; (ix) ensure collaboration among Federal agencies participating in the activities of the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee; and (x) perform such additional duties as the Council may delegate. (3) Lead Federal agency (A) In general The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall function as the lead Federal agency for the implementation and administration of the System. (B) Consultation required In carrying out this paragraph, the Administrator shall consult with the Council, the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, other Federal agencies that maintain portions of the System, and the Regional Coastal Observing Systems. (C) Requirements In carrying out this paragraph, the Administrator shall— (i) establish and operate an Integrated Ocean Observing System Program Office within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration— (I) that utilizes, to the extent necessary, personnel from member agencies participating on the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee; and (II) oversees daily operations and coordination of the System; (ii) implement policies, protocols, and standards approved by the Council and delegated by the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee; (iii) promulgate program guidelines— (I) to certify and integrate regional associations into the System; and (II) to provide regional coastal and ocean observation data that meet the needs of user groups from the respective regions; (iv) have the authority to enter into and oversee contracts, leases, grants or cooperative agreements with non-Federal assets, including regional information coordination entities, to support the purposes of this chapter on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate; (v) implement and maintain a merit-based, competitive funding process to support non-Federal assets, including the development and maintenance of a network of Regional Coastal Observing Systems, and develop and implement a process for the periodic review and evaluation of the regional associations