708.21—What are the employee's options if the complaint cannot be resolved informally?
(a)
If the attempt at informal resolution is not successful, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will notify you in writing that you have the following options:
(1)
Request that your complaint be referred to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing without an investigation; or
(2)
Request that your complaint be referred to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for an investigation followed by a hearing.
(b)
You must notify the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable), in writing, by the 20th day after receiving notice of your options, whether you request referral of your complaint to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a hearing without an investigation, or an investigation followed by a hearing.
(c)
If the Head of Field Element or EC Director does not receive your response to the notice of options by the 20th day after your receipt of that notice, DOE will consider your complaint withdrawn.
(d)
If you timely request referral to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Head of Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will forward your complaint to the OHA Director by the 5th day after receipt of your request.
(e)
The Head of the Field Element or EC Director (as applicable) will notify all parties that the complaint has been referred to the Office of Hearings and Appeals, and state whether you have requested a hearing without an investigation or requested an investigation followed by a hearing.