C. 4 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance for the Coupon Program will be approximately twenty-five (25) months. There are three phases of performance under the program.

The three performance phases are:

1. Start-up and OCD Period -- This phase starts at contract award and must be completed by March 31, 2008; however, the Contractor must be ready to accept consumer requests on January 1, 2008. Distribution of coupons will occur in the Operational period. During the Start-up and OCD period the Contractor must establish the Contractor's program office; develop and submit for approval all required plans; start the retailer certification and training; start the Consumer Education program; and test and implement the Contractor's technical solution for processing.

2. Operational Period -- This phase starts after the Contractor's technical solution is tested and approved by the NTIA Program Office. The distribution, redemption, and retailer payment of coupons for both the initial funding and optional Contingent Funding is covered during this period as follows:

a. Accept consumer requests and coupon distribution -- between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009.

b. Complete final coupon distribution -- no later than April 10, 2009.

c. Complete financial processing -- no later than July 31, 2009.

3. Closeout Period -- This phase starts after the completion of distribution, redemption, and retailer payment activities and is complete by September 30, 2009 unless the contract is extended (see below).