Reference · Contract vehicles & pricing
Period of performance
Period of performance (PoP)
The period of performance is the window during which a contractor must complete the work under a contract or order. It often includes a base period plus optional extensions (option years) the government may exercise at its discretion.
What it is
The contractually defined start and end of required performance. Many federal contracts are structured as a base period with one or more option periods the government can elect to exercise, extending the relationship year by year.
Why it exists
It bounds the contractor's obligation and the government's commitment, and the option structure lets agencies continue good performance without re-competing while retaining an off-ramp.
Who it applies to
Every contract holder — and it drives recompete timing: an incumbent's final option year is when the follow-on competition typically begins.
Frequently asked
What is the period of performance on a contract?
The period of performance is the timeframe in which the contractor must complete the work. It commonly has a base period plus option years the government may exercise, so a contract can run for several years without being re-competed each time.
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