(1) The office of administrative hearings shall issue the notice of hearing to the appellant, the agency, and other bidders.

(2) Bidders may intervene as a party to the appeal if they file a petition for intervention with the office of administrative hearings and all parties within ten business days after the issuance of the notice of hearing. The administrative law judge may limit intervention under RCW 34.05.443.

(3) The administrative law judge may schedule a prehearing conference.

(4) Hearings shall be scheduled for the earliest possible date available for the administrative law judge that does not result in prejudice to the parties.

(5) The hearing shall be recorded electronically at the discretion of the administrative law judge unless specified otherwise in law or rule.

(6) No transcript is required unless specified otherwise in law or rule.

(7) In any appeal under this chapter, the administrative law judge shall apply the model rules of procedure set forth in chapter 10-08 WAC, irrespective of the provisions of WAC 10-08-001(4) or other agency procedural rules.