Statement of Work (SOW) - 305

Determining the Need for an SOW

An SOW must be included for all goods and services transactions. A clear and concise SOW protects the state and the contractor by identifying and documenting the details of the work to be performed.

What to include in an SOW

An SOW is unique to each purchase document, but usually consists of some or all the following:

1. A detailed statement of the purpose, objective or goals to be undertaken by the contractor or supplier
   • An estimated time schedule for the provision of these services by the contractor. Hours the work is expected to be performed (business hours, after hours, etc.)
   • Completion criteria for the work to be performed
   • An identification of support and/or maintenance that will be provided and how frequently
   • Reference special provisions and applicable laws and regulations
2. An identification of all licensing and/or certification requirements
3. Labor requirements
   • The job classification or approximate skill level of the personnel to be made available by the contractor
   • The name or identification of the contractor personnel to be assigned.
   • The contractor’s work hours required to accomplish the purpose, objective, or goals
4. Material requirements
   • An identification of all significant material to be developed and delivered by the contractor to the state
   • Reference commodity specifications
   • Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) criteria
     • Packaging
     • Product take-back requirements
     • Post-Consumer Recycled Content (PCRC)
5. Delivery of Goods
   • Delivery schedules, description of when and where a product is to be delivered
   • Pallet requirements
   • State department delivery requirements for personnel, i.e. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
6. Acceptance Criteria
   • Inspection and acceptance requirements
   • Testing procedures and requirements to be performed prior to acceptance
   • Travel details for conducting pre-construction meetings, testing, or inspections (when applicable)
7.  Budget and Cost
   • The contractor’s billing/labor rates per work hour
   • Indicate rates for varying work hours/days (if applicable).
   • The cost per deliverable
   • Contractor’s total cost, including any applicable taxes
   • Inspection and testing to be performed prior to acceptance
   • Travel requirements for conducting pre-construction meetings, testing, and inspections