PUBLIC LAW 105-255—OCT. 14, 1998 112 STAT. 1893 to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of title 5, United States Code. (d) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—The Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals not to exceed the maximum annual rate of basic pay payable under section 5376 of title 5, United States Code. (e) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES. —Upon request of the Commission, the Director of the National Science Foundation or the head of any other Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. SEC. 7. POWERS OF COMMISSION. (a) HEARINGS AND SESSIONS. — The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. The Commission may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before it. (b) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS. — ^;\ny member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section. (c) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA. —The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission. (d) MAILS.—The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States. (e) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.— Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act. (f) CONTRACT AUTHORITY. —To the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts, the Commission may contract with and compensate Government and private agencies or persons for the purpose of conducting research or surveys necessary to enable the Commission to carry out its duties under'this Act. SEC. 8. REPORT. Not later than 1 year after the date on which the initial appointments under section 5(a) are completed, the Commission shall submit to the President, the Congress, and the highest executive official of each State, a written report containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the Commission resulting from the study conducted under section 4. 42 USC 1885a note. Deadline. 42 USC 1885a note.
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