; and (2) an employee of a private-sector organization who is assigned to a Department of Defense organization pursuant to such subsection. 221. Support for protection of sensitive research performed on behalf of the Department of Defense (a) In general The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, may enter into contracts or other agreements with one or more eligible entities to assist institutions of higher education in protecting sensitive research performed on behalf of the Department of Defense. (b) Activities An eligible entity that enters into a contract or other agreement with the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a) shall carry out activities to assist institutions of higher education in protecting sensitive research performed on behalf of the Department of Defense. Such activities may include— (1) conducting effective due diligence in vetting visiting scholars; (2) assisting institutions in meeting applicable research security requirements, including through the use of common procedures and practices and shared infrastructure, as appropriate; (3) providing training to employees and offices of the institution that have responsibilities relating to research security