(a) If a respondent elects to make an informal response to a notice of probable violation, respondent shall submit to the Chief Counsel such written explanations, information or other materials as respondent may desire in answer to the charges or in mitigation of the proposed penalty.

(b) The respondent may include in his or her informal written response a request for a conference. Upon receipt of such a request, the Chief Counsel arranges for a conference as soon as practicable at a time and place of mutual convenience.

(c) Written explanations, information or materials, submitted by the respondent and relevant information presented during any conference held under this section are considered by the Chief Counsel in reviewing the notice of proposed violation and determining the fact of violation and the amount of any penalty to be assessed.

(d) After consideration of an informal response, including any relevant information presented at a conference, the Chief Counsel may dismiss the notice of probable violation in whole or in part. If he or she does not dismiss it in whole, he or she may issue an order assessing a civil penalty.