; (2) to develop metrics to evaluate the workforce development performed by the covered centers, including metrics on job quality, career pathways, wages and benefits, and efforts to support veterans, and progress in aligning workforce skillsets with the current and long-term needs of the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base; (3) to allow metrics to vary between covered centers and be updated and evaluated continuously in order to more accurately evaluate covered centers with different goals and missions; (4) to encourage covered centers to consider developing technologies that were previously funded by Federal Government investment for early-stage research and development and expand cross-government coordination and collaboration to achieve this goal; (5) to provide an opportunity for increased Department of Defense input and oversight from senior-level military and civilian personnel on future technology roadmaps produced by covered centers; (6) to reduce the barriers to collaboration between and among multiple covered centers; (7) to use contracting vehicles that can increase flexibility, reduce barriers for contracting with subject-matter experts and small and medium enterprises, enhance partnerships between covered centers, and reduce the time to award contracts at covered centers; and (8) to overcome barriers to the adoption of manufacturing processes and technologies developed by the covered centers by the defense and commercial industrial base, particularly small and medium enterprises, by engaging with public and private sector partnerships and appropriate government programs and activities, including the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. (b) Coordination with other activities The Secretary shall carry out this section in coordination with activities undertaken under— (1) the Manufacturing Technology Program established under section 2521 of title 10, United States Code; (2) the Manufacturing Engineering Education Program established under section 2196 of such title