; and (ii) any existing facilities the consortium intends to provide for Hub activities. (B) Requirement If the consortium members will not be located at 1 centralized location, the application under subparagraph (A) shall include a communications plan that ensures close coordination and integration of Hub activities. (3) Selection (A) In general The Secretary shall select consortia for awards for the establishment and operation of Hubs through a competitive selection process. (B) Considerations In selecting consortia under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consider— (i) the information disclosed by the consortium under this subsection; (ii) any existing facilities a consortium will provide for Hub activities; and (iii) maintaining regional variety in locations of selected Hubs. (d) Term An award made to a Hub under this section shall be for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations, after which the award may be renewed, subject to a rigorous merit review. (e) Hub Operations (1) In general Each Hub shall conduct or provide for multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of innovative materials within the technology development focus designated under subsection (b)(3). (2) Activities Each Hub shall— (A) encourage collaboration and communication among the member qualifying entities of the consortium as described in subsection (c)(1) and awardees; (B) develop and publish proposed plans and programs on a publicly accessible website; (C) submit to the Department of Transportation an annual report summarizing the activities of the Hub, including information— (i) detailing organizational expenditures; and (ii) describing each project undertaken by the Hub