; (B) improve the understanding of the performance, processing, and adaptability in engineering designs using energy critical elements; (C) improve the understanding of energy critical element supply chains, risks from supply disruption, supply restriction, volatility in demand, and difficulty to substitute; (D) identify and test alternative materials that can be substituted for energy critical elements and maintain or exceed current performance; and (E) engineer and test applications that— (i) use recycled energy critical elements; (ii) use alternative materials; or (iii) seek to minimize energy critical element content. (3) Expanding participation In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall encourage multidisciplinary collaborations of participants, including opportunities for students and post-doctoral staff at institutions of higher education. (4) Consistency The program shall be consistent with the policies and programs in the National Materials and Minerals Policy, Research and Development Act of 1980 ( 30 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). (5) International collaboration In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall collaborate, to the extent practicable, on activities of mutual interest with the relevant agencies of foreign countries with interests relating to energy critical elements. (b) Plan (1) In general Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the appropriate Congressional committees a plan to carry out the program. (2) Specific requirements The plan required under paragraph (1) shall include a description of— (A) the research and development activities to be carried out by the program during the subsequent 2 years; (B) the expected contributions of the program to the creation of innovative methods and technologies for the efficient and sustainable provision of energy critical elements to the domestic economy