STATEMENT OF WORK

(SOW)

Statement of Work
What vs. How
Lower costs
Flexibility to achieve a solution
Solution is the responsibility on the
contractor

What Is An SOW?
A formal written description of your
minimum requirements to be performed by
a contractor
The heart of your procurement

Why is a Clear and Concise

SOW Important ?
Provides a clear understanding of the requirements
Establishes a baseline for proposal evaluation
Reduces evaluation and negotiation time
Minimizes need for future changes

Many Documents Are Based

On The SOW
SOW
NAFI
C O S T E S T IM A T E

E V A L U A T I O N C R I T E R IA
S E C T IO N (M )

QA
S U R V E IL L A N C E
PLAN

R E P O R T IN G
R E Q U IR E M E N T S

IN S T R U C T IO N F O R
P R O P O S A L P R E P A R A T IO N
S E C T IO N (L )
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STATEMENT OF WORK
PROCESS OVERVIEW
The following is a summary of the recommended process steps for
preparing a Statement of Work SOW :
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Establish a preliminary scope statement ( i.e., the purpose or

objective of your procurement)
List the tasks to be performed ( i.e., All performance requirements
you intend the contractor to satisfy, all requirements that the
contractor must comply with during contract performance )
Group similar and related tasks.
Organize the tasks in logical sequence
Identify the input ( Required resources to perform the tasks)
Identify the output ( Required results or deliverables )
Identify the timeline or frequency of the deliverables (output)
Develop the parameters for acceptable quality and performance
Determine how you will monitor the deliverables
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Statement of Work
Step 1
ESTABLISH A PRELIMINARY SCOPE STATEMENT
THAT:

Identifies the objective or purpose of the procurement

Description of work to be performed
Define the magnitude of work to be performed
Defines the boundaries of performance and
responsibilities

Statement of Work
Step 2
List task to be performed that will:
Accomplish the objective of the SOW
Focus of what not how the contractor will perform

Statement of Work
Step 3
Group similar and related task
Categorize tasks as either major or
sub-tasks
Add any additional tasks as you
work through this

Statement of Work
Step 4
Organized task in logical sequence
Chronological order
Time-phase
Discipline

Ensure task required meet the minimum

requirements
Delete unnecessary or repetitive tasks

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Statement of Work
Step 5
Identify the required resources for each
task (input)
May be labor, equipment and material
May be NAFI or government provided

Identify any operating restrictions or

procedures

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Statement of Work
Step 6
Identify required results and or
deliverables (output)
Meetings
Reports

Provides information to develop

oversight plan
Contractor responsible for the work
(input to output)
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Statement of Work
Step 7
Identify the frequency and timeline of
deliverables
Assists in
Refining SOW
Method of surveillance
Surveillance plan
Cost estimate
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Statement of Work
Step 8
Develop performance standard or acceptance
criteria expressed in

Quality
Quantity
Time
Appearance

Should include elements such as What, when,

where, how many times
Should be appropriate for the contract and
Necessary
Realistic
Objective and measurable

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Statement of Work
Step 9

Determine how you will monitor the deliverables

Must be appropriate for the contract
Cost effective
Methods include:

100% inspection
Random sampling
Periodic inspection
Customer copleaints
Review of progress milestons
Reports by contractor

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