(a) Application. The provisions of this article shall apply to all proceedings before OTA, including oral hearing appeals, and appeals where an oral hearing is not requested.

(b) Generally. Either OTA or a party to an appeal may request a conference. A conference may be requested at any time in the appeal process and may be requested regardless of whether an oral hearing has been requested. OTA will determine whether a conference is necessary, and the order, deadlines, and conditions of any conference. Unless otherwise directed by OTA, all conferences will be informal in nature and will not be recorded.

(c) Requests by a party to an appeal. Any party may request a conference. Any such request should be made in writing with a copy sent to the other party or parties to the appeal.

(d) Location of conference. Conferences generally may be held telephonically, by video conference, or in person at one of OTA's permanent hearing facilities. Conferences may be held by telephone or other electronic means if each participant in the conference has an opportunity to participate in and to understand the entire proceeding while it is taking place.

(e) Notice and scheduling. OTA will provide written notice to the parties of the time and location of a conference. OTA will consult with the parties regarding the scheduling of a conference other than a prehearing conference and will provide written notice to the parties of the time and location of the conference. Notice of the time and location for a prehearing conference will be included with the notice of oral hearing that is mailed to the parties pursuant to regulation 30402. Nothing in this subdivision precludes OTA from rescheduling the date and time of any conference, including a prehearing conference, for good cause.

(f) Matters to be covered. A conference may deal with one or more of the following matters:

(g) New evidence. Unless otherwise directed by OTA, if any party anticipates providing evidence not already provided to OTA for discussion at the conference, such evidence should be provided to OTA, with a copy to the other party or parties to the appeal, no later than three business days prior to the conference.