; (4) the consortium is part of an existing cluster or demonstrates high potential to develop a new cluster; and (5) the consortium operates as a nonprofit organization or as a public-private partnership under an operating agreement led by a nonprofit organization. (c) Disqualification The Secretary may disqualify an application from a consortium under this Act if the Secretary determines that the conflicts-of-interest policy of the consortium is inadequate. (d) External advisory committees (1) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under this Act, a consortium shall establish an external advisory committee, the members of which shall have extensive and relevant scientific, technical, industry, financial, or research management expertise. (2) Duties An external advisory committee shall— (A) review the proposed plans, programs, project selection criteria, and projects of the consortium; and (B) ensure that projects selected by the consortium meet the applicable conflicts-of-interest policy of the consortium. (3) Members An external advisory committee shall consist of— (A) representatives of the members of the consortium; and (B) such representatives of industry, including entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, as the members of the consortium determine to be necessary. (4) Secretary as member The Secretary shall join the external advisory committee of a consortium that receives a grant under this Act. 5. Grants (a) In general The Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis— (1) not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, to at least 1 consortium