Hearings on IPP complaints filed by an Indian tribe or tribes against an LEA are conducted as follows:

(a) The hearing must be open to the public.

(b) Parties may be represented by counsel.

(c)(1) Each party may submit oral and written testimony that is relevant to the issues in the proceeding and make recommendations concerning appropriate remedial actions.

(2) A party may object to evidence it considers to be irrelevant or unduly repetitious.

(d) No party shall communicate orally or in writing with the hearing examiner or the Assistant Secretary on matters under review, except minor procedural matters, unless all parties to the complaint are given—

(1) Timely and adequate notice of the communication; and

(2) Reasonable opportunity to respond.

(e) For each document that a party submits, the party shall—

(1) File one copy for inclusion in the record of the proceeding; and

(2) Provide a copy to each of the other parties to the proceeding.

(f) Each party shall bear only its own costs in the proceeding.