((a)) ** .—** The Commandant, in order to determine the effectiveness of Federal policies, programs, and activities related to the families of Coast Guard members, may survey—

((1)) any Coast Guard member;

((2)) any retired Coast Guard member;

((3)) the immediate family of any Coast Guard member or retired Coast Guard member; and

((4)) any survivor of a deceased Coast Guard member.

((b)) ** .—** Participation in any survey conducted under subsection (a) shall be voluntary.

((c)) ** .—** Each individual surveyed under subsection (a) shall be considered an employee of the United States for purposes of .