To increase the number of options periods authorized for extension of current contracts under the TRICARE program.

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

   Adds a section

   In S. 2766 · Public Print

   "(B) Metrics to identify and measure the availability and distribution of individuals of various expertise in Applied Behavioral Analysis in order to evaluate and assure the availability of qualified personnel to meet needs for Applied Behavioral Analysis under this subsection.".

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

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

   Inserted: (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense, after consulting with the other administering Secretaries, may extend any contract for the delivery of health care entered into under section 1097 of title 10, United States Code, that is in force on the date of the enactment of this Act by one year, and upon expiration of such extension by one additional 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) Limitation on number of extensions.--The total number of one-year extensions of a contract that may be granted under paragraph (1) may not exceed 2 extensions.

   Inserted: (3) Notice and wait.--The Secretary may not commence the exercise of the authority in paragraph (1) 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 paragraph that will be required by the Secretary in order to be eligible for an extension authorized by such paragraph.

   Inserted: (4) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms "administering Secretaries" and "TRICARE program" have the meaning given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

   Inserted: (b) 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 if performance under such contract is rated as "excellent".

   Original wording

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

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As printed