This is a hypothetical that has come close to happening for me, but so far, fortunately no cigar.  What recourse would a CO have if they intended to exercise an Option on an important contract (let’s say above the SAT), but they let the previous POP date expire before doing so? 
 

Could they retroactively exercise the Option and document the justification and decision in a memo to the file? 
 

Is the contract void at that point, too bad so sad? 
 

Thank you for any responses! 

What did the contract say about when the Government could exercise the option?

I’ll echo Don - what are the relevant terms and conditions of the option and contract?

That being said, a period of performance elapsing doesn’t necessarily mean the option cannot be exercised. See FAR 17.204(d) (stating that the period within which the option may be exercised may extend beyond the contract completion date for service contracts). Again, what are the applicable terms and conditions?

2 hours ago, Just the FAC said:

Could they retroactively exercise the Option and document the justification and decision in a memo to the file?

Remember, to be effective, an option must be exercised in strict accordance with contract terms.  If a CO attempts to exercise an option in some other way, it is considered a breach of contract and the contractor is not required to perform in accordance with the option.  However, the contractor can waive the breach and agree to perform the option.  In this case, the contractor would likely be entitled to a price adjustment to the contract.  Thus, the terms of the contract concerning exercise of options are important to your question.

@Just the FAC  I will just stop here as I think you get the idea....