(a) Within 30 calendar days after receipt of an appeal by the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the appeals official shall issue a written decision, either affirming or denying the appeal. This decision shall be final, with no judicial review or further avenue of appeal.

(b) If the appeals official affirms the appeal, his decision regarding further action by the agency shall be binding upon the agency.

(c) If it proves impracticable to issue a decision within the prescribed 30 calendar days, the appeals official may extend this period, notifying all concerned parties of the anticipated decision date.