The provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, referred to in subsec. (b), are classified generally to section 3301 et seq. of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, § 101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.