((a)) ** In general** The Secretary may, to the extent funds are made available, provide financial assistance to entities receiving funding from the Federal Government or from a State through a weatherization assistance program under section 6863 or for—

((1)) evaluating technical and management measures which increase program and/or private entity performance in weatherizing low-income housing;

((2)) producing technical information for use by persons involved in weatherizing low-income housing;

((3)) exchanging information; and

((4)) conducting training programs for persons involved in weatherizing low-income housing.

((b)) ** Conditions**

((1)) Not less than 50 percent of amounts provided under this section shall be awarded to entities other than States.

((2)) A recipient of financial assistance under this section may contract with nonprofit entities to carry out all or part of the activities for which such financial assistance is provided.