(a) General Authority. -

In carrying out this chapter, the Secretary of Transportation may -

(1)

appoint and fix the pay of employees without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointment in the competitive service and chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5; and

(2)

make contracts with persons for research and preparation of reports.

(b) Status of Advisory Committee Members. -

A member of an advisory committee appointed under section 325 of this title to carry out this chapter is a special United States Government employee under chapter 11 of title 18.