(a) An area agency shall have a qualified full-time director and an adequate number of qualified staff. The area agency shall submit as part of the area plan a staffing plan that identifies the number and functions of staff assigned to carry out the area agency's responsibilities regardless of the source of funds for such staff.

(b) Subject to merit system requirements, the area agency shall give preference in hiring and other employment decisions to people 60 years of age or older.

(c) An area agency shall prepare, submit, and comply with an affirmative action plan as prescribed by the office, covering employment, service delivery, and contracting with minorityand women-owned business enterprises. Any area agency which is a public agency must have and implement an affirmative action program which complies with title 5 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 900, subpart E, standards for a merit system of personnel administration (section 900.608).