(a) Motions. Requests for rulings or actions to be taken by the hearing officer should be made, wherever appropriate, in the form of a motion. All motions from the commencement of the action until the issuance of a decision shall be addressed to the hearing officer, and shall be served upon all parties to the proceeding.

(b) Content. All written motions shall state the particular order, ruling, or action desired and the grounds for granting the motion. The parties may submit a proposed order with any motion.

(c) Responses to motions. Within 10 days after receipt of any written motion, or within any other period as may be designated by the hearing officer, the opposing party shall respond to the motion and set forth any objections to the motion. Failure to file a timely response to the motion may constitute a party's consent to the granting of the motion. The moving party shall have no right to reply, except as permitted by the hearing officer.

(d) Motions for extensions of time. Either party may file a motion for extension. At the discretion of the hearing officer, a motion for an extension of time may be granted for good cause at any time, notwithstanding an objection or any reply to the motion consistent with the provisions of §26.2(c)(5) and (7). The hearing officer may waive the requirements of this section as to motions for extensions of time.

(e) Oral argument. The hearing officer may order oral argument on any motion.

(f) Motions for summary judgment.

(1) A party claiming relief or a party against whom relief is sought may timely move, with or without supporting affidavits, for summary judgment on all or part of the claim.

(2) Objections in the consideration of summary judgment motions or answers thereto based upon a failure to strictly comply with the provisions of Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure may, at the discretion of the hearing officer, be overruled.

(g) Motions for dismissal. When a motion to dismiss the proceeding is granted, the hearing officer shall issue a determination and order in accordance with the provisions of §26.25.