; and (2) ensuring that any mentorship-protégé program demonstrates overall success in— (A) higher than average survival rate for protégés; (B) continuous improvement in the financial strength and bonding capacity of protégés; (C) consistent success in meeting the objectives included in each protégé's individual business plan; (D) a high rate of successful transition out of the program; and (E) any other area determined by the Secretary. (c) Auditing (1) In general The Secretary shall periodically audit the mentor-protégé programs of recipients to ensure such programs are meeting the quality control standards set under subsection (b). (2) Use of information The findings of the audits under paragraph (1) shall inform any updates to the quality control standards that the Secretary issues under this section. (d) Compliance In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as are necessary to update parts 23 and 26 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to make clear that a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program or ACDBE program of a covered large recipient is not in compliance with this section unless such recipient’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program or ACDBE program has the required mentor-protégé program and such program complies with all requirements or regulations established by the concerned operating administration or Secretary, including any quality control standards established under subsection (b). (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028, of which— (1) $3,000,000 for each fiscal year shall be for the Secretary to carry out the quality control, auditing, and compliance activities required under this section