Performance Work Statement (PWS)
An outcome-based work statement measured by performance standards.
Definition
A PWS describes required results and the measurable standards used to judge them, leaving the method to the contractor. It is the core of performance-based acquisition and is normally paired with a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.
Why it matters
A PWS gives you room to differentiate on approach — the win comes from proposing a smarter method that still meets every metric.
Example
PWS requires 99.5% system availability rather than a specified staffing level.
Related terms
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