((a)) ** In general** In order to carry out the provisions of this chapter, the Foundation may—

((1))

((A)) appoint such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service; and

((B)) fix the compensation of the personnel appointed under subparagraph (A) at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate for employees in grade GS–15 of the General Schedule under , except that up to 4 employees (in addition to the Executive Director under ) may be paid at a rate determined by the Board in accordance with .

((2)) procure or fund the Center to procure temporary and intermittent services of experts and consultants as are necessary to the extent authorized by , but at rates not to exceed the rate specified at the time of such service for level IV of the Executive Schedule under ;

((3)) prescribe such regulations as the Foundation considers necessary governing the manner in which its functions shall be carried out;

((4)) accept, hold, solicit, administer, and utilize donations, grants, and gifts, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Foundation;

((5)) accept and utilize the services of voluntary and noncompensated personnel and reimburse such personnel for travel expenses, including per diem, as authorized by ;

((6)) enter into contracts, grants, or other arrangements or modifications thereof, to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and such contracts or modifications thereof may, with the concurrence of two-thirds of the members of the Board of Trustees, be entered into without performance or other bonds, and without regard to ;

((7)) to  rent office space in the District of Columbia and Tucson, Arizona, or their environs; and

((8)) make other necessary expenditures.

((b)) ** The Institute** The authorities set forth above shall apply to the National Center established pursuant to and to the activities of the Foundation under .section 5607a of this titlesection 5604(7) of this title