Within 20 days after service of a final decision by the Board, or within 20 days after the date on which an initial decision becomes final pursuant to Sec. 28.87(d), the petitioner, if he or she is the prevailing party, may submit a request for the award of reasonable attorney's fees and costs. GAO may file a response within 20 days after service of the request. Motions for attorney's fees shall be filed in accordance with Sec. 28.21 of these regulations. Rulings on attorney's fees and costs shall be consistent with the standards set forth at 5 U.S.C. 7701(g). The decision of the administrative judge concerning attorney's fees and costs shall be subject to review and shall become final according to the provisions of Sec. 28.87. [68 FR 69302, Dec. 12, 2003]