Reviewing official
Reviewing official means an officer or employee of USDA
(1) Who is designated by the Secretary to make the determination required under § 1.305 of this part;
(2) Who is serving in a position for which the rate of basic pay is not less than the minimum rate of basic pay for grade GS–16 under the General Schedule; and
(3) Who is—
(i) Not subject to supervision by, or required to report to, the investigating official; and
(ii) Not employed in the organizational unit of USDA in which the investigating official is employed.