Can I use an SOW without an MSA?

This template refers to a governing agreement for legal terms like liability and IP. If there is none, sign a master services agreement or consulting agreement first, or add those terms to the SOW.

What makes a good scope of work?

Specific activities, named deliverables with dates, clear acceptance criteria, and an explicit out-of-scope list. Vague scope is the most common source of disputes.

How are deliverables accepted?

The client reviews each deliverable within a set period and either accepts it or explains in writing why it does not meet the SOW. A deliverable not rejected in time is treated as accepted.

Free template

Statement of work template

A statement of work describes one project in detail: what will be done, what will be delivered and when, how it will be accepted and how it will be paid for. It sits under a master services agreement or similar contract. Edit it in the browser and send it for signature from the same page; the free plan includes 5 sends a month and never asks for a card.

Start free with this template

When to use it

Kicking off a new project with a client you already have an MSA with.
Agreeing scope and milestones before a time-and-materials engagement starts.
Recording what is out of scope so change requests are easier to price.

What's in it

1.Project overview
2.Scope of services
3.Deliverables
4.Timeline
5.Acceptance
6.Fees and payment schedule
7.Assumptions and responsibilities
8.Contacts

Plus signature, name and date fields for customer and service provider.

The full template

The text you start from, exactly as it opens in the editor. Bracketed blanks are yours to fill in; highlighted fields are filled by each signer.

Statement of Work

This Statement of Work No. [number] (the “SOW”) is effective as of Date signed — Customer and is issued under the [Master Services Agreement / agreement name] dated [date] (the “Agreement”) between [Customer legal name] (the “Customer”) and [Service provider legal name] (the “Provider”). Terms not defined here have the meaning given in the Agreement.

1. Project overview

[Describe the project's goal and background in two or three sentences.]

2. Scope of services

The Provider will:

[Activity or service 1]
[Activity or service 2]
[Activity or service 3]

Out of scope: [list anything the parties agree is not included].

3. Deliverables

[Deliverable 1] — due [date]
[Deliverable 2] — due [date]
[Deliverable 3] — due [date]

4. Timeline

Work begins on [start date] and is expected to be complete by [end date].

5. Acceptance

The Customer will review each deliverable within [ten (10)] business days of delivery and either accept it or describe in writing how it fails to meet this SOW. The Provider will correct and resubmit. A deliverable not rejected within the review period is accepted.

6. Fees and payment schedule

Pricing model: [fixed fee / time and materials at $[rate] per hour, capped at $[amount]].

[Milestone or date]: $[amount]
[Milestone or date]: $[amount]

Payment terms follow the Agreement unless stated here.

7. Assumptions and responsibilities

[List what the Customer will provide (access, data, decision-makers) and any assumptions the schedule or fees depend on.]

8. Contacts

Customer project lead: [name, email]

Provider project lead: [name, email]

Signatures

Each party agrees to this SOW under the terms of the Agreement.

Customer

Signature: Signature — Customer

Name: Full name — Customer

Date: Date signed — Customer

Service provider

Signature: Signature — Service provider

Name: Full name — Service provider

Date: Date signed — Service provider

This template is a general-purpose starting point written in plain English for use in the United States. It is not legal advice and has not been reviewed for your situation; for anything high-stakes, have a lawyer review the final version.

How to send it for signature

Step 1
Start from the template
It opens as a document in the editor with both parties' signature, name and date fields already placed. Fill in the bracketed blanks and change any clause.
Step 2
Add who signs
Put an email address on each party, set the signing order if it matters, add an access code if you want one, and add a viewer for anyone who only needs to read it.
Step 3
Send it and track it
Each signer gets a link and signs in the browser, no account needed. You see who has opened and signed, and everyone gets the completed PDF with a certificate of completion.