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SOW for Federal Contracts Tips

Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

Tips for Writing a Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

 

The Statement of Work (SOW) is the heart of any Federal contract. A Statement of Work for Federal Contracts is designed to provide the contractor with an outline of required tasks, and it sets expectations for the contract, including pricing information and a schedule of deliverables.

 

Considerations for Statement of Work for Federal Contract Development

Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

Some preliminary planning can help ensure an effective Statement of Work for Federal Contracts.

Questions that should be considered include:

 

  • What needs to be accomplished?

  • What tasks must be accomplished to achieve the desired result?

  • What are the performance standards (e.g., completion of milestones, cost control measures) that should be outlined for offerers?

  • What are the deliverables, and what is their expected delivery timeline?

  • Who will perform each task (e.g., event managers, writers, IT personnel, graphic designers, subject matter experts)?

  • What is the process for overseeing work? Testing? Monitoring?

  • What resources are required (e.g., equipment, facilities)?

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

While preparing task statements, remember that each task statement describes what the contractor must do. For example, if the writer wants to produce a Spanish language factsheet with specific requirements, they could write, “Contractor shall research, write, edit, revise, and produce a factsheet for Spanish-speaking adults. The factsheet shall be available as a 508-compliant document on the Web and in print (full color).”

Notice the use of “shall” and how it has been used to mandate the requirement.

 

Statement of Work for Federal Contracts Writing Tips

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

  • The following tips can be used as a reference when creating an SOW.

  • Be concise, use the active voice, and write in nouns and verbs.

  • Position the task in terms of enforceability and clarity by using “work words” for each requirement.

  • Avoid verbs that can lead to vague statements. The phrase “the contractor shall perform” definitively states which party is to do the work.

 Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

  • Avoid “should” or “may” because they leave the decision for action up to the contractor. Similarly, phrases such as “carefully performed” and “subject to approval” are examples of unenforceable language.

  • Avoid using “any”, “either”, or “and/or” unless you want to give the contractor a choice in what must be done.

  • Use the verb “shall” for work to be completed by contractor – this is binding.

  • Use the verb “will” when speaking about the Government’s actions – this is binding.

 Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

  • Avoid “including” as a standalone term. “Including, but not limited to,…” is preferred because it is more encompassing and allows for unforeseen or unlisted requirements. For example:

  • “including, but not limited to, press releases, biographies, backgrounders, and factsheets.”

  • Avoid the use of “etc.” The contractor will not know what items could be missing from the list that might affect the labor required and pricing for the task order.

  • Remember to check for incorrect grammar and syntax. This can drastically change the meaning of a statement and can negatively affect the outcome of a task order.

 

Example of Task Break-down

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

When defining tasks, it can be useful to logically separate them and then further define the requirements for the contractor. This makes it easier for the contractor to understand exactly what is required for the task order, which should lead to fewer questions from the contractor and less room for misinterpretation of the task order requirements. For example:

 

Task 1: Keep clearinghouse phones operational and available to the public from 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday (Eastern Time).

 

– Availability shall be greater than or equal to 99.5% 9-5 ET, M-F.

 

– Clearinghouse phones shall be fully manned. Any lack of availability shall        not be caused by a lack of manning.

 

– Availability losses, their causes, and their durations shall be recorded and reported to the Task Order COR.

 

Task 2: Install virus definition updates to all computers on the network.

 

– Upon receipt of virus definition updates, the contractor shall install updates to all computers on the network within 24 hours.

 

– Installation shall not interfere with the normal operation of the computers on the network. Operations on the network shall not be interfered with between 7:30am and 5:30pm on government business days.

Types of Contracts

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

The PICS contract allows three types of task order contracts to be utilized, Time and Materials (T&M), Labor Hour (LH), and Fixed Price (FP). You may consider making your task order performance based which would include a performance-based SOW, an outline of standards for performance, and a surveillance plan for quality control (e.g., inspection processes and criteria). Before proceeding with your SOW, you should speak with your Task Order CO to determine the best contract type for your needs.

Additionally, remember that a Determinations and Findings (D&F) document will need to be approved in order to select either a T&M or LH contract type.

 

Outline for an Statement of Work for Federal Contract Development

 

The following definitions can be used as a reference while developing the sections of an SOW.

 

Background and Purpose: Provides an overview of the program, a description of what led to the contract, expected start and end dates of the contract, the type of contract, a description of any phases, and a definitions sub-clause describing any acronyms to be used or special terms or phrases used in the SOW.

 

Specific Requirements of Each Task: States each objective, task, or activity and clearly outlines expected or desired outcome(s).

 

Milestones and Schedule for Deliverables: Outlines each major task with expected due dates (if applicable), indicates any phases, and identifies who is to receive deliverables and reports. Specifies any required weekly meetings, status reports, progress reports, and meetings.

 

Government-Furnished Resources: Lists any equipment hardware, software, space, service manuals, documents, and data to be provided by NIH to the contractor.

 

Travel Clause: States when and how the Government is to fund the contractor’s travel expenses and lists Federal travel clauses that apply.

 

Relevant Skills and Experience Required: Identifies any specific skill requirements needed to successfully complete the work.

 

Performance Measures: Outlines methods for measuring the contractor’s performance to do the work (e.g., agreed upon dates; deliverables to be received, adherence to applicable budgets, development of quality assurance documents, and an outlined schedule for reports/presentations).

 

Quality Assurance Plan: Summarizes objectives, indicates performance/acceptance standards for each task, and explains any method of surveillance or inspection.

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

Other factors to Consider with a Statement of Work for Federal Contract Development

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

– Contractor Responsibility (e.g., staffing an event, purchasing software upgrades)

– Government Responsibility (e.g., furnishing laptops, issuance of keys)

– Security clearances, badges, and training requirements for contractors

– Equipment Monitoring Requirements

– IT Security

– Section 508 Compliance

– Non-Chargeable Maintenance Items

– Requirements pertaining to holidays, work hours (e.g., overtime, weekends), data requirements, records management, and property

– Evaluation Factors for Award

– Key Personnel

Nationwide Consulting, LLC explains Statement of Work for Federal Contracts

 

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