(a) Within 30 days after service of an application, the Commission investigative attorney shall file an answer to the application.

(b) If the applicant and the Commission investigative attorney 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 presiding officer upon request by the applicant and the Commission investigative attorney.

(c) The answer shall explain in detail any objections to the award requested and identify the facts relied on in support of the position of the Commission. If the answer is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the adversary adjudication, the Commission investigative attorney shall include with the answer supporting affidavits or a request for further proceedings under § 212.25.