; (2) to direct and implement economic recovery and enhanced resilience support function activities as directed under the National Disaster Recovery Framework; and (3) support long-term economic recovery in communities in which a major disaster or emergency has been declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. ), or otherwise impacted by an event of national significance, as determined by the Secretary, through— (A) convening and deploying an economic development assessment team; (B) hosting or attending convenings related to identification of additional Federal, State, local, and philanthropic entities and resources; (C) exploring potential flexibilities related to existing awards; (D) provision of technical assistance through staff or contractual resources; and (E) other activities determined by the Secretary to be appropriate. (b) Appointment and compensation authorities (1) Appointment The Secretary is authorized to appoint such temporary personnel as may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service and compensation of personnel. (2) Conversion of employees 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 is authorized to convert a temporary employee appointed under this subsection to a permanent appointment in the competitive service in the Economic Development Administration under merit promotion procedures if— (A) the employee has served continuously for at least 2 years under 1 or more appointments under this subsection