(a) Deadline and contents of answer. Within 30 days after service of the complaint or after the last publication of the notice, the contestee must file an answer in the BLM State Office where the contest is pending together with proof of service of the answer upon the contestant. The answer must contain the mailing or electronic address to which all notices or other documents must be sent for service upon the contestee.

(b) Contents of answer. The answer must specifically respond to each of the allegations in the complaint.

(c) Admissions and amendments. Any allegation not denied by the answer will be considered admitted at hearing, unless the ALJ permits the answer to be amended after due notice to the parties and an opportunity to object.

(d) Failure to answer. If an answer is not filed as required, the allegations of the complaint will be taken as admitted by the contestee and the BLM State Office will decide the case without a hearing.

(e) Referral. If an answer is filed, the BLM State Office will refer the matter to DCHD upon determining that the elements of a private contest have been established.