How to Write Scopes of Work

A scope of work outlines the work that will be performed under your contract.

Scope of work, also called a "statement of work" or "SOW," is the "chronological division of work to be performed under a contract or subcontract in the completion of a project," according to BusinessDictionary.com. A scope of work should be clear and concise. It should lay out the specific details of the project, and should outline the requirements necessary for achieving your project objectives. A scope of work is not easy to write, but spending the time to create a good SOW can help set you up for a successful project.

Instructions

1. Develop an outline for your scope of work before you attempt to write the actual document. Create an outline that includes your objectives, or what you hope to accomplish; background information about your project; tasks that will help you accomplish your objectives; milestones and timelines for the project; roles and responsibilities; project deliverables; data requirements, and estimated labor hours.

2. Once you've created your outline, start writing the actual scope of work document. Begin with an introduction. Provide a general description of the project, and discuss the reason why you're pursuing the project. Include any constraints or issues you foresee happening.

3. Write the scope section, which describes what you hope to accomplish out of the project. Start by stating your overall goal for the project, then include several objectives for helping you accomplish that goal. Include your estimated time to completion for each of your objectives.

4. Include a references section. All sources and documents you cite in the scope of work are included in this section. Reputable references add a level of credibility to your scope of work document.

5. Write the requirements section. This section is intended to communicate the requirements that you need to make the project successful. Outline specific tasks and deliverables you will produce at the end of the project, and clearly state the requirements needed from both parties for each task and deliverable.

6. Write the compliance section. This section outlines the means to determine that you and the other party are doing your jobs properly throughout the project. For example, you could state in the SOW that you plan to use weekly progress reports to ensure everyone stays on task during the course of the project.

7. Write the delivery section, which describes how you will deliver the end results of the project. State the number of each deliverable you will provide, the person or persons you will provide the deliverables to and how you will deliver these to the intended audience.

References

• Business Dictionary: Scope of Work
• University of California Santa Cruz: Scope of Work Guide
• IBS Advisors: How to Write a Scope of Work

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish