; and (3) why the responsibilities of the agency or advisory committee cannot be better performed by the private sector or another agency or advisory committee. (c) Research services The Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office, in coordination with the Congressional Research Service, shall provide primary research services to the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties under this Act. 5. Powers of Commission (a) Hearings The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this Act. (b) Information from agencies and advisory committees (1) In general The Commission may secure directly from an agency or advisory committee such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. (2) Furnishing information On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head the agency or the Chair of the advisory committee shall furnish the information to the Commission. (c) Postal services The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government. (d) Gifts The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. 6. Commission personnel matters (a) Compensation of members A member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. (b) Travel expenses A member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while