; (7) advise each Assistant Secretary of the Department concerning matters of Indian health with respect to which that Assistant Secretary has authority and responsibility; (8) advise the heads of other agencies and programs of the Department concerning matters of Indian health with respect to which those heads have authority and responsibility; (9) coordinate the activities of the Department concerning matters of Indian health; and (10) perform such other functions as the Secretary may designate. (d) Authority (1) In general The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall have the authority— (A) except to the extent provided for in paragraph (2), to appoint and compensate employees for the Service in accordance with title 5, United States Code; (B) to enter into contracts for the procurement of goods and services to carry out the functions of the Service; and (C) to manage, expend, and obligate all funds appropriated for the Service. (2) Personnel actions Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the provisions of section 12 of the Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 986; 25 U.S.C. 472 ), shall apply to all personnel actions taken with respect to new positions created within the Service as a result of its establishment under subsection (a). . 172. Office of Direct Service Tribes Title VI of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act ( 25 U.S.C. 1661 et seq.) (as amended by section 101(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: 603. Office of Direct Service Tribes (a) Establishment There is established within the Service an office, to be known as the Office of Direct Service Tribes . (b) Treatment The Office of Direct Service Tribes shall be located in the Office of the Director. (c) Duties The Office of Direct Service Tribes shall be responsible for— (1) providing Service-wide leadership, guidance and support for direct service tribes to include strategic planning and program evaluation; (2) ensuring maximum flexibility to tribal health and related support systems for Indian beneficiaries