; (6) enter into agreements with other Federal agencies; (7) employ experts and consultants or organizations thereof as authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, to compensate individuals so employed at rates not in excess of the per diem rate authorized for GS–15 of the General Schedule, including travel time, and allow them travel expenses (including per diem in lieu of subsistence) while away from their homes or regular places of business, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for persons in the Government service employed intermittently, while so employed; contracts for such employment may be renewed annually; (8) sue and be sued in any court of record of a State having general jurisdiction or in any United States district court, and jurisdiction is conferred upon such district court to determine such controversies without regard to the amount in controversy; but no attachment, garnishment, or other similar process, mesne or final, shall be issued against the Administration or its property; nothing in this Act shall be construed to except the activities under this Act from application of sections 507(b), 517, and 2679 of title 28, United States Code