powers of the comptroller general

powers of the comptroller general Sec. 203. (a) The Comptroller General or, on the authorization of the Comptroller General, any officer of the General Accounting Office, may, for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this title, hold such hearings, take such testimony, and sit and act at such times and places as he deems advisable. Any officer designated by the Comptroller General may administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses appearing before the Comptroller General or such designated officer. (b) Each department, agency, and instrumentality of the executive branch of the Government, including independent agencies, is authorized and directed to furnish to the Comptroller General, upon request made by him, such information as he deems necessary to carry out his functions under this title. (c) The Comptroller General is authorized— (1) to appoint and fix the compensation of such staff personnel as he deems necessary without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, and (2) to procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent as is authorized by section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed $100 a day for individuals. (d) The Comptroller General is authorized to enter into contracts with Federal or State agencies, private firms, institutions, and individuals for the conduct of research or surveys, the preparation of reports, and other activities necessary to the discharge of his duties under this title.