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