Statement of Work (SOW) FAQ

A SOW is a document that defines the specific work to be performed for a project. It includes scope, deliverables, milestones, timeline, acceptance criteria, and fees. SOWs are typically attached to an MSA or standalone services agreement.

Essential elements: project overview, detailed scope of work, specific deliverables with acceptance criteria, milestones and timeline, payment schedule tied to deliverables, assumptions, exclusions (what is NOT included), change order process, and key personnel.

Detailed enough that both parties clearly understand what will be delivered and when. Ambiguity leads to disputes. Define deliverables in measurable terms, include acceptance criteria, and explicitly list exclusions. For complex projects, include wireframes or specifications as appendices.