; and (B) the latest and best research and proven practices are being carried out as part of school improvement efforts. (7) Contract cycle The Evaluation and Evidence Use Commissioner, in consultation with the Secretary or designated official who oversees the comprehensive center program authorized under title II, shall, to the greatest extent practicable, ensure that the duration of contracts for regional educational laboratories under this subsection is consistent with the duration of grants, contacts, or cooperative agreements awarded by the Secretary or such designated official under the comprehensive center program, subject to paragraph (1)(B). (b) Eligible entities (1) In general The Evaluation and Evidence Use Commissioner may enter into contracts under this section with research organizations, institutions, agencies, institutions of higher education, or partnerships among such entities, or individuals, with the demonstrated ability or capacity to carry out the activities described in this section. (2) Outreach In conducting competitions for any contract under this section, the Director shall— (A) actively encourage eligible entities to compete for such award by making information and technical assistance relating to the competition widely available; and (B) seek input from the chief executive officers of States, chief State school officers, educators, and parents regarding— (i) the need for applied research, development, innovation responsive to the challenges facing students and practitioners, research-practice partnerships (as defined in section 133(e)(2)), training, coaching, evidence use activities, and other activities to serve the educational needs of the geographic regions of the regional educational laboratory