(a) In this section, the term “covered firm” means a firm that—

(1) Employs less than 500 individuals; and

(2) Manufactures automobiles or components of automobiles.

(b) Set Aside—Of the amount of funds that are used to provide awards for each fiscal year under this subpart, not less than 10 percent shall be used to provide awards to covered firms or consortia led by a covered firm.