10 C.F.R. § 7.18

(a) The Commission appoints or invites individuals to serve on committees, unless otherwise provided for by a specific statute or Presidential directive. Advisory committee members serve at the pleasure of the Commission and their terms are at the sole discretion of the Commission.

(b) Except where otherwise provided by law, the Commission may accept the gratuitous services of an NRC advisory committee member, staff member, or consultant who agrees in advance to serve without compensation.

(c)(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (c)(2) of this section, if the Commission determines that compensation of a member of an NRC advisory committee is appropriate, the amount that will be paid shall be fixed by the Chairman of the Commission at a rate that is the daily equivalent of a rate in NRC's General Grade Salary Schedule, unless the member is appointed as a consultant and compensated at a rate applicable to NRC consultants.

(2) In determining an appropriate rate of pay for a member of an NRC advisory committee, the Chairman of the Commission shall 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; provided that the Chairman may not set the rate of pay for an NRC advisory committee member higher than the daily equivalent rate for level III of the Executive Schedule under 5 U.S.C. 5314, unless a higher rate is expressly allowed by another statute. The Commission may not provide additional compensation in any form, such as bonuses or premium pay.

(d)(1) 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.

(2) A staff member who is not otherwise a Federal employee shall be appointed in accordance with applicable agency procedures, following consultation with the advisory committee.

(e) 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 GSA Administrator at 5 U.S.C. 5702. In order to minimize travel expenses, virtual meetings should be held or virtual attendance should be provided 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) Nothing in this section shall affect a rate of pay or a limitation on a rate of pay that is specifically established by law or a rate of pay established under the NRC's General Salary Schedule and evaluation system.