; (ii) engage an independent third-party to provide technical assistance in implementing such repayment management plan; and (iii) provide to the Secretary, on an annual basis or at such other intervals as the Secretary may require, evidence of on-time repayment rate improvement and successful implementation of such repayment management plan. (c) Appeals (1) Secretarial requirements The Secretary shall issue a decision on any appeal submitted by an institution under subsection (b)(1)(D) not later than 45 days after its submission. Such decision may permit the institution to continue to participate in a program under this title if— (A) the institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that the Secretary's calculation of its on-time repayment rate is not accurate, and that recalculation would increase its on-time repayment rate above the applicable threshold percentage specified in subsection (b)(1)(B) for the period on which the determination of the institution’s ineligibility under subsection (b)(1)(A) was based; (B) the institution demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Secretary that there has been improper loan servicing, which, if remedied, would increase its on-time repayment rate above the applicable threshold percentage specified in subsection (b)(1)(B) for the period on which the determination of the institution’s ineligibility under subsection (b)(1)(A) was based; (C) there are, in the judgment of the Secretary, exceptional mitigating circumstances that would make the application of this section inequitable