Performance reviews should take place regularly, and that means much more than the annual "past performance" reviews required by regulation. These are contract management performance reviews, not for formal reporting and rebutting, but for keeping the project on course, measuring performance levels, and making adjustments as necessary. For most contracts, monthly or bi-monthly performance reviews would be appropriate. For contracts of extreme importance or contracts in performance trouble, more frequent meetings may be required.

Measuring and managing a project to the attainment of performance goals and objectives requires the continued involvement of the acquisition team, especially the program manager. It also requires considerable involvement by the acquisition team's new members -- contractor personnel.