Greetings:
At this late date, my advice is that you contact the district office of your member of Congress. You mentioned that you live in the Suburban MD area....Whether its Raskin, Trone or whoever, they have constituent service staff whose job it is to attempt to unjam the log jam at the passport office. If you choose this route, make sure to complete and return the signed authorization to use and disclose your personal information. The Privacy Act requires them to have this authorization in hand in order to inquire on your behalf.
Good luck!