Option Year

An option year is an additional period of performance that the government can exercise (activate) on an existing contract. Base year plus option years allow multi-year contracts while giving the government flexibility.

How It Works

A typical contract structure is one base year plus four option years, giving a total potential duration of five years. The government is only committed to the base year — option years are exercised at the government's discretion based on performance, funding availability, and continuing need. Option pricing is typically proposed upfront, so your rates for year 5 are established at the time of award.

Example

A contractor wins a security guard contract with a one-year base period and four one-year options. After performing well in year one, the contracting officer exercises option year one, extending the contract for another year at the pre-negotiated rate.

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