merit-reviewed process The institute under this section shall be established through a competitive, merit-reviewed process. (2) Applications An eligible applicant under this section shall submit to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator determines to be appropriate. (3) Eligible applicants The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall consider applications from institutions of higher education, research centers, multi-institutional collaborations, and any other entity that the Administrator determines to be appropriate. (4) Collaborations A collaboration that receives an award under this section may include multiple types of research institutions, private sector entities, and nonprofit organizations. (5) Coordination The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall ensure an awardee under this section coordinates with, and avoids unnecessary duplication of, the activities carried out under this section with existing activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, other activities carried out under this Act, and other related programs, as appropriate. (6) Commercial technology The institute under this section may leverage commercially-available hardware and software to carry out the activities described in subsection (c). (c) Institute activities The institute under this section may carry out activities that— (1) support basic and applied research focused on developing space and aeronautics applications for quantum information science, engineering, and technology, including as related to the results of the strategy under section 501(c)