(a) Upon a timely request from either party to the dispute or upon its own initiative, OPM may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, reopen and reconsider an initial decision issued under this part. An employee, the employee's representative, or agency may request reconsideration of an initial decision within 30 calendar days from issuance of the decision. The request for reconsideration must be filed as directed in the initial decision.

(b) Grounds for which OPM may grant a request for reconsideration are:

(1) The initial decision contains erroneous findings of material fact sufficient to warrant an outcome different from that of the initial decision;

(2) The initial decision is based on an erroneous interpretation of statute or regulation or the erroneous application of the law to the facts of the case. The party must explain how the error affected the outcome of the case;

(3) New and material evidence or legal argument is available that, despite the party's due diligence, was not available when the record closed. To constitute new evidence, the information contained in the documents, not just the documents themselves, must have been unavailable despite due diligence when the record closed; or

(4) OPM finds good cause to reconsider an appeal.

(c) In any case that is reopened or reviewed, OPM may:

(1) Issue a reopened and reconsidered decision (“R&R decision”) that affirms, reverses, modifies, vacates, or otherwise decides the case, in whole or in part;

(2) Require the parties to submit argument and evidence;

(3) Take any other action necessary for final disposition of the case; and

(4) Issue an order with a date for compliance with the R&R decision.

(d) There is no further right of administrative appeal from the R&R decision.