; and (B) industry. (c) Application process (1) Eligibility To be eligible to receive an award for the establishment and operation of a center established under subsection (b)(1)(A), a consortium shall— (A) be composed of not fewer than two qualifying entities; (B) operate subject to a binding agreement, entered into by each member of the consortium, that documents— (i) the proposed partnership agreement, including the governance and management structure of the center; (ii) measures the consortium will undertake to enable cost-effective implementation of activities under the program described in subsection (b)(1); and (iii) a proposed budget, including financial contributions from non-Federal sources; and (C) operate as a nonprofit organization. (2) Selection The Secretary shall consider applications from qualifying entities, and select centers authorized under subsection (b)(1)(A) on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis. (3) Duration A center established under this section shall receive support for a period of not more than 5 years, subject to the availability of appropriations. (4) Renewal Upon the expiration of any period of support of a center under this section, the Director may renew support for the center, on a merit-reviewed basis, for a period of not more than 5 years. (5) Termination Consistent with the existing authorities of the Department, the Director may terminate an underperforming center for cause during the performance period. (d) Center operations (1) In general Each center shall conduct or provide for multidisciplinary, collaborative research, development, demonstration of advanced energy technologies within the technology development focus designated under subsection (b)(2). (2) Activities Each center shall— (A) encourage collaboration and communication among the member qualifying entities of the consortium and awardees; (B) develop and make publicly available proposed plans and programs