35.005
Work statement
Clear, tailored work statements that align with contract type and R&D objectives are essential for fostering innovation and ensuring contract success.
Overview
FAR 35.005 outlines the requirements for preparing work statements in research and development (R&D) contracts. The regulation emphasizes the importance of crafting clear, complete, and flexible work statements that encourage contractor innovation, particularly in basic research and development efforts. It distinguishes between level-of-effort and task-completion approaches and requires that work statements be tailored to the specific contract type and objectives. The section also provides a checklist of elements that should be considered and included in solicitations, such as the area of exploration, background information, constraints, reporting requirements, contract type, and any unique considerations relevant to the work.
Key Rules
- Clarity and Flexibility in Work Statements
- Work statements must be clear, complete, and tailored to allow contractor creativity and innovation, especially in basic research.
- Appropriate Emphasis for Basic Research
- Focus on achieving objectives and knowledge rather than specific end results, particularly in early R&D phases.
- Consistency with Contract Type
- Ensure work statement language matches the contract approach (level-of-effort vs. task-completion) and is consistent with the contract type (fixed-price or cost-reimbursement).
- Required Elements in Solicitations
- Include area of exploration, background, constraints, reporting requirements, contract type, and any special considerations in the solicitation.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure work statements are clear, tailored, and consistent with contract type; review for proper language; include all required elements in solicitations.
- Contractors: Respond to solicitations with an understanding of the work statement's flexibility and requirements; provide required reports and deliverables.
- Agencies: Oversee the preparation and review of work statements to ensure compliance and support R&D objectives.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures R&D contracts are structured to foster innovation while maintaining clarity and alignment with contract objectives. Poorly crafted work statements can lead to misunderstandings, performance issues, or contract disputes. Careful attention to the type of contract and the nature of the work is essential for successful R&D contracting.