Statement of Work (SOW) Project Title Organization or Bus ✓ Solved

1. Introduction

1.1. Organization

1.1.1. Identification and Address: Enter the full name and mailing address for your organization.

1.1.2. Organization's Mission: Enter a brief description of the mission of your organization.

2. Scope of the Project: Enter a brief description of the project's scope; the ‘goal’ of the project; the ‘solution’ (product(s) or service(s)) that the project has been approved to deliver; the overarching goal(s) of the project.

3. Background of the Work: The business reason for the project; the problem, opportunity, or directive that has resulted in the initiation and approval of the project.

4. Services Required

4.1. Task Description: Describe the ‘consulting’ services that will be required to support this project; what is needed to augment the organization, project, and team.

4.2. Scope of Work – ‘Statement of Work’

4.2.1. Description: Fully describe the work required of the contractor or consultant. Describe the specific requirements the contractor must meet in performance of the contract. Include a statement of the required services in terms of output and a measurable performance standard for the output.

4.2.2. Estimated Effort and Cost: Cost Estimate Item # Description Units Hours Rate Total Labor Total Other Expenses Grand Total. The process for developing a workplan includes estimating the duration of a task(s), estimating the effort required (hours of work), and the cost of the resource (rate per hour).

4.2.3. Deliverables

4.2.3.1. Itemized list and due dates: List any deliverables and the delivery dates. Specify who or what organization is the recipient of the deliverable.

4.2.3.2. Acceptance Criteria: The standards by which the customer will determine whether the work meets the agreed upon expectations.

4.2.3.3. Delivery Instructions: Specify any special instructions for delivery: file type, encryption, media, online, offline, messenger or secure transmission.

4.2.4. Timeline and Period of Performance: The period of performance for this project will start on [start date] and the work tasks are estimated to continue through [end date].

5. Customer Furnished Resources

5.1. Facilities, Supplies and Services: Identify the items (resources) that will be provided to the contractor/consultant/vendor to enable them to accomplish the work specified.

5.2. Information Sources: Identify all furnished information that will be needed for the contractor/consultant/vendor to accomplish the work specified.

5.3. Documentation: Identify any documents that the contractor/consultant/vendor will be required to use to accomplish the work specified.

6. Contractor Furnished Resources

6.1. Facilities, Supplies and Services: Identify all of the items that a contractor/consultant will be required to provide/produce to satisfy the requirements of the project.

7. Administrative Considerations

7.1. Place of Performance/Work Location: Physical location where the work is to be done: on-site or off-site considerations.

7.2. Hours of Work: The required and expected working hours.

7.3. Period of Performance: The required schedule: days/weeks/months of work.

7.4. Other Direct Costs

7.4.1. Incidental Supplies, Equipment and Materials: Hardware, software, special equipment, and office supplies.

7.4.2. Travel Requirements: Defined and accepted limits; as established by the organizational policy or the commitment of the project owner.

7.4.3. Travel and Per Diem: Defined and accepted limits; as established by the organizational policy or the commitment of the project owner.

7.4.4. Other Unique Costs: All other unique costs.

7.5. Security and Privacy: Non-Disclosure Agreement(s) or Invention Agreements. Policies and procedures established by the organization and its responsible authorities.

7.6. Personnel Services: The use of Contract Workers (CW) or contingents, or temporary personnel on the project.

7.7. Audit and Review: Policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards and considerations to meet the requirements of the Internal Audit Department.

7.8. Reports: Written, presentations, and exhibits that are to be produced and delivered.

8. Special Instructions

8.1. Unique Reporting Requirements: Elaborate on any format requirements or special distribution lists.

8.2. Standards and References: Quality standards that must be met.

8.3. Evaluation Criteria: Any special requirements that must be met that will be used as a basis to evaluate the product(s) of work performed.

8.4. General and Miscellaneous: All other pertinent information that may be required.

Prepared by __________________________________ Project Manager

Approved by __________________________________ Consultant/Vendor Manager/Representative

___________________________________ Project Executive Sponsor

Paper For Above Instructions

The Statement of Work (SOW) is a critical document that dictates the framework and expectations for a project. This document is essential as it provides clarity on various aspects of a project, ensuring that all parties involved have a mutual understanding of the project’s goals and requirements. This paper will outline the structure and components of a typical SOW, emphasizing the importance of each part in ensuring project success.

1. Introduction

The introduction of the SOW sets the stage for understanding the project’s context. It typically includes the organization’s name and address, alongside its mission statement. For example, a technology firm engaged in software development might state, “Our mission is to deliver innovative and user-friendly solutions that enhance productivity for businesses worldwide.” This clearly outlines both the identity of the organization and its purpose.

2. Scope of the Project

The scope section defines the project’s boundaries and objectives. It details what the project aims to achieve, often phrased as a solution to a specific problem or need. A clear scope helps prevent scope creep by providing a solid reference point against which project progress can be measured. For instance, a project initiated to develop a new application might have a goal such as, “To create a mobile application that simplifies expense tracking for users.”

3. Background of the Work

This section provides context around the project's initiation. It should articulate the underlying business reasons, such as a market opportunity, a specific customer need, or a regulatory requirement that mandates the project. For instance, “The project was initiated to address the growing consumer demand for mobile budgeting tools, which has been highlighted in recent market analysis.”

4. Services Required

This part of the SOW specifies the consulting services needed for project implementation. It clarifies what support is expected from external vendors or consultants. For example, if a project necessitates developing a marketing strategy, the services might include “Market research analysis, formulation of a marketing plan, and digital strategy implementation.”

5. Deliverables

Clearly defined deliverables are crucial for assessing project success. The SOW should list what tangible materials or outputs are to be produced, along with delivery dates and recipients. For instance, “A comprehensive project report shall be delivered by the end of Q1 to the project sponsor for review.” This section ensures everyone knows what is expected and when.

6. Timeline and Period of Performance

Establishing a timeline for project tasks is essential for scheduling and resource allocation. This section should specify start and end dates for the project, providing a framework for monitoring progress. An example could be, “The project is expected to commence on January 1, 2024, and conclude by December 31, 2024.”

7. Resources

This section outlines what resources the customer will provide and what the contractor is expected to supply. Typically, it includes facilities, equipment, and documentation necessary for project work. For example, “The organization will provide office space and internet access, while the contractor is expected to furnish software licenses necessary for project execution.”

8. Administrative Considerations

Important administrative elements can include the physical location of work, required independent work hours, and any potential costs outside the direct project budget, such as travel expenses. For example, “Travel costs for administrative meetings will not exceed $500 per trip.”

9. Special Instructions

Any unique reporting requirements or quality standards that must be adhered to are documented here. For instance, organizations may require reports to comply with ISO standards. This section may also specify unique formatting or delivery methods to ensure that all parties receive the information promptly and in desired formats.

Conclusion

In summary, the Statement of Work is an indispensable blueprint for project management, fostering clear communication and understanding among all stakeholders. By encapsulating project objectives, deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities, the SOW is fundamental to executing a structured and successful project.

References

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