---
kind: "section"
citation: "45 C.F.R. § 1149.17"
title: "45"
number: "1149.17"
heading: "How do you respond to the complaint?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/45/1149.17"
---

# §1149.17. How do you respond to the complaint?

- (a) You may respond to the complaint by filing an answer with the reviewing official within 30 days of service of the complaint. A timely answer will be considered a request for an oral hearing.
- (b) **In the answer, you—**
  - (1) Must admit or deny each of the allegations of liability contained in the complaint (a failure to deny an allegation is considered an admission);
  - (2) Must state any defense on which you intend to rely;
  - (3) May state any reasons why you believe the penalties, assessments, or both should be less than the statutory maximum; and
  - (4) Must state the name, address, and telephone number of the person authorized by you to act as your representative, if any.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 5 U.S.C. App. 8G(a)(2); 20 U.S.C. 959; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812.

### Source

Source: 79 FR 67081, Nov. 12, 2014, unless otherwise noted.