; and (II) submit to the Council such recommendations as the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee may have for improvements to the System Plan; (ix) ensure collaboration among Federal agencies participating in the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee; and (x) perform such additional duties as the Council may delegate. (3) Lead Federal agency (A) In general The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall function as the lead Federal agency for the implementation and administration of the System. (B) Consultation required In carrying out this paragraph, the Administrator shall consult with the Council, the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, other Federal agencies that maintain portions of the System, and the regional coastal observing systems. (C) Requirements In carrying out this paragraph, the Administrator shall— (i) establish and operate an Integrated Ocean Observing System Program Office within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that— (I) utilizes, to the extent necessary, personnel from Federal agencies participating in the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee; and (II) oversees daily operations and coordination of the System; (ii) implement policies, protocols, and standards approved by the Council and delegated by the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee; (iii) promulgate program guidelines— (I) to certify and integrate regional associations into the System; and (II) to provide regional coastal and ocean observation data that meet the needs of user groups from the respective regions; (iv) have the authority to enter into and oversee contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements with non-Federal assets, including regional coastal observing systems, to support the purposes of this subtitle on such terms as the Administrator deems appropriate