; and (B) the need to ensure results that have broad applicability. (4) Consultation In developing a plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the maritime industry, labor organizations, including the Commander of the Transportation Command and the Commander of the Military Sealift Command, and other governmental entities and persons with an interest in the maritime industry. (5) Transmittal to Congress The Secretary shall transmit copies of a plan published under paragraph (1) to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate. (b) Demonstration and research projects (1) In general The Secretary may award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, a maritime training institutions designated under section 51607(e) or a consortium such institutions, to carry out demonstration and research projects that implement the priorities identified in the plan prepared under subsection (a)(1), for the purpose of recruiting, training, or retaining United States merchant mariners. (2) Competitive awards Grants shall be awarded. and contracts and cooperative agreements shall be entered into, under this subsection on a competitive basis under guidelines and requirements to be established by the Secretary. (3) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant or enter into a contract or cooperative agreement under this section for a project under this subsection, a maritime training institution shall submit to the Secretary a proposal that includes, at a minimum— (A) a description of the project; and (B) a method for evaluating the effectiveness of the project. (4) Eligible projects Projects eligible for grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under this subsection— (A) shall carry out the demonstration and research priorities included in the plan published under subsection (a)(1)