of the number of hires made into professional and administrative occupations of the Department at the GS–11 level and below (or equivalent) under competitive examining procedures during the previous fiscal year. (c) Regulations (1) The Secretary shall administer this section in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary for purposes of this section. (2) The regulations may establish a lower limit on the number of individuals appointable under subsection (a) during a fiscal year than is otherwise provided for under subsection (b), based on such factors as the Secretary considers appropriate. (3) To the extent practical, as determined by the Secretary, the Secretary shall publicly advertise positions available under this section. In carrying out the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall— (A) take into account merit system principles, mission requirements, costs, and organizational benefits of any advertising of positions