The Optional Retirement 401(a) Plan - the "ORP" - is a defined contribution plan that academic and administrative unclassified (non-union) employees may choose in lieu of PERS membership. The ORP has been in operation since 1996 and was updated most recently on January 1, 2015. Participants have a choice of investments-plus-services programs to suit their individual retirement planning needs. The ORP offers mutual funds and both fixed and variable annuities in a participant-directed account.