Electronic File Submission with BOX
NAD uses a secure cloud-based platform called Box to share information electronically with parties during the appeal process. Box is NAD’s preferred method for receiving documents once an appeal has started.
Q: What is Box?
A. Box is a free, secure, cloud-based document management platform allowing parties to share and manage documents. Appeal parties create a username and password to access their Box account, where documents can be uploaded and shared digitally with NAD and other parties. This service is available to any NAD customer with access to a computer or mobile device that meets Box’s internet browser requirements. Box does not require a software download, but an app version is available.
Q. How do I use Box for my NAD appeal and set up my free Box account?
A. You need to provide NAD your email address and request a NAD appeal. Once you have provided NAD your email address, and NAD has accepted your appeal request, NAD will email you step by step instructions for setting up your free Box account to use for your appeal along with your Notice of Appeal.
Q. For USDA Agencies: “My USDA Agency is telling me that we are not permitted to use Box.”
A. OCIO/Departmental Administration Technology Office (DAITO) licenses Box for NAD to allow USDA agencies and appellants appearing before NAD to sign up for free Box accounts for the purpose of securely providing sensitive information to NAD. It is allowed.
Q. Why is Box asking me for a passcode or telling me I need a certificate?
A. During the Box login process, if you are asked “Part of USDA Departmental Administration?”, select “Not a part of USDA Departmental Administration”. This also applies to USDA agency personnel external to NAD.
Q. I clicked on the NAD invite I received but nothing happened.
A. Clicking on the invite is the second step. You must first create the free Box account, then click on the invite. If you are logged into your Box account and have accepted the invite, the NAD case folder (e.g., 23w113 Case Documents or 23w113 Case Record) should appear on the main page. If the folder does not appear, try refreshing/reloading your internet browser.
Q. How do I upload my documents to the appeal case folder?
A. Use the upload link provided in the initial Notice of Appeal email or the bookmark with the upload link. The link will open a webpage where you can upload your documents. The bookmark is at the bottom of your Case Record folder and looks like:
Q. I uploaded my documents, but nobody can see them.
A. You must use the upload link provided as part of the appeal. Any documents uploaded directly to your Box account (in the “All Files” area) are not visible to other parties and are not part of the official case file.
Example: Files saved to your “All Files” are NOT viewable by other parties.
Example: Files saved to “XXXXXX-Case Record”, or moved to the subfolders, are shared and can be viewed by all parties.
Q. Once I have successfully uploaded my documents to the appeal case folder, do I also need to submit the documents via mail or fax?
A. No. Once you have confirmed that your documents have been successfully uploaded to the appeal case record, you do not need to also submit your documents via mail or fax. Please do not send duplicate or slightly different variations of the documents you have already successfully uploaded to the appeal case record via mail or fax. If you have questions about the documents you uploaded or want to make changes to them, contact your Administrative Judge.
Q. How long will I be able to view and download the documents relating to my NAD appeal in Box?
A. You will be able to view and download the documents relating to your NAD appeal in Box while your case is active. Once your case is concluded, you will no longer be able to access the documents. If you wish to retain copies of the documents in your case, you should download them as your case proceeds.
Q. Can I use Box to file a Director Review Request?
A. Yes, the upload link provided in the Notice of Appeal email and included as part of the Case Record will be available after the Appeal Determination is issued to allow: i) the Appellant (or Third Party, as applicable) to submit a Director Review Request no later than 30 calendar days after the date Appellant (or Third Party, as applicable) receives the Appeal Determination; and ii) the Agency to submit a Director Review Request no later than 15 business days after the date Agency receives the Appeal Determination. Your Director Review request must be personally signed, be submitted within the required timeframes, and include specific reasons why you believe the determination is wrong. For further information, see the “Notice of Right to Request Director Review” and “Instructions for Request for Review” attached to your Appeal Determination.
Q. What do I do if I lost or deleted my email with my upload link?
A. Use the bookmark located at the bottom of your Case Record folder.
