the Library of Congress, the Department of Justice, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Department of State, and other agencies of the executive and legislative branches of the Federal Government. The co-chairs of the Commission shall make requests for such access in writing when necessary. (e) Volunteer services Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission is authorized to accept and utilize the services of volunteers serving without compensation. The Commission may reimburse such volunteers for local travel and office supplies, and for other travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code. A person providing volunteer services to the Commission shall be considered an employee of the Federal Government in performance of those services for the purposes of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to compensation for work-related injuries, chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, relating to tort claims, and chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, relating to conflicts of interest. (f) Obtaining official data The Commission may secure directly from any agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out this title. Upon the request of the co-chairs of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission. The Commission shall not have access to sensitive information regarding ongoing investigations. (g) 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. (h) Administrative reporting The Commission shall issue biannual status reports to Congress regarding the use of resources, salaries, and all expenditures of appropriated funds. (i) Contracts The Commission is authorized to enter into contracts with Federal and State agencies, private firms, institutions, and individuals for the conduct