what is a sow from kumarfield's blog

The SOW as a whole is a planning tool that allows project managers to develop performance-based work relationships with vendors because all aspects of performance and subsequent assessment are laid out upfront.

It can be a standalone process OR written in conjunction with an RFP, or request for proposal, asking the freelancer to respond with a proposal.

What is a Statement of Work Used for?

So, to be more detailed, a statement of work is used by project managers to give a wide description of all the work that needs to be done. They list off all the key expectations, so contractors know what’s expected of them. It’s almost like giving an artist a blank canvas - they need directions to know what to do and how to do it. Without any, you wouldn’t get the picture that you desired. The same goes for a statement of work; with it, the project is effectively a guessing game for the contractor.

In general, the SOW is basically a tool to help bring together project managers and freelance contractors. It gets everyone on the same page before any production begins. This way, managers share their goals and objectives, and the freelancers understand what they have to do. The scope of work comes as part of the statement of work; it takes things into more detail and brings more narrow definitions of what’s required. So, when the project gets underway, there should be no issues with contractors not following the right plan or doing all the correct tasks!

what is a sow

‍What’s the Purpose Of an SOW?

In real terms, having a comprehensive SOW allows vendors, contractors, employees, and freelance workers to understand a project’s requirements and parameters before work starts combining all these makes a project charter. Project managers will see that work is more efficient, project evaluations and negotiations are kept to a minimum, and project changes are less frequent.

‍Having a written plan of action that includes all parameters of a project keeps costly time delays and legal disputes down for both sides and prevent costly Scope Creep.