Table of Contents
Need for a Clear and Concise SOW
To Establish Performance Standards and a Contractual Baseline
To Provide Prospective Contractors with a Basis of Estimate
Relationship of the SOW to the Solicitation and Contract
Format and Content of the Solicitation and Contract
Relationship of the SOW to RFP Sections L and M
Use of the Proposal Preparation Instructions
To Ensure Appropriate Coverage
To Standardize Proposal Format
To Require Specific Information
Formatting the Proposal Preparation Instructions
Need to Check Your Work Carefully
CHAPTER 2. PLANNING AND PREPARATION
What Is the Real Requirement, and When Is It Needed?
How Will Success Be Measured or Determined?
What Is It Likely to Cost, and What Funds Are Available?
Using a Work Breakdown Structure
Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts
Differences between Functional and Performance Descriptions
Incorporating a Contractor’s Proposal by Reference
Distinguishing Between Level-of-Effort (LOE) and Completion SOWs
Distinguishing between the LOE and Completion Forms
Providing a Basis of Estimate for LOE and Completion Requirements
Personal Versus Nonpersonal Services
CHAPTER 3. WRITING A PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT FOR PERFORMANCE-BASED SERVICE CONTRACTING
What is Performance-Based Service Contracting?
When Is It Appropriate to Use PBSC?
For Defense Department (DoD) Readers
Developing a Quality Assurance Plan
Selecting Surveillance Methods
Should Incentives Be Used in PBSC Contracts?
CHAPTER 4. USING A STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO) AND RELATED ISSUES
SOW Part I: General Information
Section D: Applicable Documents
SOW Part II: Work Requirements
Section A: Technical Requirements
SOW Part III: Supporting Information
Section B: Place of Performance
Section C: Period of Performance
Section D: Government-Furnished Property
Section E: Qualifications of Key Personnel
How the Differences between Sealed Bidding and Negotiation Affect the SOW
CHAPTER 6. COMMON PROBLEMS IN WRITING SOWS
Calling a Requirement by Different Names
Conflicting or Unreasonable Schedules
Incomplete Description of Requirement
Vagueness and Generalized Language
Conflicts Between the SOW and Contract Clauses
Proposal Preparation Instructions
Guidelines Related to the Use of Words
Guidelines Related to the Use of Phrases and Terms
CHAPTER 7. MANAGING CHANGES TO THE SOW
Legal Precedents Backing Change Management