A statement of work (SOW) is a document that describes the terms and objectives of a project or service contract, including the scope of work required to meet the objectives, costs, deliverables, timeliness, and other expectations. In this article, we’ve rounded up the top SOW and project scope templates in Microsoft Word and Excel formats, all of which are fully customizable and free to download.
Consulting Statement of Work Template
If you are a consultant or are providing professional services as a contractor, you may need to supply clients with a statement of work that can serve as both a proposal and binding contract. In addition to outlining the work to be completed, a consulting SOW template may include terms and conditions for expenses and payment, project dates, legal considerations such as confidentiality, and other requirements. You can offer clients an overview of total costs and project scope, along with more detailed information on deliverables and assumptions. Additionally, you must attain final authorization of the SOW before starting the planned consulting services.
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Project Management Statement of Work Template
In project management, a statement of work can be a vital tool for clarifying and communicating a project to outside vendors or contractors who are contributing their services. A mutual understanding among all parties of what tasks and deliverables are expected and when, as well as budget, equipment, and any other pertinent information, will help ensure a successful outcome and prevent future disputes. If you need to make changes to the scope of work during a project, the statement of work can also describe the process for handling changes to help adjustments go smoothly. Depending on the complexity of your project and your business needs, you can edit or add sections to this statement of work template.
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Statement of Work Outline Template
Use this statement of work outline if you need a thorough SOW document in Word format or if you need a simple guide for creating your own customized SOW. Sections include introductory information, scope of work, tasks, scheduling, and payment terms, and preformatted tables, so the template is easy for you to use and to highlight important details. Consider inserting bullet points in the template sections that don’t have tables to break up the text and create a more readable document. This template could be suitable not only for a project, but also for a particular role or job.
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Project Scope Template
Use this scope of work template as part of a broad statement detailing the job or as a standalone document, such as an SOW agreement. The template sports a simple format and provides sections to add information about deliverables, tasks, and scheduling, along with other project scope details. Use precise language in this document to help ensure mutual understanding and prevent future issues. You can edit this template for any industry-specific projects, such as business, construction, architecture, or audits, and scale it for any size or project, large or small.
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Simple Statement of Work Template
This simple statement of work template provides the basic information in an easy-to-read layout. You can customize this template to create a more in-depth SOW, but the format gives you a straightforward starting point. Even small projects can benefit from an SOW that clearly outlines work and requirements, and this template may be appropriate for projects requiring brief documentation.
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Project Charter Template
A project charter is a high-level overview of project requirements, deliverables, and responsibilities. This project charter template, available in both Excel and Word, provides space for general project information, project goals and objectives, scope and schedule, costs, benefits, intended audience (customers), risks, constraints, and assumptions. Consider creating a project charter to synthesize all the preliminary documentation of your upcoming project, and add or remove sections to fit your needs.
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Project Review Report
Learning from past successes and challenges can help your projects improve over time. This Excel template offers a space for team members to give feedback on a project once it has been completed: They can leave comments on project successes, failures, challenges, frustrating and gratifying aspects, and opportunities for growth, as well as rate the project overall. The template comes with sample prompts, but you can edit them to fit your project. Additionally, a second worksheet is included for project managers or team leaders to synthesize the information from the response form into a project review report and use it to improve their future endeavors.
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Project Scope Statement
This straightforward template in Word provides an in-depth outline for you to create a project scope statement. In the included sections, you can describe project deliverables, key project tasks and/or a work breakdown structure, out-of-scope responsibilities, project assumptions, constraints, cost estimates, and stakeholder approval. Follow all the steps in this template and you’ll create a detailed, comprehensive project scope statement to hold all relevant parties accountable.
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Product Scope Statement Template
This template is very similar to the project scope statement above, but it is designed with products in mind. A product scope differs from a project scope in that it identifies the requirements of a forthcoming product, rather than of a process-oriented project. Therefore, this template includes space for detailing product features and functionality, rather than tasks.
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IT Statement of Work Template
This statement of work template focuses on the scope of work and logistics for IT projects. There is room to include a high-level summary of the project’s purpose and history, information on the team members and stakeholders involved in the project, resources and itemized costs, security issues, and more. You can specify software requirements, describe any training that might be required, identify which teams are responsible for which operations, and define expectations for deliverables. A comprehensive IT statement of work can help your project run smoothly and ensure that objectives, budget needs, and safety issues are addressed.
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Software Project Statement of Work
Use this template to detail the scope of a software project. There is space to provide information on project background, team, and resource and budget requirements, as well as to list deliverables, milestones, and a project timeline. In addition, include notes about risks, responsibilities, and support plans (i.e., communications, quality management, and training). Of course, you can customize the template to sections to detail implementation or delivery, if necessary.
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Web Design Statement of Work Template
Create a web design statement of work with this template. The scope of work for a web design project may include tasks related to design and development, hosting and maintenance, content, and testing. You can include detailed information about site features to be included, a schedule for deliverables, and key assumptions about the project and the completed website. As with any SOW, provide thorough information and specific requirements to help the web designer and client avoid misunderstandings and create a successful final product on budget and on time.
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Project Plan Template
Once you’ve completed your statement of work, you may want a tool to track your project’s progress through completion. This project plan template provides space for basic information (project name, manager, deliverables, and start and end dates), as well as a table where you can list each task, the responsible party, and status. In addition, the built-in Gantt chart lets you visually track progress of each task and of the project as a whole.
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Project Lifecycle Plan
This template provides a visual display of your project lifecycle, from initial problem analysis to design, implementation, appraisal, evaluation, and continual monitoring. The template simply offers a graphic of the standard project lifecycle for you to use as a reference when designing your project plan, but you can add notes to each phase or add and delete phases to meet your needs.
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Excel | Word
What Is a Statement of Work (SOW)?
As mentioned earlier, a statement of work (SOW) is a document that lists project expectations, deliverables, budget, and preliminary timeline. You can use an SOW for any type of undertaking, be it business, construction, IT, or creative. The purpose of an SOW is not only to define the scope of a project, but also to document an agreement between a client and a vendor or contractor. In this sense, the statement of work can serve as a legal contract.
An SOW is often included as part of a request for proposal (RFP), which solicits business proposals from potential vendors. In a government setting, an SOW may be replaced with a statement of objectives (SOO), which highlights high-level objectives, or a performance work statement (PWS), which focuses on desired and measurable outcomes rather than the specific tasks and requirements a contractor will need to follow in order to complete a project.
By contrast, a project scope or scope of work contract defines what is expected from vendors, including deliverables, end products, and reports. While you can include the project scope as a section within a statement of work, it can stand on its own as a separate document that represents a formal agreement between a customer and vendor. Details about scheduling and payment terms are also typically included.
Note: In the construction industry, scope of work and statement of work are often interchangeable terms that refer to the detailed project statement provided to a contractor.
A Statement of Work Outline
Regardless of the type of project, a statement of work document will include similar information. Here’s a closer look at some of the typical elements of an SOW outline:
- Objectives: This introductory section may include general background information about the project and describe why the project is necessary. This provides a high-level picture of the project’s objectives.
- Scope of Work: The scope of work defines what work is to be done and how, and it may include work requirements, deliverables, and assumptions. It will also include specific tasks, detailed information about what deliverables are expected, and any assumptions related to the project’s scope. It’s important to provide sufficient detail and to communicate assumptions to help ensure mutual understanding between a customer and service provider.
- Period of Performance: This section can specify the start and end dates for a project, allowable billing hours on a weekly or monthly basis, and any other information pertinent to time.
- Place of Performance: This information can be included if certain requirements related to the work location or equipment will be used.
- Deliverables Schedule: This detailed schedule for deliverables, either in table or list format, provides an overview of milestones, tasks, and deadlines.
- Pricing: This section will cover expenses and payment terms, including a schedule of how and when payments will be made. Remember: A statement of work is not a negotiation tool, but rather a place to document terms that have already been agreed upon, so ensure that all parties are on the same page about pricing and payment before listing them formally in the SOW.
- Acceptance: There may be a section describing the acceptance criteria for deliverables — how acceptability will be measured and by whom. A statement of work also includes a section for signatures from all relevant parties, such as the customer and the contractor or agency providing the work. This section signifies that everyone involved has agreed to the SOW before moving forward with the work.
A statement of work may also include key assumptions that are not directly related to the scope of work and therefore need to be listed separately, along with any other special requirements that have to be documented, such as security restrictions, travel, or other requirements.
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Before you start any project, it is crucial to have a statement of work (SOW). It details every step of the process, from activities and deliverables to the timetable. Capture all that data in our free statement of work template for Word.
Once you’ve downloaded our free statement of work template and defined your activities, deliverables and timelines, add those elements to a project plan template in ProjectManager. Our free project plan template will help you deliver on your SOW, and has a pre-built Gantt chart, kanban board, dashboard and more to help you with your project. Plus, your team can collaborate online and report on progress along the way. Get started for free with ProjectManager and deliver a successful project.
Why Use a Statement of Work Template?
A statement of work or SOW, is a legally binding agreement between a client and a vendor, service provider or any party executing a project. It basically defines the scope of work, and the agreed-upon conditions before the project start.
Think of the statement of work as a bucket in which to collect all pertinent items in a project. It not only highlights every aspect of the project scope such as the activities, deliverables and milestones but also defines the timetable and acceptance criteria over which the project will run and be completed.
The statement of work is the granddaddy of project documents, as it is the first you’ll create. It will show your plan and how you will execute it. Yes, it has that much detail. The more details you fill out in our SOW template, the merrier your project will be.
The making of a statement of work can be a daunting task, which is why having a SOW template to outline the phases and tasks is so important. It gives you a net to make sure you capture everything that makes up the project scope. A SOW can change depending on the industry and the specific characteristics of a project. However, our free statement of work template can help you make your own SOW format.
The Importance of a Statement of Work in Project Management
The first and most obvious answer to why a statement of work is important is that it’s a detailed overview of the project that defines what’s agreed upon by the client and provider involved in a project. For you as a project manager, it’s like a map that shows you the landscape in which you’ll soon be working. One of the main benefits of a detailed SOW is that it minimizes the risk of scope creep.
This Microsoft Word SOW template is a great communicative tool that can be shared with everyone associated with the project so that they’re informed. This includes your team, of course, but also outside vendors who might be contracted to help with the work. A SOW is not the same as a project charter, which is primarily targeted to stakeholders.
The statement of work is also critical for the project leader. It is the framework on which that person can lead their project to a successful end. It can help resolve or even avoid conflicts between client and provider, as there is a master document in which everyone can look back at to discern the proper course of action.
As the project unfolds, pair your statement of work with project management software that the whole team can use to manage their work and stay in sync. ProjectManager has an interactive Gantt chart with planned costs, planned effort and real-time tracking once the project begins. To avoid conflict and miscommunication, customize your security settings so team members can work on their tasks without altering the project plan. Try it for yourself with a free 30-day trial.
How to Write a Statement of Work Template
When preparing a statement of work (SOW), you don’t want to rush yourself. Don’t procrastinate and wait until the last minute, either. Give yourself plenty of time to get your work together, so you can review it. Make sure that by the time it’s delivered, you’ve created the best possible SOW. You’re going to need it. Below are some useful tips to fill out your statement of work template.
Be Clear & Use a Checklist
Writing is communication, and your writing should be simple and direct for whoever is reading the statement of work. Avoid jargon and passive tense. Use verbs and short declarative sentences. They engage the reader and make what you write easier to comprehend.
You want to include everything pertinent in this statement of work template, so it’s a good idea to add a checklist. There’s a lot of information that a SOW covers, and leaving something out can cause problems later on in the project. You can also use a work breakdown structure in conjunction with this template to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Be Flexible and Anticipate Changes
Using a SOW template jumpstarts the progress, but remember not all statement of work documents are the same. They do, however, share many foundational parts. You can download several variations of your statement of work template to speak to the different projects your organization works on to save time.
It doesn’t hurt to anticipate changes that will occur in any project when you’re drafting your statement of work. Therefore, you can develop a change request form as you’re making the statement of work. Note the type of changes that are acceptable to stakeholders and the structure you’ll use to evaluate the cost and the time related to implementing them.
Recognize Stakeholders & How to Reach Them
Speaking of changes, you should have a list of stakeholders and people involved in the project who have the authority to approve those changes. There will be technical and legal issues, updates to the project and approval for all manner of activities. Having designated who can make those decisions beforehand means you’re going to run a more efficient project.
Finally, don’t forget to be explicit with details, such as scope, time, resources, effort, etc. If you can show what you’re talking about with imagery, do so. While it’s best to avoid jargon, sometimes you need to get technical. When you do, be sure to explain the terminology. Let others review your draft before submitting it.
What Should a Statement of Work Include?
As noted, a statement of work (SOW) is a very detailed document, and those details will vary depending on the type of project you’re running. However, most projects will share certain fundamental parts. Our Microsoft Word statement of work template includes all of these elements:
- Introduction: Start in more general terms by explaining what the project is, who is involved, who is leading the project, etc.
- Background: Include a little background on your project. Explain a little about the organization and its needs.
- Purpose: Explain the why of the project, beginning with a purpose statement and then answering questions such as: what are the deliverables, objectives, ROI, etc.?
- Scope of Work: The work that must be done, including what hardware and software will be needed to do it and the process used. Include outcomes, time involved and general steps that will be taken.
- Location: Now note the location where the work is done, whether at a central facility or if remotely, including what equipment and software will be used where.
- Schedule: This is a list of the deliverables focusing on their deadlines and the team member or vendor responsible for completing them, including all stages from kickoff to close.
- Deliverables: List the deliverables in detail and note when each is due.
- Milestones: Define the timeline from the start to the finish of the project, including all deadlines. Milestones are a good way to divide the project into more easily digestible parts.
- Tasks: Take the scope of work and break down those general steps into specific tasks. Be very detailed, but you can also paint more broadly by collecting those tasks in milestones and phases.
- Reporting and Communication Plan: Have a system in place to monitor and report on the progress of a project and a means to communicate it effectively to stakeholders and team members.
- Standards and Testing: If there are any standards to which the project must adhere, they are listed here. The same goes for any testing that is required and who will do it, what the process is and if any equipment or software will be required.
- Define Success: What does the successful completion of the project look like? This will be defined by the sponsor or stakeholders in the project.
- Requirements: Here is where you collect any equipment, degrees or certifications, travel time and other requirements for completing the project that has not already been listed.
- Payment: What are the payments related to the project, and how will they be delivered?
- Other: Anything that is not covered above, such as security issues, restrictions, post-project support, etc., is captured in this section.
- Closure: Note how the deliverables will be accepted, such as who will deliver, review and sign off on them—making sure all documents have been approved.
How to Use a Statement of Work Template
Begin by downloading the SOW template above. Then fill in the appropriate boxes to collect all the information about your project. If you need to add more rows, simply hit return outside the box. To add more columns, right-click on the box, select insert and choose where you want to place the extra column.
A SOW template can only take you so far when it comes to managing a successful project. While dynamic, it’s a standalone Word document that only outlines the work that will be completed. For better results, turn your SOW into a task list in excel and upload it into project management software. ProjectManager has seamless uploading of Microsoft Project, Excel and CSV documents, which are then populated into a new project, giving you access to an array of tools that help you manage more effectively.
Other Templates that Complement Your Statement of Work
Creating a statement of work is a big job. To make sure you do a thorough job, we have a slew of related project templates you can download. Check out our free Excel and Word templates page to give you a leg up on various aspects of project management, or just download the three we selected that can help you with your statement of work. You can use our statement of work example as a reference to create one that adjusts to your project.
RACI Matrix Template
To help define the scope of work and communication sections of your statement of work, use our RACI matrix template. RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted, informed, which means a RACI Matrix defines the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in the project. Knowing who is responsible for what is the first step in understanding the scope of the project.
Requirements Gathering Template
When defining the requirements section of your statement of work, this template is a life-saver. It is a place to collect every requirement associated with your project, including business, user and system requirements, and make them clearly understood to the stakeholder and user, including your team who has to follow these requirements.
Communications Plan Template
The communication plan is one of the pillars holding up any successful statement of work. It defines what your communication objectives are, who you’re communicating with and how, including the frequency of those communications. This template helps you gather the objectives, timeframes, tools and even a means to review its effectiveness.
Related Content
The statement of work document is, well, a lot of work. If you’re not ready to download our free statement of work template, that’s understandable. ProjectManager has your back. We have archived a vast library of training videos and published weekly blog posts on every aspect of project management. Here are some of the most relevant ones to help you with understanding more fully the statement of work.
- Statement of Work: Definition and Examples
- Defining Scope: Want vs. Need
- How to Turn a Statement of Work into a Project Plan
ProjectManager for All Your Project Needs
ProjectManager is online project management software that can help you control every aspect of the statement of work you’ve created for the project. It helps you plan, executes and monitor progress in real-time. From kanban boards to visualize workflow to online Gantt charts that help teams collaborate in real time, use ProjectManager for your next project. Try it free with this 30-day trial.
Want to impress your client with your new contract or be the best in a bid for an assignment? A professional looking and impressive Statement of Work is just for you. It doesn’t matter whether you already bagged a contract or are still in the process of wooing a big client; you have to create a great and convincing Statement of Work to further your business relations and get more contracts coming your way, as well as retain the ones that you already have.
The Microsoft Office portal has many Statement of Work templates, among countless numbers of business templates. However, this Free Statement of Work Template for Word that we are going to review in this post is one-of-a-kind. Part of the professionally eye-catching Red Design Set, the Free Statement of Work Template for Word includes appropriate instructions for how to complete all the information your clients will need for a project.
So What is a Statement of Work Anyway?
A Statement of Work, according to Wikipedia, “is a formal document that captures and defines the work activities, timeline and deliverables the vendor must execute in performance of specified work for a client. It usually includes detailed requirements and pricing, with standard regulatory and governance terms and conditions.”
The term itself or the definition may sound simple but not many vendors or suppliers have a hard time getting the Statement of Work right. The Free Statement of Work Template for Word is the instant answer to well-written and concise Statement of Work.
Create a Professional Document in a Snap
This Free Statement of Work Template for Word is a very useful and easy-to-use template. The Statement of Work Template already contains the information you need to fill out. This Word Template also contains tips on the type of content you need to put into the document.
This Free Statement of Work Template for Word contains spaces for the Company Name, Address and Logo as part of the Letterhead. It also contains the Date of the contract, Services Performed By, Services Performed For, Performance Period, Engagement Resources, Scope of Work, Deliverables, Contractor Responsibilities, etc. With the Word Template already ready and organized in a logical and detailed manner, you can be sure that everything about the project or contract is covered.
Impress your clients with this Free Statement of Work Template for Word and complement this document with other Word templates that are part of the Red Design Set by downloading them from the link given below.
Go to Download Free Statement of Work Template for Word
Statement Templates
No matter what business you’re in, the one constant throughout the life cycle of a project is work. There’s perpetually lots of work to make, have approved, file and at last archive. All of these documents are necessary, however, the Statement of Work (SoW) is one in every of the foremost necessary as a result of it’s created at the showtime of a project and descriptions everything that has to enter your project.
Table of Content
- How to Write a Statement of Work?
- 14+ Work Statement Templates in Google Docs | Word | Pages | PDF
- 1. Statement of Work Template
- 2. Free Statement of Work Template
- 3. Contractor Statement of Work
- 4. Sample Statement of Work Template
- 5. Statement of Work Example
- 6. Simple Statement of Work
- 7. Statement of Original Work
- 8. Agreement Statement of Work
- 9. Employer Work Statement Template
- 10. Performance Work Statement Template
- 11. Sample Performance Work Statement
- 12. Commissioning Statement of Work
- 13. Contractual Statement of Work
- 14. Information Statement of Work
- 15. Description Work Statement
- What Is a Reporting of Work?
- What are the Scopes of a Work Statement?
- What Is the Employment of a Statement of Work?
- Conclusion
How to Write a Statement of Work?
1. Intro: Begin with explaining what work is being done. Also, who is concerned with the project? State these parties. This may cause a standing supply, that cements costs for product or services purchased for the project, and a lot of formal contracts that go into larger detail.
2. What Is the aim of the Project: Begin with the massive question: Why are you initiating this project? What’s the aim of doing the project? Produce a purpose statement to guide off this section and supply a radical answer to those queries, like what are the deliverables, objectives and come back on investment.
3. Scope of Work: What work has to be exhausted with the project? Note it here, as well as what hardware and packages are necessary. What’s the method you’ll use to complete the work? This includes outcomes, time concerned and even general steps it’ll want to come through that.
4. Where can the Work Be Done: The team you use can get to work somewhere. The project may well be website-specific, at a central facility or some, if not all, the team members may work remotely. Either way here is whenever you wish to detail that and wherever the instrumentation and package used are placed.
5. Tasks: Take those general steps made by the various public within the scope of labor and break them down into a lot of elaborated tasks. Be specific and don’t jump over any action that’s needed of the project to provide its deliverables. If you wish to, break the tasks down into milestones or phases.
6. Milestones: Outline the number of your time that’s scheduled to complete the project, from the beginning date to the planned end date. Detail the billable hours per week and month, and no matter else relates to the planning of the project. Again, specificity counts. As an example, if there’s the exhilarating amount of billable hours for vendors and/or contracts, note it here.
14+ Work Statement Templates in Google Docs | Word | Pages | PDF
1. Statement of Work Template
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- Google Docs
- MS Word
- Pages
Size: A4 & US
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When you’re writing an announcement of labor, it will facilitate to use a guide because of all the varied aspects of the project that it should capture. Most templates can embody things like a wordbook of terms shaping what you’re referencing within the SoW. There’ll be an area for you to put in writing the statement of purpose, in addition to administration data.
2. Free Statement of Work Template
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- MS Word
- Pages
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There’s loads of knowledge to explain within the SoW. You’ll be able to produce this on your own if you wish, however, any life to form positive nothing is omitted can prove useful. You merely have one probability to make this document, and you wish it done right.
3. Contractor Statement of Work
utep.edu
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Size: 62.9 KB
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In terms of writing the proposal, you’ll need to be specific. You wish to clarify the terms accustomed to building them universally understood. Also, clearly outline who goes to try to what and by what time those tasks should be completed. Doing this avoids confusion later within the project once you can’t afford any miscommunications or disputes.
4. Sample Statement of Work Template
philosophy.rutgers.edu
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5. Statement of Work Example
sfwmd.gov
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6. Simple Statement of Work
nasa.gov
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Size: 103.6 KB
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7. Statement of Original Work
ahf.org
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Size: 25.3 KB
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8. Agreement Statement of Work
ornl.gov
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9. Employer Work Statement Template
alaska.gov
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Size: 39.3 KB
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10. Performance Work Statement Template
acq.osd.mil
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11. Sample Performance Work Statement
fda.gov
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12. Commissioning Statement of Work
clearcom.com
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13. Contractual Statement of Work
phe.gov
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Size: 83.2 KB
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14. Information Statement of Work
dgs.ca.gov
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Size: 342.2 KB
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15. Description Work Statement
tpgsi.com
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Size: 33.8 KB
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What Is a Reporting of Work?
The SoW is the document that captures and defines all aspects of your project. You’ll note the activities, deliverables and therefore the timetable for the project. It’s a very elaborated document because it can lay the groundwork for the project set up.
What are the Scopes of a Work Statement?
1. Deliverables: What are the deliverables of the project? List them and make a case for what’s due and once it’s due. Describe them thoroughly, like amount, size, color and no matter may well be relevant.
2. Schedule: Embody a close list of once the deliverables ought to get done, starting with that trafficker is electing to realize this goal, the kickoff, what the amount of performance is, the review stage, advancement, implementation, testing, shut of the project, etc.
3. Standards and Testing: If any business standards require to be adhered to, list those here. Also, if there’ll be testing of the merchandise, list who are concerned during this method, what instrumentation is required and alternative resources.
4. Payments: If the budget has been created, then you’ll be able to list the payments associated with the project, and the way they’ll be delivered, upfront, overtime or once completed. As an example, you’ll be able to pay once the completion of a milestone or on a set schedule, whichever is a lot of financially possible.
5. Other: There’ll be alternative elements of the project that don’t seem to be suited to the higher than classes, and this is often the place wherever you’ll be able to add them so everything is roofed. As an example, ar their security problems, restrictions around hardware or package, travel pay, post-project support, etc?
What Is the Employment of a Statement of Work?
As noted, the statement of labor or work could be elaborated in the summary of the project altogether its dimensions. It’s additionally some way to share what the project entails with people who are performing on the project, whether or not they are collaborating or are shrank to figure on the project.
It’s additionally useful to the project leader because it provides a structure on that the project set up will be engineered on. The statement of labor also will facilitate to avoid conflicts within the project. With detail and clarity, the SoW helps keep everybody that’s concerned within the project on an identical page and works to depart confusion to a minimum.
Conclusion
Using an effective project designing tools and henceforth preparing a worthy income statement and a radical and literate work statement of labor can set you up to with success leading a project over the destination on schedule and at intervals budget.
More in Statement Templates
What is a Scope of Work (SoW)?
A scope of work is a detailed agreement and plan of the services or deliverables that you are going to provide to a client. The scope of work, or sometimes called a statement of work, is a document that describes the work to be performed in detail. A statement of work form is signed by the client and the outside contractor. It clearly states timelines, any project milestones, payment terms, the number of revisions included, and deadlines that certain deliverables and services will be completed. It also defines what you will not be completing the project. It is one of the most important onboarding documents as it outlines project specifics. A solid statement of work form prevents work outside of your original scope so the project stays within its original budget and timeframe. A well-defined statement of work template will eliminate ambiguities so both you and your client are on the same page. This article will describe how to write an effective sow template doc, important elements to include, and the importance of using a sow template word doc with every project to be completed.
What should be included in Scope of Work?
The scope of work template will clearly define all the work involved and the deliverables to be completed. It should be an easy-to-read professional document with deadlines and task times explicitly stated. Ensure that the document is accurate and that the writing is specific and thorough. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a free statement of work template that you can customize to your niche and field for any project.
Project Introduction
Before you get into the project specifics, it’s important to start from the broadest information and then work your way down to the more specific details. After naming the project, the next section of the statement of work template is the background explanation of the project. This section briefly describes the type of work that the project entails and identifies both parties, the client and the outside contractor.
Project Overview
After the basics are covered, you’ll want to describe the primary goal of the project and address the end-results that the client and contractor are hoping to achieve.
Description of Services or Goods
The next section is called the description of services and describes the services to be completed. You’ll want to specify whether you are performing a service or completing something tangible.
Task list
In this section, you’ll want to break down the large scope of your project into smaller actionable steps. This section is important because it also gives out a timeframe for each particular step. Make sure these deadlines are realistic for you to reach. Tasks are not to be mistaken for deliverables, or quantifiable goods or services that will be completed at the end of a project. Tasks are specific actions that are completed in order to get to the end result of the project to complete the deliverables.
Deliverables
This section lists all project deliverables and a description of each. The project deliverables section of your statement of work template doc is where you list what exactly your client will receive at the end of the project.
Out of Scope
This is another important section because you will want to specify deliverables or tasks that will not be completed or provided at the end of the project. You’ll want to spell out what this project will not accomplish and what goals will not be met. This section is a great way to clear up miscommunication down the road. It also prevents additional tasks being added or the project being expanded, without additional time or budget being accounted for and keeps the project on track.
Payment Terms & Invoicing
For the Payment Terms and Invoicing Section, you’ll want to get as specific as possible and include estimated costs, delivery timeframes, and payment terms. How and when will payments be made? Will invoices be paid at the end of each task timeframe or deliverable, on a set schedule, or within a certain monthly or weekly timeframe? You’ll also want to address topics such as what will happen if deadlines get missed or if the scope of the work increases.
Period of Performance
This section estimates and describes how long the project is going to take and describes the important milestones of the project. Specify if the project has a specific end dates and estimate the completion of the project with a set timeframe.
Expected Outcomes
This section addresses the project outcomes you want to achieve for the client. For example, will the expected outcome be an increase in website traffic or a certain percentage in the increase of sales? What is the business objective in this project and how will it be measured and reported?
Project Management
Finally, this last section of the sow template download is where you can detail any missing information that is discussed between you and the client and get your agreements in writing. This is a catch-all section that goes over what the other sections might not cover, such as who will be signing off for deliverables, approving changes, confidentiality, and other requirements that need to be agreed upon. Define the terms you’re using in the scope of work template doc and any conditions or requirements that aren’t already made clear.
An effective sow template has clear language, is detailed, and with specific timeframes and tasks. A strong sow document will ensure everyone is on the same page about what needs to get done and leaves no room for miscommunication. An effective scope of work template will ensure you and your client have a clear idea of what a successful project looks like and details each step that you will take to get to the end result.
Download a FREE Scope of Work (SoW) Template in Word (doc)