(a) The COLA Advisory Committees may--
(1) Advise and assist OPM in planning living-cost surveys;
(2) Provide or arrange for observers for data collection during living-cost surveys;
(3) Advise and assist OPM in the review of survey data;
(4) Advise OPM on its administration of the COLA program, including survey methodology; and
(5) Assist OPM in disseminating information to affected employees about the living-cost surveys and the COLA program.
(b) The committees also may advise OPM on special situations or conditions, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, as they relate to OPM's authority under Sec. 591.223(b) to conduct interim surveys or implement some other change in response to conditions caused by a natural disaster or similar emergency.