26 Free Scope of Work Templates & Examples (Word

There are too many details in the project that need to be analyzed to make sure there are enough people and materials to complete the job. Plus, you have to watch that cost overruns do not take place.

That is where the scope of work template comes in handy. It helps you develop a good road map to complete your project on time and under budget successfully. Keep reading to find out how to write one for your next major project.

What a Statement of Work (SOW) Is NOT?

The SOW is not a contract. It is a part of a contract that spells out all the details of the project, and both sides have to agree on those details before the contract is done. The SOW is flexible and negotiable, whereas the contract is binding and the final step in negotiations.

Also, the SOW is not a project charter, although many people do confuse the two. However, like the contract, the SOW is only one part of the project charter and does not have the spending authority as the latter document has. Then the SOW does not start the project, which is left to the project charter.

Scope of Work Templates and Examples

What Is a Scope of Work (SOW) Template?

It is the guideline to create the SOW. It is important to use a template as it makes sure all the details that are needed in the SOW are included. Those details need to be clear and not omitted as the project manager will refer to the SOW many times throughout the project’s life.

There are 9 guidelines that should be included in every template to make sure all the project’s details are included in the SOW:

• Introduction- contains details on who is involved, what kind of work will be done, and if it is a service or product that is being developed.
• Overview and objectives of the project- explains the project in a general fashion as well as state the objectives of the project
• Scope of work- listing all the details involved in the project
• Task list- helps bring outside teams up to speed on the project and their part in the process
• Project schedule- provides the start and end dates of the project
• Project deliverables- these are the expected completion dates for different tasks assigned
• Adoption plan- a plan of action so that both parties will see how the deliverables will be done
• Project management- covers all the bases and looks to include details on salaries, terms, reporting, and so on
• Acceptance & sign-off- this section gives the details on what you will accept and how it is to look when completed.

Importance of Scope of Work

The scope of work helps both parties to avoid certain unethical behaviors that are well known in the business world. There are three major concerns that need to be avoided, and the first is an SOW keeps confusion away. It also helps avoid miscommunication when confusion arises and keeps disputes to a minimum

The second major concern that makes the SOW very important is that it keeps expectations and needs very clear so that there are no misinterpretations. Finally, this document is important because it avoids selective amnesia on the part of both parties.

Selective amnesia tends to omit key details on what was said and the addition of expensive work redos.

Key Elements of a Scope of Work (SOW)

A better way to express this would be the must-haves of the SOW. These must-haves are elements that should be included in every SOW you write. It is not a good document if even one of these items is missing.

• All the details: if it is not listed, don’t assume the work will be done.
• Use images, diagrams, and similar options: a picture is worth 1000 words.
• Use definitions whenever possible: this will make sure there is no confusion and everyone understands what is being said.
• Create review spots: the SOW is not written in stone, nor can it always be done according to the schedule laid out. Include spots for reviews to help determine if changes need to be made.
• Define what success is: this makes it clear what you want to see done and that both parties understand that concept of success.

How to Write A Scope of Work (SOW)

• Begin writing at the beginning- even before you have an agreement and you are just making the pitch start asking the right questions.
• Create your introduction- this is where you put general overviews of the project, define the project, and state what work needs to be done.
• Write the vision- this statement includes the purpose for the project and creates goals to be achieved.
• List the project requirements- this list provides the main requirements.
• Define the scope- two questions to answer: who is within the scope & who is outside the scope?
• Set the deadline- this is estimated due to construction issues, but it should include time estimations, total cost estimates, and so on.
• Identify key resources- this involves finding the right people, their roles, the materials needed
• Create the schedule- this is the timeline for construction, deliverables, what milestones are to be achieved by a certain date.
• Schedule payments- lay out all terms for payments and due dates
• List special requirements- look for those details that should be included but haven’t been.

Tips for Writing a SOW

• Be brief but not too brief. You want the SOW to be the right length as a document that is too long wastes time trying to find specific instructions
• Start writing the SOW as soon as possible. This gives the document a chance to change as details are ironed out
• get help in writing. If you lack expertise in one area, ask someone who does have the knowledge to help you with the details
• Don’t be vague. Make sure your language is clear, easy to understand, and specific

Writing a good SOW may take some time to do, but in the long run, it saves you time as everyone knows what they need to do and what you want to be done. There is no confusion as everything is spelled out in detail.

The SOW is a nice road map to the successful completion of a project. Make sure it is clearly written like a road map, so no one gets lost along the way to the project’s destination.