((a)) ** Scope; conduct and report to Director by contractor**

((1)) The Director may from time to time, but not more frequently than once a year, provide for a comprehensive study of the entire defense dependents’ education system. Any such study shall include a detailed analysis of the education programs and the facilities of the system.

((2)) Any study under paragraph (1) shall be conducted by a contractor selected by the Director after an open competition. After conducting such study, the contractor shall submit a report to the Director describing the results of the study and giving its assessment of the defense dependents’ education system.

((b)) ** Consultation requirements respecting study specifications and contractor selection** In designing the specifications for any study to be conducted pursuant to subsection (a)(1), and in selecting a contractor to conduct such study under subsection (a)(2), the Director shall consult with the Advisory Council on Dependents’ Education established under section 929  of this title.1

((c)) ** Reporting requirements of Director** The Director shall submit to the Congress any report submitted to him under subsection (a)(2) describing the results of a study carried out pursuant to subsection (a)(1), together with the recommendations, if any, of the contractor for legislation or any increase in funding needed to improve the defense dependents’ education system. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, such report shall not be submitted to any review before its transmittal to the Congress, but the Secretary of Defense shall, at the time of the transmittal of such report, submit to the Congress such recommendations as he may have with respect to legislation or any increase in funding needed to improve the defense dependents’ education system.