Offerors use the SOO to develop the PWS; however, the SOO does not become part of the contract. The SOO shall, at a minimum, include; Purpose Scope or mission Period and of performance Background Performance objectives, i.e., required results Any operating constraints A well-thought-out requirements description is essential for ensuring that the Government receives a supply or service that meets the established requirements. requirements descriptions state the Government’s required outcomes and provide criteria for measuring and verifying performance; they do not dictate the specific methods to be used to achieve those outcomes. It is essential to perform a thorough analysis so that appropriate, measurable performance standards (outputs) including appropriate quality levels, can be set forth in the solicitation. Tying contractor financial risk and compensation to successful achievement of these quality and performance standards increases the chances that the Government will receive supplies or services that fulfill its requirements. Stating requirements in a performance-based manner, rather than how the product should be manufactured or the service performed, allows for a greater field of offerors and solutions. This increases the possibility that solutions available in the commercial marketplace will emerge to fulfill mission requirements. When using performance-based strategies, contract requirements shall be stated in performance terms, limiting the use of military specifications and standards to Government-unique requirements only. Appendix C provides a list of additional resources for performance-based requirements descriptions.
Offerors use the SOO to develop the PWS; however, the SOO does not become part of the contract. The SOO shall, at a minimum, include; Purpose Scope or mission Period and of performance Background Performance objectives, i.e., required results Any operating constraints A well-thought-out requirements description is essential for ensuring that the Government receives a supply or service that meets the established requirements. requirements descriptions state the Government’s required outcomes and provide criteria for measuring and verifying performance; they do not dictate the specific methods to be used to achieve those outcomes. It is essential to perform a thorough analysis so that appropriate, measurable performance standards (outputs) including appropriate quality levels, can be set forth in the solicitation. Tying contractor financial risk and compensation to successful achievement of these quality and performance standards increases the chances that the Government will receive supplies or services that fulfill its requirements. Stating requirements in a performance-based manner, rather than how the product should be manufactured or the service performed, allows for a greater field of offerors and solutions. This increases the possibility that solutions available in the commercial marketplace will emerge to fulfill mission requirements. When using performance-based strategies, contract requirements shall be stated in performance terms, limiting the use of military specifications and standards to Government-unique requirements only. Appendix C provides a list of additional resources for performance-based requirements descriptions.
draftcihandbook08012011.docx