What is a "Performance Work Statement" (PWS)?

A "Performance Work Statement" (PWS) is fundamentally a description of the required outcomes or results of a contract. It is geared toward specifying the results that the government seeks to achieve, rather than detailing how to perform the work, which sets it apart from other contract documentation. The purpose of a PWS is to focus on the objectives of the contract and to ensure that the contractor understands the expected deliverables and outcomes.

In the context of federal contracting, a well-written PWS serves as a foundation for the entire contract, influencing performance metrics and providing a basis for evaluating contractor proposals. The PWS clearly delineates what success looks like, ensuring that all parties have a mutual understanding of the desired end results.

This outcome-based approach allows for flexibility in how the contractor achieves those results, promoting innovation and efficiency. It also aligns with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), which emphasizes performance-based contracting principles, where the focus is on the end results rather than the methods of achieving them.