; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; (3) by striking Before providing assistance and inserting (1) Before providing assistance ; and (4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (2) An agreement under this subsection may be a contract, cooperative agreement, or a partnership intermediary agreement. . 843. Consideration of the past performance of affiliate companies of small businesses Not later than July 1, 2024, the Secretary of Defense shall amend section 215.305 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Supplement (or any successor regulation) to require that when small business concerns bid on Department of Defense contracts, the past performance evaluation and source selection processes shall consider, if relevant, the past performance information of affiliate companies of the small business concerns. 844. Timely payments for Department of Defense small business subcontractors (a) Reduction in time for contractor explanation and past performance consideration of unjustified withholding of payments to Department of Defense small business subcontractors Section 8(d)(13)(B)(i) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)(B)(i) ) is amended by inserting , or, for a covered contract awarded by the Department of Defense, more than 30 days past due, after 90 days past due . (b) Clarification that contracting officers of the Department of Defense are authorized to enter or modify past performance information related to unjustified non-payment or reduced payment before or after contract close-out Section 8(d)(13)(C) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d)(13)(C) ) is amended— (1) by striking A contracting officer and inserting the following: (i) In general A contracting officer