(a) Before a position may be allocated for inclusion in the CEA category, an appointing power shall submit to the Department a notice and report of the CEA proposal. For a period of 30 calendar days, the Department shall post the notice and report on the Department's website. The report shall set forth with specificity the reasons for the CEA proposal. The Department may require the report to contain any other information or documentation it deems relevant.

(b) If the appointing power seeks to substantially revise an existing CEA position, the proposal shall be posted as specified in subdivision (a).

(c) During the public notice period specified in subdivision (a), any interested party may submit to the Department an opposition to the appointing power's CEA proposal. Any interested party submitting an opposition shall also simultaneously submit a copy of the opposition to the appointing power. The Department may require that oppositions be on a form that is designated by the Department. If an opposition(s) is submitted, the Department will take appropriate steps to analyze the CEA proposal. CEA proposals that the Department recommends for Board approval shall be placed on the Board agenda.

(d) If no opposition is timely submitted to the Department, the CEA proposal shall become effective without Board action.