Statement of Work Guide

PREPARING A STATEMENT OF WORK

The SOW describes the basic framework within which a contractor is expected to operate,

that is, the work to be performed and/or the results to be achieved. It should include

information on the relationship to the program it supports and a summary of the statutory

and regulatory requirements that pertain to the work. The SOW is intended to act as a

baseline for resolving questions of interpretation about the scope of the work in the final,

negotiated contract. It is intended to supplement, rather than to duplicate a contract. An

SOW should clearly reflect what the State expects the contractor to accomplish. The more

specifically tasks are delineated; the more accurately the cost of a proposed contract can be

estimated. Poorly drafted SOWs can lead to confusion about expected performance,

4. Provide clear guidelines for both the State and the contractor

5. Provide criteria by which to inspect and accept deliverables

6. Develop performance standards for the contracting parties

7. Provide for uniform technical requirements

8. Ensure consistent quality output

9. Provide for and promote safety

10. Assure that the contractor can be compensated on time and fully for acceptable

deliverables