(a) Ordinarily, the determination of an award will be made on the
basis of the written record. However, on request of either the applicant
or agency counsel, or on his or her own initiative, the adjudicative
officer may order further proceedings, such as an informal conference,
oral argument, additional written submissions or an evidentiary hearing.
Such further proceedings shall be held only when necessary for full and
fair resolution of the issues arising from the application, and shall be
conducted as promptly as possible.
(b) A request that the adjudicative officer order further
proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the
information sought or the disputed issues and shall explain why the
additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.
