1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act . 2. Evaluations and research (a) In general Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3224 ) is amended— (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Workforce development innovation fund (1) Program authorized (A) In general The Secretary may, on a competitive basis and in accordance with subparagraph (B), award workforce development innovation grants described in subparagraph (C) to eligible entities to enable such entities to— (i) establish, implement, replicate, or take to scale evidence-based, field-initiated innovation programs or services for improving the design and delivery of employment and training services that generate demonstrated long-term improvements in— (I) the performance or impact of the workforce development system; (II) earnings and employment outcomes for jobseekers (including individuals with barriers to employment) and earnings for employers; and (III) the cost-effectiveness of such innovation programs or services, particularly for participants and communities not sufficiently served by existing models such as participants and communities in rural areas; and (ii) rigorously evaluate, through a partnership with a third-party research organization or a third-party researcher, such innovation programs or services for effectiveness in achieving any demonstrated long-term improvements in an outcome described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of clause (i). (B) Grant awards (i) In general The Secretary— (I) shall award grants under subparagraph (A) on the basis of potential achievements of the innovation program or service proposed by the eligible entity with respect to demonstrated, long-term improvements in an outcome described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) of subparagraph (A)(i)