(a) Generally. When authorized by the ALJ, a party may conduct discovery by serving a written request on any other party to admit the truth of any relevant factual matters or the authenticity of any specified documents. Unless the parties agree or the ALJ orders otherwise, a party may not serve more than 20 written requests for admission. For purposes of this 20-request limitation, each discrete subpart of a request counts as a separate request.

(b) Content of request. Each matter for which an admission is requested must be set forth separately. A request to admit the authenticity of a document must be accompanied by a copy of the document unless it has been otherwise furnished or made available for inspection and copying.

(c) Answers and objections. The party to whom the request is directed must answer or object to each matter within 28 days of being served, unless a longer or shorter time period is agreed to by the parties or ordered by the ALJ. Answers and objections must be signed in accordance with § 4.112(e). Answers must be signed by the person providing the answers, and objections must be signed by the party's representative or the party, if unrepresented. A responding party must specifically answer or object to each matter as follows:

(1) Admit the matter, in whole or in part;

(2) Deny the matter, in whole or in part;

(3) State in detail why the responding party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter, and if the denial is based on a lack of knowledge or information, demonstrate that the party has made a reasonable inquiry and that the information known, or readily obtainable, is insufficient to admit or deny; or

(4) State the grounds for any objections with specificity.

(d) Effect of not answering. A matter is deemed admitted unless a written answer or objection is served on the requesting party within 28 days of service of the request, except that a longer time period may be agreed to by the parties or ordered by the ALJ.

(e) Withdrawal. A matter admitted under this section is conclusively established unless the ALJ permits, on motion, the admission to be withdrawn or amended or determines that the admission is contrary to law.

(f) Effect of admission. An admission under this section cannot be used against the party in any other proceeding.