; and (B) manufactures energy grid products or components. (2) Set aside Of the amounts used to provide loans each fiscal year under subsection (b), the Secretary shall use not less than 5 percent to provide loans to— (A) covered firms; or (B) consortia led by covered firms. (f) Appointment and pay of personnel (1) In general The Secretary may use direct hiring authority pursuant to section 3304(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code, to appoint such professional and administrative personnel as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section and any functions of the Secretary under this section. (2) Rate of pay The rate of pay for a person appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not exceed the maximum rate payable for GS–15 of the General Schedule under chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code. (3) Consultants The Secretary may retain, pursuant to section 1901 of title 41, United States Code, such consultants as the Secretary determines to be necessary to carry out this section and any functions of the Secretary under this section. (g) Outreach In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) provide assistance with the completion of applications for loans under this section; and (2) conduct outreach, including through conferences and online programs, to disseminate information about loans under this section to potential applicants. (h) Report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the status of projects supported by a loan under this section, including— (1) a list of projects for which a loan was provided under this section, including, with respect to each project— (A) the loan amount; and (B) the construction status of the project; (2) the status of the loan repayment for each project, including future repayment projections; (3) data regarding the number of direct and indirect jobs retained, restored, or created by financed projects