Each respondent shall file a written response within 21 days after receipt of the written claim. However, if a party has timely filed a challenge to the arbitrability of the dispute, its response shall be due 21 days after receipt of the written decision confirming the arbitrability of the dispute.

The written answer must admit the claim or describe the respondent’s basis for denying liability to the claimant(s). The answer may include an admission or denial of each specific allegation contained in the claim and/or the respondent’s narrative description of the facts and circumstances involved in the dispute. A respondent may assert in an answer any defense that would be available in a court of law or equity, including any affirmative defense. (11/29/07)