The department may enter into a contract for the establishment and implementation of the birth defects monitoring program. The contract shall include provisions requiring full compliance with all the requirements of this chapter. The term of the contract may be in excess of one year, but no longer than three years. Funds shall be allocated in accordance with the state Budget Act. Funds withheld from the contractor at the conclusion of a fiscal year until specified tasks are completed shall be released promptly on proof of substantial completion, and shall not be offset against any funding for the subsequent fiscal year.