; and (B) with respect to a youth apprenticeship or a pre-apprenticeship program, the agency that awarded the grant for the program. 132. Research (a) Research The Secretary may conduct, through an independent entity, evidence-based research on best practices in covered apprenticeship programs and other issues relating to such programs. (b) Techniques The research conducted under this section shall be evidence-based and shall utilize appropriate methodology and research designs. (c) Reports (1) Independent entity The independent entity carrying out the research shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a final report containing the results of the research, including policy recommendations. The final report shall be made publicly available. (2) Secretary Not later than 48 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall produce a final report containing the results of the research, including policy recommendations. (d) Reports to Congress Not later than 60 days after the completion of the final report described in subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall transmit the final reports to the committees described in section 131(a)(5). (e) Public access The Secretary shall develop a mechanism to make research conducted under this section publically available in a timely manner. D General provisions 141. Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this title such sums as may be necessary. II Apprenticeship modernization and expansion grants 201. Grants (a) Purposes The purposes of this section are— (1) to support and rigorously evaluate evidence-based and innovative strategies and activities; (2) to expand existing apprenticeship programs; (3) to develop new apprenticeship programs in industry sectors or occupations not traditionally represented in apprenticeship programs; (4) to support qualified intermediaries