; (2) in evaluating bids, to give at least equal weight to the criteria described in paragraph (1) as to past performance; and (3) to ensure community engagement, transparency, and accountability in carrying out each stage of the project. (c) Preference for registered apprenticeship programs To the maximum extent practicable, a recipient of assistance under a covered infrastructure program, with respect to the project for which the assistance is received, shall give preference to a bidder that demonstrates a commitment to high-quality job opportunities affiliated with registered apprenticeship programs (as defined in section 10451(a)(2)). (d) Preference for neutrality in union organizing Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the head of each relevant Federal agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall give preference in providing assistance under a covered infrastructure program to an entity that commits to giving preference in awarding contracts and subcontracts for projects carried out with that assistance to bidders that have an explicit neutrality policy on any issue involving the organization of employees for purposes of collective bargaining. (e) Use of U.S. Employment Plan Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in carrying out a project under a covered infrastructure program, each entity that receives Federal assistance shall use a U.S. Employment Plan for each contract of $5,000,000 or more for the purchase of manufactured goods or of services, based on an independent cost estimate. (f) Report Not less frequently than once each fiscal year, the heads of the relevant Federal agencies shall jointly submit to Congress a report describing the implementation of this section. (g) Intent of Congress (1) In general It is the intent of Congress— (A) to encourage recipients of Federal assistance under covered infrastructure programs to use a best-value contracting framework described in subsection (b)(1) for the purchase of goods and services