; and (3) develop approaches to prioritize standardization for emerging technologies, identify organization in which to develop these standards, identify leadership positions of interest to the United States, and identify key contributors for technical and leadership expertise in these areas. 311. Review of the Center for Neutron Research Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller of the United States shall conduct an evaluation of NIST’s Center for Neutron Research, including the following: (1) An assessment of what progress NIST has made in planning for the future of the Center for Neutron Research’s nuclear reactor since the release of the 2018 National Academies report, and what steps NIST has taken to implement the Academies report. (2) An analysis of the extent to which NIST’s planning efforts align with leading practices. (3) An assessment of the extent to which NIST has worked with the Department of Energy to identify the scientific community’s long-term needs for neutron research facilities and discuss the coordination of future facilities, and how these agencies are factoring these needs into their decision-making process. (4) Recommendations for NIST and the Department of Energy on how best to continue to support civilian nuclear research reactors. 312. Hiring and management (a) Direct hire authority The Secretary, acting through the Director, may— (1) appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code (other than sections 3303, 3328, and 3330e of such chapter), qualified candidates to scientific, engineering, and professional positions for carrying out research and development functions which require the services of specially qualified personnel relating to cybersecurity and quantum information science and technology and such other areas of national research priorities as the Secretary, acting through the Director, may determine