On and after October 28, 2000, funds appropriated to the Department of Agriculture may be used to employ individuals by contract for services outside the United States as determined by the agencies to be necessary or appropriate for carrying out programs and activities abroad; and such contracts are authorized to be negotiated, the terms of the contract to be prescribed, and the work to be performed, where necessary, without regard to such statutory provisions as relate to the negotiation, making and performance of contracts and performance of work in the United States. Individuals employed by contract to perform such services outside the United States shall not by virtue of such employment be considered to be employees of the United States Government for purposes of any law administered by the Office of Personnel Management. Such individuals may be considered employees within the meaning of the Federal Employee Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C. 8101 et seq. Further, that 1

Government service credit shall be accrued for the time employed under a Personal Service Agreement (PSA) should the individual later be hired into a permanent United States Government position within FAS or another United States Government agency if the authorities of the hiring agency so permit.