(a) "Sending agency" means any department or agency of the federal government or a state or local government which sends any employee thereof to another government agency under the provisions of this chapter.

(b) "Receiving agency" means any department or agency of the federal government or a state or local government which receives an employee of another government under the provisions of this chapter.

(c) "Agency or department" of federal, state or local government means any agency, department, board, commission, committee or institution of higher learning thereof.