[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 5, Volume 3] [Revised as of January 1, 2008] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 5CFR1210.17] [Page 94] TITLE 5--ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL CHAPTER II--MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD PART 1210_DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM-- Subpart B_Procedures for Appeals of Actions Taken Under 5 CFR Part 9701, Subpart F Sec. 1210.17 Settlement. (a) Settlement discussion. Neither an adjudicating official nor the Board may require settlement discussions in connection with any action appealed under this section. If either party decides that settlement is not desirable, the matter will proceed to adjudication. The parties are not prohibited from engaging in settlement discussions on their own. (b) Settlement judges. Where the parties agree to engage in settlement discussions, these discussions will be conducted by an official specifically designated by MSPB in each case for that sole purpose. That settlement discussions are being held by the settlement judge in no way alters the authority of the adjudicating official, who will continue to process all other aspects of the appeal.