; (E) to promote and improve planning and coordination among rural areas to maximize the unique competitive advantage in those areas while avoiding duplicative Federal, State, and local investments; and (F) to ensure that all rural communities lacking resources receive proactive outreach, education, and technical assistance to improve access to Federal transportation programs. (4) Duties of Assistant Secretary The Assistant Secretary shall— (A) provide information and outreach to rural communities concerning the availability and eligibility requirements of participating in programs of the Department; (B) help rural communities identify competitive economic advantages and avoid duplicative transportation investments in order to ensure continued economic growth; (C) serve as a resource for assisting rural communities with respect to Federal transportation programs; (D) ensure and coordinate a routine rural consultation on the development of policies, programs, and activities of the Department; (E) serve as an advocate within the Department on behalf of rural communities; and (F) work in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Commerce, the Federal Communications Commission, and other Federal agencies, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, in carrying out the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary. (5) Contracts and agreements For the purpose of carrying out the mission and goals of the Office under paragraph (3) and the duties of the Assistant Secretary under paragraph (4), the Assistant Secretary may enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other agreements as necessary, including with research centers, institutions of higher education, States, units of local government, nonprofit organizations, or a combination of any of those entities— (A) to conduct research on transportation investments that promote rural economic development