Sec. 1.1522  Answer to application.

    (a) Within 30 days after service of an application Bureau counsel 
may file an answer to the application. Unless Bureau counsel requests an 
extension of time for filing or files a statement of intent to negotiate 
under paragraph (b) of this section, failure to file an answer within 
the 30-day period may be treated as a consent to the award request.
    (b) If Bureau counsel and the applicant believe that the issues in 
the fee application can be settled, they may jointly file a statement of 
their intent to negotiate a settlement. The filing of this statement 
shall extend the time for filing an answer for an additional 30 days, 
and further extensions may be granted by the Administrative Law Judge 
upon request by Bureau counsel and the applicant.
    (c) The answer shall explain in detail any objections to the award 
requested and identify the facts relied on in support of Bureau 
counsel's position. If the answer is based on any alleged facts not 
already in the record of the proceeding, Bureau counsel shall include 
with the answer either supporting affidavits or a request for further 
proceedings under Sec. 1.1526.