Research and development program

§ 504. Research and development program (a) The Postmaster General shall maintain in the Department a research and development program, including investigations and studies, for the purpose of introducing or improving equipment, sup-74 Stat. 581plies, methods, procedures, means, and devices used in the Department in order that its business may be more efficiently and economically operated. (b) The Postmaster General, pursuant to section 686 of title 31, or other applicable law, may utilize the research and testing facilities of the National Bureau of Standards and procure advice and assistance from any department or independent establishment in the executive branch of the Government.