(1) The Administrator may designate
(A) any institution of higher education as a space grant college; and
(B) any association or other alliance of two or more persons, other than individuals, as a space grant regional consortium.
(2) No institution of higher education may be designated as a space grant college, unless the Administrator finds that such institution
(A) is maintaining a balanced program of research, education, training, and advisory services in fields related to space;
(B) will act in accordance with such guidelines as are prescribed under subsection (b)(2) of this section; and
(C) meets such other qualifications as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.
(3) No association or other alliance of two or more persons may be designated as a space grant regional consortium, unless the Administrator finds that such association or alliance
(A) is established for the purpose of sharing expertise, research, educational facilities or training facilities, and other capabilities in order to facilitate research, education, training, and advisory services, in any field related to space;
(B) will encourage and follow a regional approach to solving problems or meeting needs relating to space, in cooperation with appropriate space grant colleges, space grant programs, and other persons in the region;
(C) will act in accordance with such guidelines as are prescribed under subsection (b)(2) of this section; and
(D) meets such other qualifications as the Administrator considers necessary or appropriate.
