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. (2) Staff The staff of the Commission shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. (c) Donations The Commission may accept donations of supplies, money, and services to carry out its responsibilities. 7. Powers (a) Hearings and sessions The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be appropriate. (b) Powers of members and agents Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act. (c) Obtaining official data The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chair 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. 8. Reports (a) Interim reports The Commission may submit to Congress such interim reports as the Commission considers to be appropriate. (b) Final report The Commission shall submit a final report to Congress no later than December 1,