Scope of work

A Scope of Work (SOW) is a plan for conducting an evaluation which outlines the work that is to be performed by the evaluation team.

It contains references to milestones, reports and deliverables and should include a timeline for deliverables and end products. 

"A good SOW usually

• identifies the activity, results package, or strategy to be evaluated
• provides a brief background on implementation
• identifies existing performance information sources
• states the purpose, audience and use of the evaluation
• clarifies the evaluation questions
• identifies the evaluation method to answer the questions
• discusses evaluation team composition and participation of customers and partners
• covers procedures such as schedule and logistics
• clarifies requirements for reporting and dissemination
• includes a budget"

(USAID, 1996)