Chapter 2 RELATIONSHIP OF THE SOW TO THE SOLICITATION AND CONTRACT

Two types of solicitations are used in government contracting (other than simplified acquisition procedures). If the procurement is negotiated, an RFP is used. If the procurement is by sealed bidding, an invitation for bids (IFB) is used. Both use the same format, but the contents—primarily the solicitation provisions and contract clauses—are different. This is true of both the solicitation and the resulting contract.

During the solicitation process, contractors use the SOW to develop and price their proposals; the government then uses the SOW in evaluating the proposals. The SOW also serves as the basis for information in other sections of the solicitation document. After award, the SOW becomes the only basis for contractual performance. Thus, the SOW is a key document from initiation of the procurement process through completion and final closeout of the contract. Understanding the format and content of the solicitation and contract is therefore crucial to developing an effective SOW.