; (B) increase significantly the number of students, including graduate level and Ph.D. candidates, in data assimilation; (C) utilize modern software and frameworks, such as the Joint Effort for Data Assimilation Integration, to conduct data assimilation research and development and facilitate research to operations efforts; (D) identify and prioritize critical research areas in data assimilation and facilitate operations to research efforts; (E) establish and enable an effective collaboration infrastructure between National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration facilities, such as labs, centers, or joint agency institutes, and the research community, including a mechanism for external partners to host Administration employees; and (F) establish mechanisms to enable all members of the consortium to archive and access data required to support the work under this subsection. (3) Coordination In carrying out this subsection, the Under Secretary shall ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and its associated activities focus on research to operations and operations to research, including by coordinating and collaborating with the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation. (4) Data assimilation, management, and sharing practices security The activities authorized under this subsection shall be applied in a manner consistent with subtitle D of title VI of the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act (enacted as division B of Public Law 117–167 ; 42 U.S.C. 19231 et seq. ). (e) Study on data management (1) In general Not later than 90 days after the data of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary shall seek to enter into an agreement with a non-Federal entity to conduct a study on matters concerning data practices and management needs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In conducting the study, the outside entity shall— (A) assess the costs and benefits of current data management needs for observational and operational mission requirements