eligible entity
(4) Eligible entity The term “eligible entity” means— (A) an institution of higher education; (B) an appropriate State or Federal entity, including a federally funded research and development center of the Department; (C) a nonprofit research institution; (D) a private entity; (E) any other relevant entity the Secretary determines appropriate; and (F) a partnership or consortium of two or more entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).