; (B) forecast building energy need; and (C) enable building-level energy control; (2) developing data management capabilities and standard communication protocols to further interoperability at the building and grid-level; (3) developing advanced building-level energy management of components through integration of smart technologies, control systems, and data processing, to enable energy efficiency and savings; (4) optimizing energy consumption at the building level to enable grid stability and resilience; (5) improving visualization of behind the meter equipment and technologies to provide better insight into the energy needs and energy forecasts of individual buildings; (6) reducing the cost of key components to accelerate the adoption of smart building technologies; (7) protecting against cybersecurity threats and addressing security vulnerabilities of building systems or equipment; and (8) other areas determined appropriate by the Secretary. (b) Considerations In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) work with utility partners, building owners, technology vendors, and building developers to test and validate technologies and encourage the commercial application of these technologies by building owners; and (2) consider the specific challenges of enabling greater interaction between components of— (A) small- and medium-sized buildings and the electric grid