(a) Requests for additional time. The claimant, the Audit Division, 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, the Audit Division, and the agency at any time, for any purpose. The judge may provide the participants a memorandum reflecting the results of a conference.

(c) Submissions. The judge may require the submission of additional information at any time. The claimant, the Audit Division, or the agency may request an opportunity to make additional submissions; however, no such submission may be made unless authorized by the judge.