include projects selected on the basis of applications for support through a competitive, merit-based process;

to the extent practicable, involve collaborations among researchers in institutions of higher education and industry, and may involve nonprofit research institutions and Federal laboratories, as appropriate;

to the extent practicable, leverage Federal investments through collaboration with related State and private sector initiatives; and

include a plan for fostering the transfer of research discoveries and the results of technology demonstration activities, including from institutions of higher education and Federal laboratories, to industry for commercial development.