[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 48, Volume 1]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 48CFR35.005]



[Page 726-727]

 

            TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM

 

                CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION

 

PART 35_RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTING--Table of Contents

 

Sec. 35.005  Work statement.



    (a) A clear and complete work statement concerning the area of 

exploration (for basic research) or the end objectives (for development 

and applied research) is essential. The work statement should allow 

contractors freedom to exercise innovation and creativity. Work 

statements must be individually tailored by technical and contracting 

personnel to attain the desired degree of flexibility for contractor 

creativity and the objectives of the R&D.

    (b) In basic research the emphasis is on achieving specified 

objectives and knowledge rather than on achieving predetermined end 

results prescribed in a statement of specific performance 

characteristics. This emphasis applies particularly during the early or 

conceptual phases of the R&D effort.

    (c) In reviewing work statements, contracting officers should ensure 

that language suitable for a level-of-effort approach, which requires 

the furnishing of technical effort and a report on the results, is not 

intermingled with language suitable for a task-completion approach, 

which often requires the development of a tangible end item designed to 

achieve specific performance characteristics. The wording of the work 

statement should also be consistent with the type and form of contract 

to be negotiated (see 16.207 and 16.306(d)). For example, the work 

statement for a cost-reimbursement contract promising the contractor's 

best efforts for a fixed term would be phrased differently than a work 

statement for a cost-reimbursement completion contract promising the 

contractor's best efforts for a defined task. Differences between work 

statements for fixed-price contracts and cost-reimbursement contracts 

should be even clearer.

    (d) In preparing work statements, technical and contracting 

personnel shall consider and, as appropriate, provide in the 

solicitation--

    (1) A statement of the area of exploration, tasks to be performed, 

and objectives of the research or development effort;

    (2) Background information helpful to a clear understanding of the 

objective or requirement (e.g., any known



[[Page 727]]



phenomena, techniques, methodology, or results of related work);

    (3) Information on factors such as personnel, environment, and 

interfaces that may constrain the results of the effort;

    (4) Reporting requirements and information on any additional items 

that the contractor is required to furnish (at specified intervals) as 

the work progresses;

    (5) The type and form of contract contemplated by the Government 

and, for level-of-effort work statements, an estimate of applicable 

professional and technical effort involved; and

    (6) Any other considerations peculiar to the work to be performed; 

for example, any design-to-cost requirements.