((a)) ** Scope of undertaking** The Secretary shall, in accordance with subsection (b), arrange for the conduct of a continuing study to—

((1)) establish (A) the Nation’s overall need for biomedical and behavioral research personnel, (B) the subject areas in which such personnel are needed and the number of such personnel needed in each such area, and (C) the kinds and extent of training which should be provided such personnel;

((2)) assess (A) current training programs available for the training of biomedical and behavioral research personnel which are conducted under this chapter, at or through national research institutes under the National Institutes of Health, and (B) other current training programs available for the training of such personnel;

((3)) identify the kinds of research positions available to and held by individuals completing such programs;

((4)) determine, to the extent feasible, whether the programs referred to in clause (B) of paragraph (2) would be adequate to meet the needs established under paragraph (1) if the programs referred to in clause (A) of paragraph (2) were terminated; and

((5)) determine what modifications in the programs referred to in paragraph (2) are required to meet the needs established under paragraph (1).

((b)) ** Arrangement with National Academy of Sciences or other nonprofit private groups or associations**

((1)) The Secretary shall request the National Academy of Sciences to conduct the study required by subsection (a) under an arrangement under which the actual expenses incurred by such Academy in conducting such study will be paid by the Secretary. If the National Academy of Sciences is willing to do so, the Secretary shall enter into such an arrangement with such Academy for the conduct of such study.

((2)) If the National Academy of Sciences is unwilling to conduct such study under such an arrangement, then the Secretary shall enter into a similar arrangement with other appropriate nonprofit private groups or associations under which such groups or associations will conduct such study and prepare and submit the reports thereon as provided in subsection (c).

((3)) The National Academy of Sciences or other group or association conducting the study required by subsection (a) shall conduct such study in consultation with the Director of NIH.