2 U.S.C. § 1816b: Architect of the Capitol, authority for personal services contracts with legal entities

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Architect of the Capitol is authorized to contract for personal services with any firm, partnership, corporation, association, or other legal entity in the same manner as he is authorized to contract for personal services with individuals under the provisions of section 6101 of title 41 . Notwithstanding section 3324(a) of title 31 , United States Code, or any other provision of law and subject to subsection (b), if the employees of a contractor with a service contract with the Architect of the Capitol are furloughed or otherwise unable to work during closures, stop work orders, or reductions in service arising from or related to the impacts of coronavirus, the Architect of the Capitol may continue to make the payments provided for under the contract for the weekly salaries and benefits of such employees until the termination of the public health emergency declared pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d ) resulting from the COVID–19 pandemic. The authority of the Architect of the Capitol to make payments under the authority of subsection (a) is subject to the availability of appropriations to make such payments. The Architect of the Capitol shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.”