S.Amdt. 4426

1. Adds SEC. 730. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED OPTION PERIODS FOR EXTENSION OF CONTRACTS UNDER TRICARE at the end of subtitle B of title VII

   Adds a section

   In S. 2766 · Placed on Calendar Senate

   (e) Contingency Operation Defined.--In this section, the term "contingency operation" has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United States Code.

   Inserted: SEC. 730. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZED OPTION PERIODS FOR EXTENSION OF CONTRACTS UNDER TRICARE.

   Inserted: (a) Additional Number of Authorized Periods.--

   Inserted: (1) In general.--Section 1097 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

   Inserted: "(f) Additional Authorized Option Periods.--(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Defense, after consulting with the other administering Secretaries, may extend any contract for the delivery of health care entered into under this section by one year if the Secretary determines that such extension--

   Inserted: "(A) is in the best interests of the United States; and

   Inserted: "(B) will--

   Inserted: "(i) facilitate the effective administration of the TRICARE program; or

   Inserted: "(ii) ensure continuity in the delivery of health care under the TRICARE program.

   Inserted: "(2) The total number of extensions of a particular contract that may be granted under paragraph (1) may not exceed 2 extensions.".

   Inserted: (2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and, subject to subsection (b), shall apply with respect to any contract described in subsection (f) of section 1097 of title 10, United States Code (as so added), that is in force or entered into on or after that date.

   Inserted: (b) Notice and Wait.--The Secretary of Defense may not commence the exercise of the authority in subsection (f) of section 1097 of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section) until 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the minimum level of performance by an incumbent contractor under a contract covered by such subsection (f) that will be required by the Secretary in order to be eligible for an extension authorized by such subsection (f).

   Inserted: (c) Report on Contracting Mechanisms for Health Care Service Support Contracts.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on contracting mechanisms under consideration for future contracts for health care service support under section 1097 of title 10, United States Code. The report shall include an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages for the Department of Defense (including the potential for stimulating competition and the effect on health care beneficiaries of the Department) of providing in such contracts for a single term of 5 years with a single optional period of extension of an additional 5 years.

   Original wording

   At the end of subtitle B of title VII, add the following:

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As printed