; and (2) to target individuals with barriers to employment. (b) Local applications (1) In general To receive a grant under this Act, a local entity shall submit to the Secretary of Labor, a plan, at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, which shall include a demonstration of the local entity’s ability to meet the purposes described in section 2. (2) Priority In awarding grants under this Act to local entities, the Secretary of Labor shall give priority to local entities that will use the grant to— (A) serve areas that are facing acute challenges, including persistent racial unemployment gap, drug addiction epidemics, or high mortality rates, as determined by the Secretary of Labor; and (B) carry out programs that provide participating individuals with general equivalency diplomas, recognized postsecondary credentials, and paid apprenticeships. (c) Technical assistance The Secretary of Labor may reserve a portion of the funds appropriated under this Act to provide technical assistance to local entities that seek to apply for a grant under this Act. In providing such technical assistance, the Secretary shall give priority to local entities that the Secretary determines have the greatest need for such assistance. 7. Evaluation and expansion, and report (a) Evaluation and expansion Not later than 18 months after the date on which the first grant or allocation is awarded under this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Labor shall— (1) develop a strategy (which shall include annual, representative, and random surveys of employees and employers under the programs)— (A) to determine whether the programs under this Act are accomplishing the purposes described in section 2; and (B) to improve the programs to better accomplish such purposes