to carry out the activities for which funds are requested under this section, including the availability of utility programs and public benefit funds. (f) Use of grant amounts (1) In general The recipient of a grant under this section shall use the grant amounts only to make the energy improvements contemplated in the application, subject to the other provisions of this subsection. (2) Operation and maintenance training The recipient may use up to 5 percent for operation and maintenance training for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements (such as maintenance staff and teacher training, education, and preventative maintenance training). (3) Audit The recipient may use funds for a third-party investigation and analysis for energy improvements (such as energy audits and existing building commissioning). (4) Continuing education The recipient may use up to 1 percent of the grant amounts to develop a continuing education curriculum relating to energy improvements. (g) Contracting requirements (1) Davis-bacon Any laborer or mechanic employed by any contractor or subcontractor in the performance of work on any energy improvements funded by a grant under this section shall be paid wages at rates not less than those prevailing on similar construction in the locality as determined by the Secretary of Labor under subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Davis-Bacon Act). (2) Competition Each applicant that receives funds shall ensure that, if the applicant carries out repair or renovation through a contract, any such contract process— (A) ensures the maximum number of qualified bidders, including small, minority, and women-owned businesses, through full and open competition