation appeal within 30 days of the notice of action from the TSP Program Office on the initial appeal. If still not satisfied, the sponsor or non-Federal user can then appeal directly to the FCC. Note: Foreign government service users may not appeal directly to the FCC.

Appeal to the Federal Communications Commission

All service users may appeal a priority action directly to the FCC only after first submitting an appeal to the TSP Program Office and escalating the appeal to the Manager, NCS. The service user must submit the appeal to the FCC within 30 days of notification of the decision made by the Manager, NCS, on the initial appeal.

The service user should submit a letter to the FCC Common Carrier Bureau detailing the reasons for appealing the decision made by the Manager, NCS. The service user should also submit copies of the letter of appeal to the FCC to the TSP Program Office, Manager, NCS, and any other parties directly involved. The FCC will not issue a public notice of an appeal. The FCC provides notice of its decision on the appeal to all parties of record.

Following an FCC decision, involved parties may file a response to the FCC within 20 days of the FCC appeal determination. The service user may then file replies to the FCC decision within 10 days of the FCC response. Additionally, the TSP Program Office Program Manager may appeal any FCC revision, approval, or disapproval to the FCC.

TSP Program Action Appeal For Service Users Form (SF 317)

All TSP appeals require the TSP Action Appeal for Service Users Form (SF 317). Instructions for completing the form appear on the back of the form. Submit appeals to the TSP Program Office via the address noted on the form. Additionally, submit a copy of the appeal package, clearly marked as an information copy, to the FCC at the address provided on the SF 317.

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