D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 8, r. 8-B1606
Within five (5) days of receipt of the Step 2 decision or the expiration of the required period for a decision to be made, the grievant may appeal the action to the appropriate Cabinet member (the official within the employee's chain of command or a Cabinet member designated by the President).
The Step 2 grievance appeal shall be in writing, shall contain the materials presented at Step 2 and enough details to clearly identify the basis for the appeal, and the relief sought by the employee. No new allegations may be added to the Step 3 grievance.
The appropriate Cabinet member shall review the grievance materials and advise the employee in writing of his or her decision within ten (10) days from receipt of the Step 2 appeal or advise the employee of the need for additional information. The parties may agree to extend timeframes to permit the gathering of such additional information.
If the appropriate Cabinet member does not grant the relief sought by the employee, or lacks authority to grant the relief sought, the appropriate Cabinet member shall advise the employee in writing, stating the basis for the decision and inform the employee of his or her right to appeal the grievance to the Step 4 level within five (5) days from the date of receipt of the Step 3 decision.
If the employee does not receive a written answer within ten (10) days following receipt of the Step 3 appeal (and the parties have not agreed upon an extension of time), or if the employee disagrees with the appropriate Cabinet member's decision, the employee shall have the right to appeal the grievance to Step 4.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 8, r. 8-B1606