What negative consequences may arise from late contract modifications in OCS?

The chosen answer highlights the critical impact that late contract modifications can have on operations. When contract modifications are delayed, they can lead to significant disruptions in service delivery. These delays can stem from various factors, such as the need for renegotiation, potential misunderstandings regarding contract changes, or waiting for necessary approvals. Additionally, late modifications often result in increased costs that were not accounted for in the original contract. This can occur due to the need for expedited services, reallocation of resources, or penalties for service interruptions.

On the other hand, while decreased contractor interest in future bids is a valid concern, it typically results from a pattern of late modifications rather than from a single instance. Increased operational readiness and better compliance with budget constraints are generally not outcomes of late modifications; rather, these are goals that can be undermined by the complications and inefficiencies introduced by late changes. Thus, the correct answer underscores the pressing issues of delivery delays and costs, which directly relate to the performance and effectiveness of operational contract support.