This is really a pretty good question. And is quite often overlooked.
A statement of work or SOW is another document that is typically added to e-negotiation events in order to bring clarity to what is included in a bid. In essence the document lists the work activities to be agreed upon, the deliverables and a timeframe in which a supplier will be expected to perform against. The SOW requires agreement as do other documents prior to a supplier being allowed to place bids.
Some of the areas that are normally included in a Statement of work might include but are certainly not limited to the following.
1. The actual scope of work to be completed
2. The time period in which it is to be performed
3. The location of work.
4. A list of the detailed deliverables
5. A Schedule of all deliverables
6. A standards adherence document.
7. Acceptance criteria
8. Other requirements.
9. Change of control documents
10. Price change requests
Make sure that when you are running e-negotiation events that you make sure that all of the above information is considered and captured before you approve of an event being passed on for suppliers to review. Make sure that you consult your internal subject matter expert and don’t just head off on your own. If you don’t have one, ask your e-procurement solutions provider if they can help.
We look forward to and appreciate your comments.
