Section 86.408 - What are the procedures for conducting a pre-hearing conference?(a)(1) A pre-hearing conference may be convened by the ALJ if the ALJ thinks that such a conference would be useful, or if requested by-(i) The designated Department official; or(2) The purpose of a pre-hearing conference is to allow the parties to settle, narrow, or clarify the dispute.(b) A pre-hearing conference may consist of-(1) A conference telephone call;(2) An informal meeting; or(3) The submission and exchange of written material.55 FR 33581, Aug. 16, 1990, as amended at 61 FR 66225, Dec. 17, 1996 Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1145g