; (2) uses objective and measurable indicators, including timelines, to assess the progress and results of such research; (3) ensures that research conducted under the direction of the Research Center meets the procedures for peer review established by the Director under section 114(f)(5) and the standards of research described in section 134; and (4) includes both basic research and applied research, which shall include research conducted through field-initiated research and ongoing research initiatives. ; (3) by inserting after subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following: (d) Grant cycle (1) In general The Research Commissioner shall, for research to be conducted through contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements under this section, conduct, to the greatest extent practicable, not less than 2 separate application periods in a given fiscal year. (2) Implementation The Secretary and the Director shall take steps to implement paragraph (1) not later than the beginning of the third fiscal year after the date of enactment of the Advancing Research in Education Act . (3) Technical assistance In carrying out the grant cycle described in this subsection, the Research Commissioner shall provide technical assistance to prospective applicants, with a focus on increasing the participation of researchers and institutions that have been historically underrepresented in Federal education research activities of the Institute, including historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and other minority-serving institutions. (e) Research-Practice partnerships (1) In general In carrying out activities under subsection (a), the Research Commissioner may award grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible entities to carry out research-practice partnerships that— (A) are responsive to the needs of students, families, practitioners, education system leaders, and policymakers