(a) The determination of an award may be made on the basis of the documents in the record, or the Administrative Law Judge, upon request of either the applicant or the General Counsel, or on his or her own initiative, may order further proceedings. Such further proceedings may include, but shall not be limited to, an informal conference, oral argument, additional written submissions, or an evidentiary hearing.

(b) A request that the Administrative Law Judge order further proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the disputed issues and the evidence sought to be adduced, and shall explain why the additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.

(c) An order of the Administrative Law Judge scheduling oral argument, additional written submissions, or an evidentiary hearing, shall specify the issues to be considered in such argument, submission, or hearing.

(d) Any evidentiary hearing held pursuant to this section shall be conducted not earlier than forty-five (45) days after the date on which the application is served. In all other respects, such hearing shall be conducted in accordance with §§ 2423.14, 2423.16, 2423.17, 2423.19 through 2423.21, 2423.23, and 2423.24, insofar as these sections are consistent with the provisions of this part.