(a) If the former employee does not request a hearing in a timely manner, the Director shall make an initial decision on the basis of information compiled in the investigation, and any submissions made by the former employee.

(b) The proposed sanction or a lesser included sanction shall be imposed if the record indicates a violation of post-employment statutes or regulations by a preponderance of the evidence.

(c) The initial decision shall become final thirty days after issuance if there has been no appeal filed under § 0.735-48.