; and (B) has an existing relationship with a Center. 3. Pilot program (a) In general The Secretary of Commerce shall establish a pilot program to award National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) grants to help ensure an adequately trained manufacturing workforce. Under the program, eligible Centers may award MEP grants to eligible manufacturers to retain retiring employees for up to 90 days for the purpose of transferring job-specific skills and training to existing or new employees. The length of each grant shall be determined through negotiations between the Center and the eligible manufacturer. (b) Eligibility In order to be eligible to receive funding and award grants under the program, a Center must meet the following criteria: (1) A Center must be able to document evidence of an aging workforce within manufacturing firms that are seeking assistance with retaining skills and knowledge of their operations. (2) A Center shall establish a transparent application process for eligible manufacturing firms that may include one or more of the following preferences: (A) A preference for manufacturers that employ veterans discharged or released under honorable conditions. (B) A preference for manufacturing firms from industry sectors that are most in need of assistance as determined by the local MEP. (C) A preference for manufacturing firms with a facility in the State or region for an extended period of time before the application is submitted (as determined by the Center). (D) A preference for manufacturing firms that have an existing relationship with the local MEP. (3) A Center must be able to demonstrate their ability to assess, advise and train manufacturers on how to transfer the job-specific skills and training through the implementation of a training structure and train-the-trainer program focused on knowledge capture and transfer. (c) Training In awarding grants pursuant to this section, consideration shall be given to the use of funds by Centers to assist