XL EaglePWS (Performance Work Statement)
PWS stands for Performance Work Statement. A Performance Work Statement, or PWS, describes the work in terms of required results and measurable performance standards. Instead of telling you to mop every floor nightly, a PWS might say floors must be free of visible dirt and spills, with a set acceptable quality level.
A PWS is the core of performance-based contracting. It usually comes with a performance requirements summary and a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan that explains how the government will check your work.
Why it matters to a small contractor
A PWS gives you room to use your own methods, which is good news for experienced trades who know a faster or smarter way to do the job. It also means you are judged on outcomes, so price enough staff and supervision to actually hit the standards every time.
Example
A PWS for base custodial services says restrooms must be clean and stocked with no more than two valid customer complaints per month. The contractor decides how often to clean based on traffic, rather than following a fixed schedule.
PWS: common questions
Who writes the PWS?
Usually the government. When the government issues a Statement of Objectives instead, offerors may be asked to write their own PWS as part of the proposal.
What happens if I miss a PWS standard?
The QASP and contract clauses describe the remedy, which can include re-performing the work, corrective action reports, deductions or poor past performance ratings.
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