; 42 U.S.C. 12571 et seq.) and E (relating to the National Civilian Community Corps; 42 U.S.C. 12611 et seq.) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990. (j) Regulations The Secretary of each military department shall issue such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section. (k) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section. 303. Pilot program on technical civilian professional credentials (a) Pilot program The Secretary of Defense shall carry out, through the Secretary of one of the military departments, a pilot program, for a period of not more than 2 years, to assess the feasibility and advisability of establishing partnerships with community colleges and vocational schools to create technical education programs through which members of the Armed Forces may earn professional credentials in areas of critical need in the Armed Forces. The pilot program shall be comprised of such partnerships with up to 3 community colleges and vocational schools. The educational programs created through the pilot program shall be open to participation by members of the Armed Forces (including recruits) and any other students at the selected community colleges and vocational schools. (b) Costs The military department selected under subsection (a) shall bear at least 50 percent of the costs of the pilot program authorized under such subsection, and the community colleges and vocational schools in the pilot program shall bear the remaining costs, including providing the staff and facilities for the pilot program. (c) Reports (1) Initial report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the pilot program under this section. The report shall include— (A) a comprehensive framework for the education and credentials to be provided under the pilot program