Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 108 Part 1.djvu/257

 PUBLIC LAW 103-227—MAR. 31, 1994 108 STAT. 231 (v) review of the contributions of primary researchers (other than researchers at the proposed center) to evaluate the appropriateness of such primary researcher's experiences and expertise in the context of the proposed center activities, and the adequacy of such primary researcher's time commitment to achievement of the mission of the center; and (vi) the manner in which the results of education research will be disseminated for further use, including how the center will work with the Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination. (4) BOARD REVIEW OF CERTAIN PROPOSED GRANT AND CON- TRACT ACTIONS.— The Assistant Secretary may not solicit any contract bid or issue a request for proposals or applications for any grant or cooperative agreement the amount of which exceeds $500,000 in any single fiscal year or which exceeds an aggregate amount of $1,000,000 for more than one fiscal year unless the Board has had an opportunity to review such proposed grant, contract, or cooperative agreement and to provide written comments to the Assistant Secretary with respect to whether— (A) the purposes and scope of the proposed action are consistent with the Research Priorities Plan; and (B) the methodology and approach of the proposed action are sound and adequate to achieve the objectives of such grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. (5) HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED RESEARCHERS AND INSTITUTIONS.— The Assistant Secretary shall establish and maintain initiatives and programs to increase the participation in the activities of each Institute of groups of researchers and institutions that have been historically underutilized in Federal educational research activities, including— (A) researchers who are women, African-American, Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Native, or other ethnic minorities; (B) promising young or new researchers in the field, such as postdoctoral students and recently appointed assistant or associate professors; (C) Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribally Controlled Community Colleges, and other institutions of higher education with large numbers of minority students; (D) institutions of higher education located in rural areas; and (E) institutions and researchers located in States and regions of the United States which have historically received the least Federal support for educational research and development. (6) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITIES. —The Assistant Secretary— (A) may obtain (in accordance with section 3109 of title 5 but without regard to the limitation in such section on the period of service) the services of experts or consultants with scientific or professional qualifications in the disciplines relevant to the purposes of such Institute; (B) may use, with their consent, the services, equipment, personnel, information, and facilities of other Fed- Women. Minorities. Native Americans. 79-194 O—95 —9:QL 3 Part 1

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