The Office of Personnel Management shall—

(1) establish and maintain (and assist in the establishment and maintenance of) research programs to study improved methods and technologies in Federal personnel management;

(2) evaluate the research programs established under paragraph (1) of this section;

(3) establish and maintain a program for the collection and public dissemination of information relating to personnel management research and for encouraging and facilitating the exchange of information among interested persons and entities; and

(4) carry out the preceding functions directly or through agreement or contract.