; and (3) applicants are institutions of higher education with established expertise in engineering and design for advanced automotive energy technologies or are involved in partnerships with such institutions. (d) Requirement In carrying out subsection (c), the Secretary shall ensure that grants for the operation of the Centers under this section are awarded to two or more entities that represent a Historically Black College or University, minority-serving institution, or Tribal College or University as the primary awardees or as members of a consortium. (e) Schedule Each grant to operate a Center under this section shall be awarded for a term of not more than five years, subject to the availability of appropriations. The Secretary may renew such five-year terms only once without competition limits, subject to a merit review process. (f) Limitation Funds provided through a grant under this section may not be used for the construction of a physical building or facility to hold a Center unless the Secretary determines that such construction is necessary for reasons of safety or the use of relevant equipment. (g) Technical assistance The Director may provide technical assistance to institutions of higher education receiving a grant under this section or entities seeking such a grant. (h) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $8,300,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028. 11. Request for information to assess research gaps in alternative fuel delivery, distribution, and transmission (a) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall publish a request for information that shall be used by the Secretary to evaluate research, development, and demonstration activities to assess alternative fuel transmission and delivery technical barriers. The request shall identify research barriers associated to existing electric transmission and distribution systems to the distribution of alternative fuels and