; and (B) in a manner consistent with the merit system principles set forth in section 2301 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Civil service protections Sections 1221 and 2302, and chapter 75 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the positions established pursuant to the authorities provided under paragraph (1). (3) Plan for execution of authorities Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that contains a plan for the use of the authorities provided under this subsection. (b) Annual report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section and annually thereafter for four years, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a detailed report (including appropriate metrics on actions occurring during the reporting period) that discusses the processes used by the Secretary in implementing this section and accepting applications, assessing candidates, ensuring adherence to veterans’ preference, and selecting applicants for vacancies to be filled by a qualified employee. (c) Definition of qualified employee In this section, the term qualified employee means an employee who performs functions relating to the security of Federal civilian information systems, critical infrastructure information systems, or networks of either of such systems. . (2) Clerical amendment The table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 230A (as added by subsection (a)(2) of this section) the following new item: Sec. 230B. Personnel authorities. . (c) Clarification regarding authorization of appropriations No additional amounts are authorized to be appropriated by reason of this section or the amendments made by