4.107—Pleadings.
(a) Complaint.
Within 30 days after receipt of notice of docketing of the appeal, the appellant shall file with the Board an original and one copy of a complaint setting forth simple, concise, and direct statements of each claim, alleging the basis with appropriate reference to contract provisions for each claim, and the dollar amount claimed. This pleading shall fulfill the generally recognized requirements of a complaint, although no particular form or formality is required. Letter size paper should be used for the complaint and for all other papers filed with the Board. Where the appeal arises out of a contract made with the Department of the Interior, a copy of the complaint shall be served by appellant upon the Department counsel if known, otherwise, upon the Solicitor, U.S. Department of the Interior, C Street, between 18th and 19th Streets, NW., Washington, DC 20240. Where the appeal arises out of a contract made with an agency other than the Department of the Interior, a copy of the complaint shall be served by appellant upon the General Counsel for that agency. All such service shall be made in accordance with § 4.117. Should the complaint not be received within 30 days, appellant's claim and appeal documents may, if in the opinion of the Board the issues before the Board are sufficiently defined, be deemed to set forth a complaint and the Department counsel will be so notified.
(b) Answer.
Within 30 days from receipt of said complaint, or the aforesaid notice from the Board, the Department counsel shall prepare and file with the Board an original and one copy of an answer thereto, setting forth simple, concise, and direct statements of the Government's defenses to each claim asserted by appellant. This pleading shall fulfill the generally recognized requirements of an answer, and shall set forth any affirmative defenses or counterclaims, as appropriate. One copy of the answer will be served by the Department counsel upon the appellant in accordance with § 4.117. Should the answer not be received within 30 days, the Board, may, in its discretion enter a general denial on behalf of the Government, and the appellant shall be so notified.