Statement of Work

• Complete: Completely defines the buyer's need to be satisfied
• Consistent: Requirements do not conflict with each other
• Correct: All requirements are known to be achievable
• Clear: There is only one semantic interpretation
• Traceable: there is a trail to the driving requirement's need
• Modifiable: Any necessary change can be made completely and consistently
• Verifiable: It is technically possible to prove the requirements have been satisfied
• Implementation free: Free of design decisions, unless they are mandated constraints

A Statement of Work should include the following:

Introduction & Background

• References the original agreement containing legal terms and conditions.

Objectives

• Provides well-defined statement of the results to be achieved in order for the work to be accomplished.
• Identifies quantifiable criteria that must be met for the work to be acceptable and accepted.

Scope of Work

• States briefly what the scope of work does and does not cover
• Includes:
  -an outline of the extent of work
  -brief overview of the steps of the project
  -brief description of the methodology used 
  -description of the location of the work or where work will be performed
  -price breakdown

• List requirements/needs.
• Describe all work elements.
• Avoid using indefinite terms.
• Describe pertinent previous efforts.
• Describe known risks.
• Describe tasks in sequence.
• Define reporting requirements.
• Describe schedules.
• May be a requirement for a final report.
• Describe work products.
• Describe special considerations.
• Describe need for formal meetings.
• Describe any technical data requirements.
• Describe the criteria for determining whether the requirements have been met.
• Describe the type of deliverables and what a deliverable is.