(a) Within 30 calendar days of receiving HUD's denial of a proposal to provide assistance to non-low-income families or a model housing activity, the recipient may request reconsideration of the denial in writing. The request shall set forth justification for the reconsideration.

(b) Within twenty calendar days of receiving the request, HUD shall reconsider the recipient's request and either affirm or reverse its initial decision in writing, setting forth its reasons for the decision. If the decision was made by the Assistant Secretary, the decision will constitute final agency action. If the decision was made at a lower level, then paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section will apply.

(c) The recipient may appeal any denial of reconsideration by filing an appeal with the Assistant Secretary within twenty calendar days of receiving the denial. The appeal shall set forth the reasons why the recipient does not agree with HUD's decision and set forth justification for the reconsideration.

(d) Within twenty calendar days of receipt of the appeal, the Assistant Secretary shall review the recipient's appeal and act on the appeal, setting forth the reasons for the decision.