(b) Form of a notice of appeal. The respondent's notice of appeal must be:

1. (1) In writing;
2. (2) Signed by the respondent or by the respondent's attorney; and
3. (3) Submitted to the DAB Chair through the DAB electronic filing system, with a copy sent to ORI by certified mail, electronic mail, or other equivalent (i.e., with a verified method of delivery).

(c) Contents of a notice of appeal. The notice of appeal must:

1. (1) Admit or deny each ORI finding of research misconduct and each factual assertion made in support of each finding;
2. (2) Accept or challenge each proposed HHS administrative action;
3. (3) Provide detailed, substantive reasons for each denial or challenge with references to the administrative record;
4. (4) Identify any legal issues or defenses that the respondent intends to raise during the proceeding, with references to the administrative record; and
5. (5) Identify any mitigating factors in the administrative record.