; or (ii) is employed on the date on which the Office terminates. (b) Employment of experts and consultants The Special Inspector General may obtain the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at daily rates not to exceed the equivalent rate prescribed for grade GS–15 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of such title. (c) Contracting authority To the extent and in such amounts as may be provided in advance by appropriations Acts, the Special Inspector General may— (1) enter into contracts and other arrangements for audits, studies, analyses, and other services with public agencies and with private persons; and (2) make such payments as may be necessary to carry out the duties of the Special Inspector General. (d) Resources The Secretary of State or the Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, shall provide the Special Inspector General with— (1) appropriate and adequate office space at appropriate locations of the Department of State or the Department of Defense, as appropriate, in Ukraine or in European partner countries; (2) such equipment, office supplies, and communications facilities and services as may be necessary for the operation of such offices