If counsel for the FDIC and the applicant believe that the issues in a fee application can be settled, they may jointly file with the Executive Secretary with a copy to the administrative law judge a statement of their intent to negotiate a settlement. The filing of this statement shall extend the time for filing an answer under Sec. 308.171 for an additional 30 days, and further extensions may be granted by the administrative law judge upon the joint request of counsel for the FDIC and the applicant. [56 FR 37975, Aug. 9, 1991, as amended at 64 FR 62102, Nov. 16, 1999]