(a) If the respondent fails to request a hearing within the specified period, the Determining Official shall transmit the Complaint to the Judicial Officer for referral to a Presiding Officer, who shall issue an Initial Decision based upon the information contained in the Complaint.

(b) If the respondent files a Hearing Petition, the Determining Official, upon receiving a copy of the Petition, shall promptly transmit to the Presiding Officer a copy of the Postal Service's Complaint.