GS-14 Federal employees (and equivalents) who have executive-level duties must request a grade waiver to participate in the Leadership for a Democratic Society (LDS) program.

To request a grade waiver for LDS, submit the following to register@opm.gov 

Subject: LDS Waiver Request
Attachments:
1. Current resume
2. Memo/letter from the participant’s supervisor that clearly states how the participant qualifies for the course and why the grade requirement should be waived
Body:
1. Agency contacts to receive the grade waiver decision. Include:

• Applicant's e-mail address
• Supervisor's e-mail address
• Endorser's e-mail address
• Additional e-mail addresses for POCs

2. LDS Program currently registered (if applicable; or state registration pending waiver decision)

What to include in the memo/letter

The memo/letter should be addressed to Marilyn Bugenhagen, Ph.D., Faculty Chair - Leadership for a Democratic Society and address:

• Requests for waiver should be submitted 2 calendar weeks prior to the registration deadline for the desired LDS Program
• Length of time the employee has been in the GS-14 position. Typically, we like to see that they have met the time-in-grade requirement that is standard for movement to the GS-15 position and are on track for promotion to the GS-15 grade level.
• What is the individual’s leadership role and responsibilities within the agency; i.e., what are their executive leadership responsibilities?
• Describe the individual’s current leadership track.
• Other leadership development course(s) the individual has attended
• What makes LDS the next step in the individual’s leadership development

There is no specific formatting guidance associated with the memo/letter.