(d) May employ personnel, including specialists, consultants and hearing officers, purchase materials and supplies, and enter into contracts necessary to carry out the purposes set forth in ORS 448.305, 454.010 to 454.040, 454.205 to 454.255, 454.505 to 454.535, 454.605 to 454.755 and ORS chapters 468, 468A and 468B.