What is a Period of Performance?
Also known as: PoP, Performance period
The period of performance (PoP) is the timeframe during which a contractor must perform the work, including a base period and any option periods. It defines start and end dates and signals when a contract may be recompeted.
Base and option periods
Many contracts have a base period (often one year) plus several option years the government may exercise. The total potential PoP — base plus options — indicates the full value and the likely recompete timing.
Tracking PoP end dates across an agency's awards is how BD teams build a pipeline of upcoming recompetes.
Frequently asked questions
What is an option year?
An option year is an additional performance period the government may choose to exercise after the base period, extending the contract without a new competition. The contractor must usually meet performance and funding conditions.
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