; (B) be represented by an attorney or other representative of the covered individual’s choice; and (C) grieve the action in accordance with an internal grievance process that the Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, shall establish for purposes of this subsection. (3) A final decision by the Secretary under paragraph (1)(B) that is not grieved, and a grievance decision under paragraph (2)(C), shall be final and conclusive. (4) The procedures under chapter 43 of title 5 shall not apply to a removal, demotion, or suspension under this section, and the Secretary may carry out such a removal, demotion, or suspension without first placing a covered individual on a performance improvement plan. (c) Timing (A) The aggregate period for notice, response, and final decision by the Secretary of an action under this section may not exceed 15 business days. (B) The period for the response of a covered individual to a notice under subsection (b)(2)(A) shall be 7 business days. (C) The final decision by the Secretary under subsection (b)(1)(B) shall— (i) be issued not later than 15 business days after notice is provided under subsection (b)(2)(A)