; (2) has been separated from the former position described in paragraph (1) for less than 6 years; and (3) is qualified for the new position in the competitive service, as determined by the head of the Executive agency making the noncompetitive appointment. (c) Limitation on authority An individual may not be appointed to a position under subsection (b) more than once. (d) Designation of high-Performing employees The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall, in the regulations issued under subsection (b), set forth the criteria for certifying an individual as a high-performing employee in a former position, which shall be based on— (1) the final performance appraisal of the individual in that former position; and (2) a recommendation by the immediate or other supervisor of the individual in that former position. 345. Flexibility for temporary and term appointments (a) Temporary and term appointments Subchapter I of chapter 31 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 3117. Temporary and term appointments (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Director The term Director means the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. (2) Temporary appointment The term temporary appointment means an appointment in the competitive service for a period of not more than 1 year. (3) Term appointment The term term appointment means an appointment in the competitive service for a period of more than 1 year and not more than 5 years. (b) Appointment (1) In general The head of an Executive agency may make a temporary appointment or term appointment to a position in the competitive service when the need for the services of an employee in the position is not permanent. (2) Extension Under conditions prescribed by the Director, the head of an Executive agency may— (A) extend a temporary appointment made under paragraph (1) in increments of not more than 1 year each, up to a maximum of 3 total years of service