; and (2) should an awardee not meet the milestones described in subsection (a), the Secretary or their designee may end the partnership with an award recipient and use the remaining funds in the ended agreement for new or existing projects carried out under this section. (d) Project management In carrying out projects under this program and assessing the completion of their milestones in accordance with subsection (b), the Secretary shall consult with experts that represent diverse perspectives and professional experiences, including those from the private sector, to ensure a complete and thorough review. (e) Report In accordance with section 307(a), the Secretary shall report annually on any demonstration projects carried out using the authorities under this section. 305. Cost-share waiver extension (a) Section 988 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended in subsection (b)(4)(B) by striking this paragraph and inserting the Energizing Technology Transfer Act . (b) Section 108 of the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act is amended in subparagraph (b) by striking this Act everywhere it appears and replacing with the Energizing Technology Transfer Act . 306. Special hiring authority for scientific, engineering, and project management personnel (a) In general The Under Secretary for Science shall have the authority to— (1) make appointments of scientific, engineering, and professional personnel, without regard to civil service laws, to assist the Department in meeting specific project or research needs; (2) fix the basic pay of any employee appointed under this section at a rate to be determined by the Under Secretary at rates not in excess of the Executive Schedule (EX–II) without regard to the civil service laws