(a) If the claimant indicates in the proposed parameters and guidelines or comments that a reasonable reimbursement methodology, as defined in Government Code section 17518.5, should be considered for inclusion in the parameters and guidelines, or if the Department of Finance, Office of the State Controller, any affected state agency, or eligible claimant proposes consideration of a reasonable reimbursement methodology, Commission staff may schedule an informal conference in accordance with section 1187.4 of these regulations to discuss the methodology and plan for proposing a reasonable reimbursement methodology.

(b) A proposed reasonable reimbursement methodology, as described in Government Code section 17518.5, shall include any documentation or assumption relied upon to develop the proposed methodology.

(c) Commission staff shall notify all recipients that they shall have the opportunity to file written comments concerning the proposed reasonable reimbursement methodology within 15 days of service.

(d) Proposed reasonable reimbursement methodologies and comments regarding those proposals shall be certified, filed, and served in accordance with section 1181.3 of these regulations. If representations of fact are made, they shall be supported by documentary or testimonial evidence in accordance with section 1187.5 of these regulations.

(e) Within 15 days of service of the written comments prepared by other parties and interested parties, the party that proposed the reasonable reimbursement methodology may file a written rebuttal with the Commission, and shall certify, file, and serve the rebuttal in accordance with section 1181.3 of these regulations. If representations of fact are made, they shall be supported by documentary or testimonial evidence in accordance with section 1187.5 of these regulations.