; and (2) may also support research and development on other elements of technology for voting, election administration, auditing, and other election-critical operations. (b) Requirements The National Science Foundation shall, to the extent practicable and in consultation with the Election Assistance Commission and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, ensure that technologies developed through assistance provided under this section— (1) conform to any applicable standards and guidelines for design and for data interoperability established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology; and (2) are made available for use by Federal, State, and local governments at no cost.