Consulting SOW template: scope, deliverables, KPIs, governance, and exit criteria

What is a statement of work (SOW)?

A statement of work (SOW) documents what services or products will be provided, what the timeline is, and how completion and acceptance will be confirmed. It supports the contract by translating the deal into deliverables and checks that both sides can verify.

External references you can cite in procurement or legal reviews include PMI, Stanford Fingate, and Thomson Reuters.

Sources:
[S1]
[S2]
[S3]
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External:
PMI,
Stanford,
Thomson Reuters

If you want a SOW that aligns with delivery work, tie the SOW to the type of engagement you are running: strategy, performance improvement, or change management.

Statement of work vs. scope of work

A statement of work is the full delivery document: outcomes, deliverables, timeline, roles, governance, and commercial terms. A scope of work is usually one section inside it that defines what is included and excluded.

If you are searching for “consulting scope of work template Word” or “scope definition”, use the scope section below, but keep it attached to acceptance criteria and governance so it stays enforceable in day-to-day work.

Sources:
[S4]
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External:
Atlassian

How do you create a SOW document?

The simplest way to write a consulting SOW is to start from outcomes and work backward to deliverables, then add checks and a weekly cadence that proves progress. If you use time-and-materials, define governance and oversight clearly, since it can require closer monitoring.

1. Write 1 to 3 outcomes and name the business decision each outcome supports.
2. Define scope: in-scope, out-of-scope, assumptions, dependencies, and required client inputs.
3. List deliverables with acceptance criteria for each deliverable.
4. Add a KPI pack: definitions, calculation method, baseline, and reporting cadence.
5. Define governance: weekly meeting cadence, decision rights, issue log, escalation path.
6. Add change control: how scope changes are requested, estimated, approved, and priced.
7. Add exit criteria after Sprint 1: continue, rescope, or stop cleanly.

If you are also looking for a “business consultant template” or “work sample template”, the template section includes example deliverables, KPIs, and acceptance checks you can reuse.

Sources:
[S3]
[S5]
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External:
Stanford,
FAR 16.601

Consulting SOW template (copy/paste)

If you searched “statement of work template”, “SOW template”, or “SOW for consulting services”, you can copy the template below into Word or Google Docs. It is written to work as a consulting SOW template with scope, deliverables, KPIs, governance, and exit criteria.

CONSULTING STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW)

1) Parties and project title
- Client legal name:
- Service provider legal name:
- Project title:
- Effective date:
- SOW term (start and end dates):

2) Outcomes (what changes, and how we will know)
Outcome 1:
- Business decision supported:
- Measurement (how verified):
Outcome 2 (optional):
Outcome 3 (optional):

3) Scope definition
3.1 In-scope
- Workstream A:
- Workstream B:
- Workstream C:
3.2 Out-of-scope (explicit exclusions)
- Example: software build, procurement, legal drafting, broker services, audit opinion, ongoing operations ownership
3.3 Assumptions
- Assumption 1:
- Assumption 2:
3.4 Dependencies and required client inputs
- Data access:
- Stakeholder availability:
- Tools / systems access:
- Approvals required:

4) Deliverables list (with acceptance criteria)
Deliverable D1:
- Description:
- Format (doc, slides, spreadsheet, workshop output):
- Owner (provider / client):
- Due date:
- Acceptance criteria (objective checks):
  - Check 1:
  - Check 2:
  - Check 3:
Deliverable D2:
Deliverable D3:

5) KPI pack (exhibit A)
- KPI name:
- Definition:
- Calculation method:
- Baseline (if known):
- Target:
- Reporting cadence:
- Data source and owner:

6) Project governance (cadence and decision rights)
6.1 Weekly cadence
- Weekly working session (60 minutes): agenda, decisions, actions
- Weekly sponsor check-in (30 minutes): risks, decisions needed
6.2 Roles and responsibilities
- Executive sponsor:
- Day-to-day owner:
- Workstream leads:
- Approver(s) for scope changes:
6.3 Decision rights
- Decisions the provider can make without approval:
- Decisions requiring sponsor approval:
6.4 Issue log (single source of truth)
- Owner:
- Update cadence:
- Fields: date, issue, impact, options, recommendation, decision needed, due date, status

7) Change control (scope changes)
- How changes are requested:
- How impact is estimated (time, cost, schedule):
- Approval workflow:
- Pricing approach for change orders:

8) Commercial terms
- Pricing model (hourly, retainer, fixed fee, outcome-based, or hybrid):
- Rates or fee:
- Billing cadence:
- Expenses and travel:
- Payment terms:
- Not-to-exceed (if applicable):

9) Confidentiality and data handling
- Confidential information definition:
- Data access controls:
- Return or destruction of data:

10) Exit criteria and handover
- Exit option after Sprint 1 (continue / rescope / stop):
- Handover deliverables:
- Knowledge transfer session:
- Access removal steps:

11) Sign-off
Client name / title / date:
Provider name / title / date:
          

Slide 1: Outcomes and scope (in-scope and out-of-scope)
Slide 2: Deliverables list and acceptance criteria (top 5)
Slide 3: KPI pack (top 8 KPIs, owners, cadence)
Slide 4: Governance and decision rights (weekly cadence, escalation)
Slide 5: Timeline and risks (first sprint, major milestones)
Slide 6: Commercial terms (pricing model and assumptions)
Slide 7: Exit criteria after Sprint 1 and handover plan
          

If you want help tailoring the template to your engagement type, see strategy, performance improvement, and change management. For scoping help, contact us: contact.

Deliverables list, KPI pack, and acceptance criteria

A deliverables list is only useful if each item has acceptance criteria that can be checked quickly and consistently. Keep acceptance checks objective so a reviewer can verify completion without debate.

Consulting deliverables list (examples)

• Current state assessment: issues, causes, baseline metrics, and key constraints.
• Options paper: 3 options with trade-offs, costs, risks, and recommended choice.
• Delivery plan: milestones, owners, dependencies, and decision points.
• Operating cadence: weekly routines, meeting agendas, and escalation path.
• KPI pack: definitions, sources, baseline, targets, and reporting cadence.

KPI pack (table you can paste into exhibit A)

Consulting acceptance criteria (fast checklist)

• Objective: a reviewer can check pass or fail without debate.
• Format: named file format and location (doc, slides, spreadsheet).
• Completeness: required sections included (scope, assumptions, risks).
• Decision support: recommendation plus trade-offs and next steps.
• Sign-off: named approver and time window for review.

Sources:
[S1]
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External:
PMI

Project governance: cadence, roles, and issue log

Governance is the operating rhythm that turns deliverables into decisions. Define cadence, decision rights, and a single issue log so progress stays visible week to week.

Weekly cadence (minimum viable)

• Weekly working session (60 minutes): review deliverables, unblock issues, confirm next actions.
• Weekly sponsor check-in (30 minutes): decide on trade-offs, approve changes, remove obstacles.
• Single issue log: one list, one owner, one update cadence.

Issue log (copy/paste table)

What are the 7 C’s of consulting?

Use this as a SOW checklist.

• Clarity: outcomes and scope are written so a new reader can understand.
• Commerciality: pricing model matches delivery risk and scope certainty.
• Credibility: deliverables match the team’s skills and available time.
• Collaboration: client inputs and availability are written as dependencies.
• Cadence: weekly rhythm and reporting are defined.
• Control: change control and decision rights are clear.
• Closure: acceptance checks and exit criteria are explicit.

Sources:
[S3]
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External:
Stanford

Exit criteria and handover

Exit criteria protects both sides. After Sprint 1 you validate scope, data access, stakeholder availability, and delivery rhythm before committing to a longer phase.

Exit option after Sprint 1 (sample language)

After Sprint 1 (typically 2 to 3 weeks), client and provider will hold an exit review.
Possible outcomes:
1) Continue: confirm deliverables, timeline, and governance as written.
2) Rescope: adjust deliverables, KPIs, and pricing via a short change order.
3) Stop: close out with handover deliverables and a final invoice for work completed.
Handover deliverables include: current deliverables produced, KPI definitions, issue log, and recommendations with next steps.
          

If the engagement includes change enablement, make sure the SOW states who owns communications, training, and adoption tracking. For delivery support, see change management.

Sources

Citations are provided for definitional or regulatory claims. Access date uses Pacific Time.

1. S1PMI (Project Management Institute), “Statement of work: the foundation for delivering successful service projects” (PM Network, Oct 1998). Accessed 2025-12-22. https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/statement-work-delivering-successful-service-projects-4761
2. S2Thomson Reuters Legal, “What is a statement of work (SOW)?” (Nov 5, 2024). Accessed 2025-12-22. https://legal.thomsonreuters.com/blog/what-is-a-sow/
3. S3Stanford University Fingate, “Statement of Work (SOW)”. Accessed 2025-12-22. https://fingate.stanford.edu/purchasing-contracts/resource/statement-work-sow
4. S4Atlassian Work Management, “What is a Statement of Work (SOW)?” (section on statement of work vs. scope of work). Accessed 2025-12-22. https://www.atlassian.com/work-management/knowledge-sharing/documentation/what-is-statement-of-work
5. S5Acquisition.gov (FAR 16.601), “Time-and-materials contracts”. Accessed 2025-12-22. https://www.acquisition.gov/far/16.601