Scope of Work

The Scope of Work (SOW) is a formal written document detailing the planned project, its objectives, tasks, deliverables (reports, data), methodology, timelines, and defined roles and expectations for each stakeholders (the university, the sponsor and project collaborators/subrecipient). Once the PI has selected an appropriate funding opportunity, the PI reviews Planning Considerations to Apply to develop a SOW. Most sponsors will require project details in their own format. 

The Office of Sponsored Projects (OSP) needs those leading the work to thoroughly describe the activity and purpose of the activity. The SOW assists OSP with understanding whether the activity is organized research, instruction or other sponsored activity versus service activity, and relevant compliance areas. OSP reviews and approves the SOW for consistency with university policies, sponsor guidelines and regulatory requirements.  The SOW provides information on project related commitment of institutional resources for review and approval prior to submission. The following list provides general information about a scope of work.

Resource

Key Components of the Scope of Work (in proposals)

• Research Plan/Objectives: Rationale, aims or goals, methodology, expected outcomes, and significance.
• Deliverables: Tangible items like reports, data sets, software, or prototypes.
• Milestones: Key project checkpoints and deadlines.
• Timeline & Budget: General plan and resource allocation.
• Compliance: Addresses human subjects, animal use, export control, etc., as required.

OSP's Role with the SOW

• Pre-Award: Helps to understand overall project activities, potential conflicts of interest, performance location(s), identification of personnel and collaborators as well as compliance areas (as applicable): human subject involvement, use of animals, use of radioactive/biohazardous materials, export control activities, data management, or controlled unclassified information (CUI).
• Post-Award: Manages award setup, monitors project activities against the SOW, handles amendments, and ensures reporting.

Why It's Important

• Protects the University: Prevents unauthorized commitments by faculty/staff and ensures legal/financial risks are managed.
• Ensures Funding: Correctly defines the project so sponsors can evaluate it and funds can be released.
• Maintains Consistency: Aligns research activities with university policies and sponsor requirements.

Resources

• OVPR Research Enhancement Unit: Research Enhancement Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any sponsor-specific salary restrictions or limitations?

Some sponsors will provide guidance on salary restrictions or limitations. Sponsors guidelines limiting compensation paid on the award must be considered in budgeting, including:

• HHS executive level salary limitation, updated annually
• Other sponsor-specific salary cap per funding opportunity announcement (FOA) and other sponsor guidelines 

Support

• For research support team (RST) contact information, click here.
• For pre-award assistance from OSP, email osp_pre-awardgwu [dot] edu (osp_pre-award[at]gwu[dot]edu).
• For assistance with myResearch, submit an Ask OVPR ticket.