(a) Service. Upon request for a hearing as provided in this part, or upon his own initiative, the Assistant Secretary shall serve, or cause to be served, a reasonable notice of hearing.

(b) Contents. A notice of hearing served under paragraph (a) of this section shall include:

(1) The time, place, and nature of the hearing;

(2) The legal authority under which the hearing is to be held;

(3) A specification of issues of fact and law; and

(4) A designation of a hearing examiner appointed under 5 U.S.C. 3105 to preside over the hearing.

(c) Referral to hearing examiner. A copy of a notice of hearing served pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section shall be referred to the hearing examiner designated therein, together with the original application and any written request for a hearing thereon filed pursuant to this part.