; and (5) coordinate with other Federal agencies, research communities, and potential users of information produced under this section. 3. National Quantum Information Science Research Centers (a) Establishment (1) In general The Secretary of Energy, acting through the Director of the Office of Science (referred to in this section as the Director ) shall ensure that the Office of Science carries out a program, in consultation with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, to establish and operate at least 2, but not more than 5, research centers to be known as National Quantum Information Science Research Centers to conduct basic research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in quantum information science and technology and to support research conducted under the program established in section 2. (2) Requirements Such centers shall be established through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, and applicants shall submit to the Director an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director determines to be appropriate. The Director shall consider applications from National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, research centers, multi-institutional collaborations, and any other entity that the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (b) Collaborations A collaboration that receives assistance under this section may include multiple types of research institutions and private sector entities. (c) Requirements To the maximum extent practicable, the Centers developed, constructed, operated, or maintained under this section shall serve the needs of the Department of Energy, industry, the academic community, and other relevant entities to create and develop processes for the purpose of advancing basic research in quantum information science and improving the competitiveness of the United States. (d) Coordination The Secretary shall ensure the coordination, and avoid unnecessary duplication, of the activities of each National Quantum Information Science Research Center with