; and (ii) construction of new buildings or facilities shall not be considered as part of the non-Federal share of a Hub cost-sharing agreement. (B) Test bed and renovation exception Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the use of funds provided under this section or non-Federal cost share funds for the construction of a test bed or renovations to existing user facilities if the Secretary determines such facilities are necessary and applicable to conduct research within the focus areas identified for each center. 222. Versatile neutron source (a) In general The Secretary of Energy shall construct a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility. The Secretary shall consult with the private sector, universities, National Laboratories, and relevant Federal agencies to ensure that the versatile neutron source is capable of meeting Federal research needs for neutron irradiation services. (b) Facility capabilities (1) Capabilities The Secretary shall ensure that the facility described in subsection (a) will provide, at a minimum, the following capabilities: (A) Fast neutron spectrum irradiation capability. (B) Capacity for upgrades to accommodate new or expanded research needs. (2) Considerations In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider the following: (A) Capabilities that support experimental high-temperature testing. (B) Providing a source of fast neutrons at a neutron flux higher than that at which existing research facilities operate, sufficient to enable research for an optimal base of prospective users. (C) Maximizing irradiation flexibility and irradiation volume to accommodate as many concurrent users as possible. (D) Capabilities for irradiation with neutrons of a lower energy spectrum. (E) Multiple loops for fuels and materials testing of different coolants. (F) Capabilities that support irradiating and processing targets for isotope production. (G) Additional pre-irradiation and post-irradiation examination capabilities. (H) Lifetime operating