D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 27-205
Within thirty (30) days from receipt of the complaint, the contracting agency shall file an answer with the Board. If filed on paper, the contracting agency shall file an original and two (2) copies of the answer and attachments.
The contracting agency shall serve a copy of the answer on the appellant, or its attorney and, unless served electronically, provide proof of service to the Board.
The answer shall set forth simple, concise and direct statements of the contracting agency's defenses to each claim asserted by the appellant, and shall include any affirmative defenses or counterclaims available.
In lieu of answering, the contracting agency may file a dispositive motion. If the motion is filed and denied by the Board, in whole or in part, the answer shall be filed no later than thirty (30) days after the contracting agency receives the Board's ruling on the motion.
If no answer or motion is received from the contracting agency within thirty (30) days from receipt of the complaint, the Board may, in its discretion, enter a general denial to the appeal, and the appellant shall be so notified, or the Board may consider the failure to answer as an admission of the claims of the appellant.
D.C. Mun. Regs. r. 27-205