Statement of Requirements (SOR)

What is a Statement of Requirements (SOR)?

A Statement of Requirements (SOR) — also known as a Scope of Work, Specification, or Statement of Work — is the core document within a tender package that describes what the government agency needs. It defines the deliverables, standards, timelines, and performance measures that the successful supplier must meet.

What Does an SOR Typically Include?

A well-structured SOR covers:

• Background and context — why the agency needs the goods or services
• Scope of work — a detailed description of what must be delivered
• Technical specifications — standards, tolerances, or system requirements
• Performance measures — KPIs, service levels, or acceptance criteria
• Deliverables and milestones — what must be delivered and by when
• Reporting requirements — progress reports, status meetings, governance
• Transition and handover — requirements for starting and ending the engagement

Prescriptive vs Outcome-Based SORs

SORs fall on a spectrum:

• Prescriptive SORs specify exactly how the work must be done — common in RFTs for well-understood requirements
• Outcome-based SORs describe the desired result and leave the method to the supplier — common in RFPs for complex or innovative work

Why the SOR Matters

The SOR is the foundation of the entire procurement. Evaluation Criteria are assessed against it, the Conditions of Contract reference it, and the successful supplier is contractually bound to deliver against it. A misunderstood SOR leads to non-compliant responses.

Tips for Tenderers

• Read the SOR multiple times — it is the single most important document in the tender package.
• Address every requirement — create a compliance matrix mapping your response to each SOR item.
• Ask clarification questions — if any requirement is ambiguous, use the Q&A period to get clarity.
• Do not over-promise — commit only to what you can deliver against the stated requirements.