Can a friend go to the passport agency and renew my passport for me?

My flight is in 1 week and my passport has expired. I have all of my completed docs/materials but I'm not able to go to the regional passport agency myself. Is it possible for my friend to go to the agency in my place if I sign an authorization form? Edit: I know third party expedited service agencies are allowed to renew on my behalf as long as I fill out an authorization form, but their fees are exorbitant. I'm just wondering if the same permissions could be applied to a third party individual (instead of agency). I wasn't able to find anything online that specifically answered that question

Which form are you using? DS-82 (i.e. you eligible to apply by mail) or DS-80 (which requires personal appearance)? Also, I suggest you call the appointment hotline (there are humans there), and ask.

@GeorgeY.: Renewing by mail with DS-82 would have basically zero chance of being completed in a week.

Even with expedited service at a passport agency, they quote 8 days processing time. You may need to bite the bullet and pay the fees to change your flight dates.

@Tom If you show up with airline tickets in hand, they can usually get it done much sooner, often even the same day, but they don't guarantee it.