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01Procurement Process

What is a SOW (Statement of Work)?

Also known as: Statement of Work

By the GovPrimer teamUpdated January 1, 2026
Definition

A Statement of Work (SOW) is the part of a solicitation that defines the specific tasks, deliverables, and requirements a contractor must perform. Unlike a performance-based PWS, a traditional SOW prescribes how the work is to be done.

01Section

What a SOW typically contains

  • Scope and background of the requirement.
  • Specific tasks and how they are to be performed.
  • Deliverables, schedules, and acceptance criteria.
  • Applicable standards, security, and reporting requirements.
01Questions

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between an SOW and a PWS?

An SOW prescribes the tasks and methods (how to do the work); a PWS specifies the outcomes and performance standards (what results to achieve) and leaves the method to the contractor.

02Related terms
PWS (Performance Work Statement)SOO (Statement of Objectives)RFP (Request for Proposal)Period of Performance
01Keep exploring
PWS (Performance Work Statement)SOO (Statement of Objectives)RFP (Request for Proposal)Period of PerformanceHow to Make a Bid/No-Bid DecisionBrowse the full govcon glossary
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