; and (B) may utilize such powers and authorities as are, in the judgment of the Special Inspector General, necessary to carry out the duties under this Act. (b) Audit standards The Special Inspector General shall carry out the duties specified in section 7(a) in accordance with section 404(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code. 9. Personnel, facilities, and other resources (a) Personnel (1) In general The Special Inspector General may select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the duties of the Special Inspector General under this section, subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (2) Additional authorities (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), the Inspector General may exercise the authorities under subsections (b) through (i) of section 3161 of title 5, United States Code, without regard to subsection (a) of such section. (B) Periods of appointments In exercising the employment authorities under subsection (b) of section 3161 of title 5, United States Code, as provided under subparagraph (A)— (i) paragraph (2) of such subsection (relating to periods of appointments) shall not apply; and (ii) no period of appointment may exceed the date on which the Office terminates pursuant section 13. (C) Acquisition of competitive status An employee shall acquire competitive status for appointment to any position in the competitive service for which the employee possesses the required qualifications if the employee— (i) completes at least 12 months of continuous service after the date of the enactment of this Act