to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that a rate of pay fixed under this subsection may not exceed the annual maximum rate of basic pay for a position above GS–15 of the General Schedule under section 5108 of title 5, United States Code. (c) Experts and consultants The Executive Director may procure by contract the temporary or intermittent services of experts or consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that are not greater than the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay for a comparable position paid under the General Schedule. (d) Services The Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall provide administrative services, including financial and budgeting services, to the Commission on a reimbursable basis. The Federal Judicial Center shall provide necessary research services to the Commission on a reimbursable basis. 7. Information The Commission may request from any department, agency, or independent instrumentality of the United States any information and assistance the Commission determines necessary to carry out its functions under this Act. Each such department, agency, and independent instrumentality may provide such information and assistance to the extent permitted by law when requested by the chair of the Commission. 8. Study and report (a) Study Not later than 300 days after the first date on which a quorum of the Commission is present, the Commission shall conclude a study on the issues described in section 4(1). (b) Report Not later than 60 days after the date by which the Commission is required to conclude the study under subsection (a), the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress the report required under section 4(2). 9. Termination The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the Commission submits the report described in section 8(b). 10. Authorization of appropriations There