; 112 Stat. 3597) (as amended by section 8(b)) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 508 the following: Sec. 509. Technical assistance liaisons. . 10. Flexible hiring and disaster authorities (a) In general Title V of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3191 et seq. ) (as amended by section 9(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: 510. Flexible hiring and disaster authorities (a) Appointment and compensation authorities (1) In general The Secretary may appoint and fix the compensation of such temporary personnel as may be necessary to carry out this Act and to implement post-disaster economic recovery responsibilities, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in competitive service and compensation of personnel. (2) Appointment to position within EDA Notwithstanding chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law relating to the examination, certification, and appointment of individuals in the competitive service, the Secretary may convert a temporary employee appointed under paragraph (1) to a permanent appointment in the competitive service in the Economic Development Administration under merit promotion procedures if— (A) the employee has served continuously in that appointment for not less than 2 years