; and (2) fix the rate of basic pay of any individual appointed under paragraph (1), at a rate not in excess of the basic rate of pay of the Vice President under section 104 of title 3, United States Code, without regard to title 5, United States Code. (b) Limitation The Director may appoint not more than 10 individuals under subsection (a). (c) Sunset The authority under subsection (a) shall expire on the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (d) Other transaction authority Section 2(b)(4) of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act ( 15 U.S.C. 272(b)(4) ) is amended to read as follows: (4) to enter into and perform such contracts, including cooperative research and development arrangements and grants and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be necessary in the conduct of its work and on such terms as it may deem appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this Act; . 313. National Institute of Standards and Technology Foundation (a) In general The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Director, may establish or enter into an agreement with a nonprofit organization to establish a National Institute of Standards and Technology Foundation. The Foundation shall not be an agency or instrumentality of the United States Government. (b) Purpose The purpose of the Foundation shall be to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology in its mission. (c) Activities Activities of the Foundation may include the solicitation and acceptance of funds— (1) to support international metrology and standards engagement activities; (2) to conduct education and outreach activities