; and (6) to address issues of conflicting or duplicative contracting requirements to include those between contractors deploying various aspects of such new record and the program management office contract, including potential conflicts of interest and perverse incentives for one set of contractors to inhibit or slow the work of other contractors for potential financial gain and leverage for current and future work for the Department. (c) Coordination of activities The Negotiator shall closely coordinate with individuals in the Program and the Office established under section 101 who have day-to-day responsibility for existing contract oversight with respect to health record contracts and relevant health information technology contracts. (d) Consultation The Negotiator shall leverage and consult with all relevant stakeholders of the Department, but at a minimum the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, the Office of General Counsel, the Under Secretary, and the Chief Information Officer and the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology of the Department, in conducting negotiations relating to the electronic health record of the Department. (e) Assistance (1) Other Federal agencies In conducting negotiations relating to the new electronic health record of the Department, the Negotiator or the Secretary may request assistance from the other Federal agencies that have experienced contract negotiators, legal counsel, litigators, and other relevant personnel, particularly those with specialties and experience in health information technology acquisitions, contracts, negotiations, and litigation. (2) Outside entities (A) In general In conducting negotiations, the Negotiator or the Secretary may engage non-Federal, private sector, or nonprofit entities to perform independent contract and legal advisory services for the Department so as to advise the Department on options and strategies to achieve a revised, modified, or new contract for a new electronic health record that is of better value to the taxpayer or