(a) The defendant may request a hearing by filing an answer with the
reviewing official within 30 days of service of the complaint. An answer
shall be deemed to be a request for hearing.
(b) In the answer, the defendant--
(1) Shall admit or deny each of the allegations of liability made in
the complaint;
(2) Shall state any defense on which the defendant intends to rely;
(3) May state any reasons why the defendant contends that the
penalties and assessments should be less than the statutory maximum; and
(4) Shall state the name, address, and telephone number of the
person authorized by the defendant to act as defendant's representative,
if any.
(c) If the defendant is unable to file an answer meeting the
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section within the time provided,
the defendant may, before the expiration of 30 days from service of the
complaint, file with the reviewing official a general answer denying
liability and requesting a hearing, and a request for an extension of
time within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of
paragraph (b) of this section. The reviewing official shall file
promptly with the ALJ the complaint, the general answer denying
liability, and the request for an extension of time as provided in
Sec. 22.11. For good cause shown, the ALJ may grant the defendant up to
30 additional days within which to file an answer meeting the
requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
