5 U.S.C. § 4702

establish and maintain (and assist in the establishment and maintenance of) research programs to study improved methods and technologies in Federal personnel management;

evaluate the research programs established under paragraph (1) of this section;

establish and maintain a program for the collection and public dissemination of information relating to personnel management research and for encouraging and facilitating the exchange of information among interested persons and entities; and

carry out the preceding functions directly or through agreement or contract.