in direct care occupations, which can contribute to reduced care quality. (9) The Institute of Medicine found that to ensure that the United States is prepared to meet the health care needs of older Americans during the 21st century, it is essential that the capacity of the direct care workforce be enhanced in both size and ability to meet their health care and quality of life needs. 3. Grants for recruitment, retention, and advancement of direct care workers (a) Authority To award grants Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall award grants to not more than 15 eligible entities to conduct projects for purposes of recruiting, retaining, or providing advancement opportunities to direct care workers. (b) Duration (1) Grant period A grant under this section shall be for not less than 5 years. (2) Length of project A project assisted with a grant awarded under this section shall be conducted for not less than 3 years. (c) Project plans (1) In general To receive a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a project plan at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may determine, which shall contain the information described in paragraph (2). (2) Contents Each project plan submitted by an eligible entity under paragraph (1) shall include a description of the following: (A) Current or projected workforce vacancies and supply of direct care workers in the State or region to be served by the eligible entity, and the geographic scope of the workforce to be served. (B) Specific efforts and strategies that the project will undertake to reduce barriers to recruitment, retention, and advancement of direct care workers, including whether such efforts will include— (i) assessment of the wages or other compensation or benefits necessary to recruit and retain direct care workers, conducted in consultation with individuals employed as direct care workers, representatives