# 102-3.130 Policies for appointment, and compensation or reimbursement of advisory committee members.
In developing guidelines to implement the Act, this part, and other applicable laws and regulations at the agency level, agency heads should address the following issues:
(a) *Appointment and terms of advisory committee members.* Unless otherwise provided by statute, Presidential directive, or other establishment authority, advisory committee members serve at the pleasure of the appointing or inviting authority. Membership terms are at the sole discretion of the appointing or inviting authority. Agency heads are encouraged to set member term limits, where possible, so that agencies continually ensure the committee is fairly balanced throughout the life of the advisory committee.
(b) *Compensation of advisory committee members.* Agencies are not required to pay their advisory committee members, unless required to do so by statute or Presidential authority. In determining the rate of compensation an agency must give consideration to the significance, scope, and technical complexity of the matters with which the advisory committee is concerned, and the qualifications required for the work involved. The agency head may establish appropriate rates of pay not to exceed the rate for level III of the Executive Schedule under 5 U.S.C. 5314, unless a higher rate expressly is allowed by another statute. The agency may not provide additional compensation in any form. Federal employees may not receive any additional compensation or bonus pay for their service on an advisory committee, except recompense of travel expenses in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation in 41 CFR subtitle F.
(c) *Federal employees assigned to an advisory committee.* Federal employees serving as either an advisory committee member or as a staff person remain covered during the assignment by the compensation system of their employing agency.
(d) *Other appointment considerations.* Any advisory committee staff person who is not a current Federal employee must be appointed in accordance with applicable agency procedures.
(e) *Travel expenses.* Advisory committee members, while engaged in the performance of their duties away from their homes or regular places of business, may be allowed reimbursement for travel expenses, including per diem, per the rates established for employees by the Administrator at 5 U.S.C. 5702. In order to minimize travel expenses, agencies should hold virtual meetings or allow virtual attendance for committee members who would otherwise need to travel. Reimbursement of travel expenses should only be done when the Presidential directive, authorizing statute, or committee charter allows for it, funds are available, and expenditure of funds will not exceed budgeted amounts.
(f) *Services for advisory committee members with disabilities.* While performing advisory committee duties, an advisory committee member with disabilities may be provided the same services by a personal assistant as those that may be provided to employees per 5 U.S.C. 3102.