; and (ii) make any appropriate updates to the strategy under such paragraph. (B) Information The evaluation conducted under subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) Any reduction in the time taken by the Secretary to fill mission-critical positions, including in rural or remote areas. (ii) A general assessment of the impact of the strategy implemented under paragraph (1) on hiring challenges, including in rural or remote areas. (iii) Other information the Secretary determines relevant. (g) Inspector general review Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security shall review the use of hiring and pay flexibilities under subsections (b) and (c) to determine whether the use of such flexibilities is helping the Secretary meet hiring and retention needs, including in rural and remote areas. (h) Report on polygraph requests The Secretary shall report to the appropriate congressional committees on the number of requests the Secretary receives from any other Federal agency for the file of an applicant for a position in U.S. Customs and Border Protection that includes the results of a polygraph examination. (i) Exercise of authority (1) Sole discretion The exercise of authority under subsection (b) shall be subject to the sole and exclusive discretion of the Secretary (or the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as applicable under paragraph (2) of this subsection), notwithstanding chapter 71 and any collective bargaining agreement. (2) Delegation The Secretary may delegate any authority under this section to the Commissioner. (j) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to exempt the Secretary or the Director from applicability of the merit system principles under section 2301. (k) Sunset The authorities under subsections (b) and (c) shall terminate on September 30, 2024. Any bonus to be paid pursuant to subsection (b) that is approved before such date may continue until such bonus has been