((a))

((1)) Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall enter into one or more contracts with a person for collection services to recover indebtedness owed to the United States (arising out of activities related to Department of Defense) that is delinquent by more than three months.

((2)) The authority of the Secretary to enter into a contract under this section for any fiscal year is subject to the availability of appropriations.

((3)) Any such contract shall provide that the person submit to the Secretary a status report on the person’s success in collecting such debts at least once each six months. shall apply to any such contract, to the extent not inconsistent with this subsection.

((b))

((1)) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall disclose to consumer reporting agencies, in accordance with paragraph (1) of , information concerning any debt described in subsection (a) of more than $100 that is delinquent by more than 31 days.

((2)) No disclosure shall be made under paragraph (1) with respect to an indebtedness while a decision regarding waiver of collection of the indebtedness is pending under or , or while a decision regarding remission or cancellation of the indebtedness is pending under section 7837, 8271, or 9837 of this title, unless the Secretary concerned (as defined in ) determines that disclosure under that paragraph pending such decision is in the best interests of the United States.