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A statement of work (SOW) is the cornerstone of an agreement. It defines the scope of work required and the time in which it’s to be performed. It sets expectations, deliverables, what’s acceptable, the price and the pricing schedule.

Failure to properly execute a statement of work is often the reason parties end up in a dispute.

Experts say a key to writing a SOW is knowing what to include. A good one should include:

  • Major deliverables and when they’re expected.
  • The tasks that support the deliverables, as well as which side — the hiring company or the service provider — will perform those tasks.
  • The project’s governance process, along with how often governing committees will meet.
  • What resources are required for the project, what facilities will be used and whose equipment will be needed, as well as testing requirements.
  • Who will pay which costs and when.

Another key is to define success. A statement of work should clarify for all parties what constitutes success or failure. Many feel that it’s imperative to adequately describe what the work is and the criteria of how both parties will agree that something is successfully completed.

Another key includes writing the SOW before beginning work and know the correct format. The SOW is usually created after the core contract negotiations are completed but before any work on a project begins. Sometimes, however negotiations may continue after the work has begun and the SOW is not finalized until the project is well underway.

Regarding formats, research what is required. There is not a single standard SOW as different industries and projects have different deliverables and workflow. It’s sometimes said a good SOW is a customized SOW.

But probably most importantly, get the SOW right the first time. While the original SOW itself usually is not revised, a separate side agreement called a Change Order typically is used to modify the SOW’s terms. It is a good idea to include a blank Change Order form with the SOW. Keep in mind, Change Orders can increase the project’s cost.

A well-written SOW can help to reduce the need for a Change Order. No client wants to be in a position where his or her specific expectations are left undocumented, which can lead to delays, an increase in total cost, or dissatisfaction.

Statement Of Work Writing Training

Tonex offers a 2-day Statement Of Work (SOW) Writing Training course that provides participants with concepts, tools, approaches, and configuration of Statement of Work (SOW).

Who Should Attend

Professionals from a variety of fields can benefit from the SOW training course. This includes:

  • Federal employees
  • Contractors
  • PMP-certified project managers
  • IT project managers
  • Project coordinators
  • Project analysts
  • Project leaders
  • Senior project managers
  • Team leaders
  • Product managers
  • Program managers
  • Project sponsors
  • Project team members
  • All individuals who need to write a SOW

Why Tonex?

–Course agenda can be tailored to fit the needs of your organization.

–Reasonably priced classes taught by the best trainers is the reason all kinds of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to government’s most important agencies return for updates in courses and hands-on workshops.

–Ratings tabulated from student feedback post-course evaluations show an amazing 98 percent satisfaction score.

Contact us for more information, questions, comments.

 

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