XL EagleSOW (Statement of Work)
SOW stands for Statement of Work. A Statement of Work, or SOW, describes the work the government wants done. A traditional SOW often spells out how to do the work: which tasks, how often, with what materials, to what standard.
In a federal contract the SOW is usually in Section C or attached as an exhibit. It sits alongside other pieces such as the pricing schedule, the wage determination and any drawings.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Your price lives or dies on how well you read the SOW. Count everything: square footage, frequencies, after-hours work, materials you must supply, reports you must file. Anything you miss in the SOW comes out of your profit later.
Example
A SOW for a parking lot sweeping contract says sweep three lots twice weekly, pressure wash the main entrance monthly, and report damaged curbs within 24 hours. The contractor builds its price around those three tasks and the reporting time.
SOW: common questions
What is the difference between a SOW and a PWS?
A SOW often tells you how to do the work. A PWS tells you the results the government wants and how they will be measured, and leaves more of the how to you.
Can I ask questions about the SOW?
Yes. Submit questions in writing before the questions deadline. The answers are usually posted to everyone in an amendment.
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