§  1.956   Settlement conferences.

   Parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution procedures
   to settle disputes. See subpart E of this part. In any contested
   proceeding, the Commission, in its discretion, may direct the parties
   or their attorneys to appear before it for a conference.

   (a) The purposes of such conferences are:

   (1) To obtain admissions of fact or stipulations between the parties as
   to any or all of the matters in controversy;

   (2) To consider the necessity for or desirability of amendments to the
   pleadings, or of additional pleadings or evidentiary submissions;

   (3) To consider simplification or narrowing of the issues;

   (4) To encourage settlement of the matters in controversy by agreement
   between the parties; and

   (5) To consider other matters that may aid in the resolution of the
   contested proceeding.

   (b) Conferences are scheduled by the Commission at a time and place it
   may designate, to be conducted in person or by telephone conference
   call.

   (c) The failure of any party or attorney, following reasonable notice,
   to appear at a scheduled conference will be deemed a failure to
   prosecute, subjecting that party's application or petition to dismissal
   by the Commission.

   [ 63 FR 68935 , Dec. 14, 1998]