INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

SEC. 306. INFORMATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. (a) In General.— The Secretary shall provide information and technical assistance to States under this title, which shall include— (1) providing assistance in preparing applications for grants under this title; (2) assisting grant recipients under this title to develop and implement alternative financing programs; and (3) providing any other information and technical assistance the Secretary determines to be appropriate to assist States to achieve the objectives of this title. (b) Grants, Contracts, and Cooperative Agreements.— The Secretary shall provide the information and technical assistance described in subsection (a) through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements with public or private agencies and organizations, including institutions of higher education, with sufficient documented experience, expertise, and capacity to assist States in the development and implementation of the alternative financing programs carried out under this title.