; and (B) to make grants to eligible entities so that the eligible entities may contract to obtain technical assistance to identify, evaluate, plan, and design distributed energy systems. (2) Technical assistance The technical assistance described in paragraph (1) shall include assistance with one or more of the following activities relating to distributed energy systems: (A) Identification of opportunities to use distributed energy systems. (B) Assessment of technical and economic characteristics. (C) Utility interconnection. (D) Permitting and siting issues. (E) Business planning and financial analysis. (F) Engineering design. (3) Information dissemination The information disseminated under paragraph (1)(A) shall include— (A) information relating to the topics described in paragraph (2), including case studies of successful examples; (B) computer software and databases for assessment, design, and operation and maintenance of distributed energy systems; and (C) public databases that track the operation and deployment of existing and planned distributed energy systems. (b) Eligibility Any nonprofit or for-profit entity shall be eligible to receive technical assistance and grants under the program. (c) Applications (1) In general An eligible entity desiring technical assistance or grants under the program shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Application process The Secretary shall seek applications for technical assistance and grants under the program— (A) on a competitive basis; and (B) on a periodic basis, but not less frequently than once every 12 months. (3) Priorities In selecting eligible entities for technical assistance and grants under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities with projects that have the greatest potential for— (A) facilitating the use of renewable energy resources