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 

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
3. Agency contacts to receive the grade waiver decision
4. LDS Program currently registered (if applicable)

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.