(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the Secretary of Agriculture delegates to the Judicial Officer authority to take final action on matters pertaining to the Act in proceedings covered by these rules. The Secretary by order may delegate authority to take final action on matters pertaining to the Act in particular cases to other subordinate officials or bodies.

(b)(1) The Secretary of Agriculture delegates to the Director of the National Appeals Division authority to take final actions on matters pertaining to the Act for proceedings under 7 CFR part 11.

(2) With respect to proceedings covered under § 1.183(b)(1)(ii) of this part, the Board of Contract Appeals is authorized by statute (41 U.S.C. 607) to take final action.