; (B) a known wildlife disease that is expanding its geographic range; or (C) a wildlife disease that is affecting a previously unaffected population of a wildlife species; (2) poses significant threats to the sustainability of wildlife populations; or (3) poses a significant threat to ecosystem function, including ecosystem processes or resilience. 7. Centers for Study and Diagnostics of Wildlife Diseases (a) Application Institutions of Higher Education may submit an application to the Director of the United States Geological Survey in such time, place, and manner as the Director determines appropriate to enter into a cooperative agreement to operate a Center for the Study and Diagnostics of Wildlife Diseases. (b) Criteria for evaluation The Director of the United States Geological Survey, in consultation with the Interagency Working Group and the Advisory Committee, shall establish criteria for evaluation of applications submitted under subsection (a) , including— (1) including laboratory capabilities; (2) strength of veterinary, public health, and ecology programs; (3) dedicated expert staff; and (4) working relationships with State agencies, Indian Tribes, and other key partners. (c) Minimum number of centers The Director shall, not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, approve not less than 3 complete applications submitted under subsection (a) . (d) Geographic distribution In approving applications under this section, the Director shall ensure that the centers are geographically distributed across the United States. (e) Purpose Each center established under this section shall— (1) provide technical assistance to States and Indian Tribes to carry out the purposes described in section 3(a) ; (2) establish partnerships with local institutions of higher education to conduct surveillance and treatment of wildlife diseases and research, including relevant ecological research; (3) advance wildlife disease surveillance workforce development