How To Write a Performance Work Statement (PWS)

1. For Official Use Only How To Write a Performance Work Statement(PWS) Paula Ireland & Chuck Beatty NGA Acquisition Center (NAC) 26 Jan 05 For Official Use Only

2. Intro - Performance-Based Contracting • Structure all aspects of the acquisition around the purpose of the work • Set forth contract requirements in clear, specific, and objective terms with measurable outcomes • Stay away from: • Specifying manner by which the work should be performed • Broad and imprecise statements of work

3. Intro - Performance-Based Contracting • Describe requirements in terms of results required • Service result = change in state of affairs = condition you want to exist after the contractor has done the work • Use measurable performance standards • Quality, timeliness, quantity, etc. • Deducts - Specify procedures for reductions of fee or reductions price of FP contract when services are not performed or do not meet contract requirements • Incentives – Use where appropriate, when they offer significant advantages

4. Service Object Initial State Service Object Final State Service Process (Tasks) Important Term Service Object – The thing that the contractor works on • A system, an individual thing, a person (e.g., student), an organization, a process, or information Student knows nothing about PBC Teach student about PBC Student gains new knowledge of PBC System is not functioning properly Repair the system System functions as it should

5. Developing a Performance Work Statement – 10 Steps • Identify the object(s) you want the contractor to change • State what you want the contractor to do to the object(s) • Analyze each service object to identify the object parts that require separate treatment (NO VERBS) • Develop performance standards • Write and organize the list of service tasks • Write the performance requirements summary • Write the other sections of the work statement (Scope, References, Deliverables) • Prepare a table of contents, if PWS is more than 10 pages • Prepare document cover, if PWS is attachment to contract • Publish the PWS the challenge !

6. What are the parts of this? Does it need to be treated separately? OBJECT OBJECT What are the parts of these? Do they need to be treated separately? PART B PART A At each level of breakdown the parts must be mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive of the next higher level. Furthermore, there must be no overlap among the parts at a particular level and nothing must be left out Step 3 – Work Breakdown AnalysisThe Most Important Step

7. Product of Step 3 – Work Breakdown Structure or WBS The WBS is the underlying framework of a PWS

8. For Official Use Only Result of Work Breakdown Analysis For Official Use Only

9. Step 4 – Develop Performance StandardsThe Most Difficult Step! • Performance standard = (Attribute of the service object that you want the contractor to change) + (a specific attribute description or measurement) • Floors must be free of all visible dirt and refuse • Each wastebasket must contain a clean plastic liner and be empty of refuse • 90% of all incoming calls must be answered within three rings Develop a performance standard for each element at the lowest of work breakdown

10. Step 4 – Develop Performance Standards • For each of the WBS’ lowest level elements, begin the performance standard with: “The performance standard is met when . . .” • Then continue the standard with one or more of the following methods of evaluation: -What you SEE, SMELL, HEAR, TASTE or FEEL is the determinant of acceptability [Maintain Objectivity of Evaluation Standards!]

11. Step 5 – Write the List of Tasks • Each task statement begins with a verb and says: Do this to this . . . • Two parts: • Verb describing what the contractor must do. • Noun phrase describing the service object ENSURE THAT YOU CAN EXPLAIN WHAT THE VERB MEANS AND NEVER INCLUDE MORE THAN ONE VERB IN A TASK STATEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12. Step 6 – Write the Performance Requirements Summary