; (B) obtain services as authorized under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, at rates not to exceed the rate prescribed for grade GS–15 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code; and (C) enter into contracts and other arrangements for studies, analysis, and other services with public agencies and with private persons, organizations, or institutions, and make such payments as determined necessary to carry out the provisions of this title without legal consideration, without performance bonds, and without regard to section 6101 of title 41, United States Code. (b) Associate Directors (1) In general The President may appoint not more than 5 Associate Directors, to be known as Associate Manufacturing Officers, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to carry out such functions as may be prescribed by the Chief Manufacturing Officer. (2) Compensation Each Associate Manufacturing Officer shall be compensated at a rate not to exceed that provided for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 title 5, United States Code. 203. Policy planning, analysis, and advice (a) In general In carrying out the provisions of this Act, the Chief Manufacturing Officer shall— (1) monitor the status of technological developments, critical production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, emerging defense needs, and other key indicators of manufacturing competitiveness to— (A) provide foresight for periodic updates to the national strategic plan required under section 204; and (B) guide investment decisions; (2) convene interagency and public-private working groups to align Federal policies that drive implementation of the national strategic plan required under section 204