(a) Who may respond. The D/GC (or designee) or counsel for SBA may respond to the VOSB or SDVOSB appeal. The response should present arguments to the issues presented on appeal.

(b) Time limits. The notice and order will inform the parties of the filing of the appeal petition, establish the close of record as 15 days after service of the notice and order, and inform the parties that OHA must receive any responses to the appeal petition no later than the close of record.

(c) Service. The respondent must serve its response upon the appellant and upon each of the persons identified in the certificate of service attached to the appeal petition pursuant to § 134.1105.

(d) Reply to a response. No reply to a response will be permitted unless the Judge directs otherwise.