qualified percentage of compensation applicable under clause (iii). In the absence of an election out as described in clause (ii), such election shall, as adjusted under clause (iii), remain in effect for all subsequent years, regardless of whether such years are applicable years. (ii) Election out The election treated as having been made under clause (i) shall cease to apply with respect to any employee if such employee makes an affirmative election— (I) to not have such contributions made, or (II) to make elective contributions at a level specified in such affirmative election. (iii) Qualified percentage For purposes of this subparagraph, with respect to any employee, the term qualified percentage means, in lieu of the meaning given such term in paragraph (13)(C)(iii), any percentage determined under the arrangement if such percentage is applied uniformly and is— (I) at least 6 percent, but not greater than 10 percent, during the period ending on the last day of the first plan year which begins after the date on which the first elective contribution described in clause (i) is made with respect to such employee (disregarding any elective contribution made for any preceding year that preceded a year in which the employee made an affirmative election described in clause (ii)), (II) at least 7 percent during the first plan year following the plan year described in subclause (I), (III) at least 8 percent during the first plan year following the plan year described in subclause (II), (IV) at least 9 percent during the first plan year following the plan year described in subclause (III), and (V) At least 10 percent during any subsequent plan year. (iv) Applicable year every third year (I) In general For purposes of this subparagraph, the term applicable year means, with respect to an employee, such employee’s first plan year of eligibility under the arrangement, and all subsequent plan years of eligibility. (II) Exception Following any applicable year of the employee (determined after the application of this