; and (E) policy recommendations— (i) to achieve the estimated potential identified by the assessment under paragraph (1)(A); (ii) to promote the development of competitive markets for distributed energy resources assessed under paragraph (1)(B)(vi)(II); and (iii) to address the barriers described in paragraph (1)(B)(ix). (3) Reducing duplication of effort In conducting the assessment under paragraph (1), the Commission and the Secretary shall use, to the maximum extent practicable, data and studies in existence as of the date of the assessment in an effort to reduce the potential for duplication of effort. (d) Technical assistance The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to energy distribution utilities, State energy regulators, State energy offices, third-party energy service providers, wholesale market operators, and other interested parties relating to— (1) use of the data and modeling tools provided under this section; and (2) the general planning and market analysis required for cost-effective deployment of distributed energy resources and grid flexibility assets. (e) Voluntary National action plan on distributed energy resources (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of submission of the initial report required under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary, in consultation with the Commission, shall develop a voluntary national action plan to unlock the potential of distributed energy resources to provide electric grid services, which shall be based on the assessments required under subsection (c)(1). (2) Requirements In developing the voluntary national action plan under this subsection, to the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall— (A) use relevant information contained in the National Action Plan on Demand Response prepared by the Commission, Docket No. AD09–10, dated June 17, 2010