; (2) conduct an annual prize competition to accelerate the development of cost-effective technologies which will address the elements identified under paragraph (1) while improving and simplifying the procedures for voting and voter registration; and (3) define a measurable set of performance goals for participants in the prize competitions to demonstrate their solutions on a level playing field while making a significant advancement over the current state of the art. (b) Authority of Commission In carrying out subsection (a), the Commission may— (1) enter into a grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or other agreement with a private sector for-profit or nonprofit entity to administer the prize competitions; (2) consult with the National Science Foundation, other Federal agencies, and relevant persons in the field of election administration and security to provide advice and assistance in the design or administration of the prize competitions