; and (B) the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences to examine the evidence bases of research that may address the challenges identified in subparagraph (A). (2) Identification After carrying out the engagement requirements in paragraph (1), the Secretary, in consultation with the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, shall identify topics for focus centers that address educational challenges of shared importance and urgency and that may be addressed through the mobilization of robust evidence bases of research. (c) Rule In making awards under this section, the Secretary may carry out distinct award competitions for each topic developed under subsection (b). 209. Evaluations (a) Comprehensive Centers (1) National Center for Education Evaluation and Evidence Use The Secretary shall provide for ongoing independent evaluations by the National Center for Education Evaluation and Evidence Use of the comprehensive centers receiving assistance under this title, the results of which shall be transmitted to the Committee on Heath, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the Director of the Institute of Education Sciences, and the public. Such evaluations shall include an analysis of the services provided under this title, the extent to which each of the comprehensive centers meets the objectives of its respective plan, and the extent to which— (A) technical assistance provided by such centers— (i) was high quality and high impact; (ii) was responsive to the needs of clients in the region; and (iii) improved implementation of the laws described in section 207(c)(2)(C)(ii); (B) capacity-building services were high quality and high impact, and responsive to the educational challenges of State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and schools in the region