Summary

The Social Security Administration did not violate 5 U.S.C. 3107 by hiring the Gallup Organization to survey the general public on its familiarity with the Social Security program and how that program is currently financed, and on its familiarity with various proposals to reform the program. For this purpose, Gallup is not a "publicity expert" within the meaning of section 3107. SSA's authority to survey the general public on its knowledge of the Social Security program and program financing derives from the agency's authority to administer that program.