other entities
(3) The term “other entities” means— (A) firms, or a consortium of firms, that are eligible to participate in a partnership or other arrangement with a laboratory of the Department of Energy, as determined in accordance with applicable law and regulations; or (B) firms, or a consortium of firms, described in subparagraph (A) in combination with one or more of the following: (i) Institutions of higher education in the United States. (ii) Departments and agencies of the Federal Government other than the Department of Energy. (iii) Agencies of State governments. (iv) Any other persons or entities that may be eligible and appropriate, as determined in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.