; and (2) 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. (c) Cost sharing State and local agencies shall provide 50 percent of the funds awarded as part of a grant under the pilot program under this section. (d) Number and size of awards (1) Number The Secretary may award up to 20 grants to Centers under the pilot program. (2) Size Each award under the program shall be for not less than $500,000. (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology $20,000,000 to carry out the pilot program.