(a) Requests for additional time. The claimant or the agency may request additional time to make any filing.

(b) Conferences. The judge will not engage in ex parte communications involving the underlying facts or merits of the claim. The judge may hold a conference with the claimant and the agency contact, at any time, for any purpose. The judge may provide the participants a memorandum reflecting the results of a conference.

(c) Additional submissions. The judge may require the submission of additional information at any time.