ClauseryWhat to include in a statement of work (SOW)
A statement of work describes one project under a master agreement. It is where most project disputes start, usually because something was vague. These sections prevent that.
1. Reference to the master agreement
Name the master services or consulting agreement the SOW sits under, and say which document wins if they conflict. Legal terms such as liability and intellectual property belong in the master agreement, not in each SOW.
2. Scope and objectives
What the project is for, and what is out of scope. An explicit "out of scope" list is the cheapest protection against scope creep.
3. Deliverables
Each deliverable with a description specific enough to test: "a responsive five-page website with a contact form", not "a website". Add a due date for each.
4. Timeline and milestones
Key dates, and which ones depend on the client providing content, access or feedback.
5. Fees and payment
Fixed price with a payment schedule tied to milestones, or time and materials with rates and an estimate or cap. Include expenses and payment terms.
6. Assumptions and client responsibilities
What the price assumes: number of revision rounds, access to systems, response times for feedback. When an assumption proves wrong, it becomes the basis for a change request.
7. Acceptance
How deliverables are reviewed, how long the client has, and what happens if they do not respond. "Deemed accepted after ten business days" avoids projects that never formally finish.
8. Change control
How changes are requested, priced and approved in writing. See the amendment clause.
Write SOWs in minutes
The free statement of work template lists any number of deliverables with due dates, switches between fixed price and time and materials, and includes assumptions and acceptance. Answer the questions in Clausery and download a finished Word SOW. For the master terms, start with the service agreement or consulting agreement.
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