Statement of Objectives(SOO)
A performance-based document that states the government's objectives and desired outcomes, leaving offerors to propose the approach.
Overview
A Statement of Objectives (SOO) is a performance-based requirements document that describes the government's goals and objectives without prescribing how to achieve them. Offerors use the SOO to develop their Technical Approach or Statement of Work, proposing the methods and deliverables that will meet the objectives. The SOO supports innovation and contractor-driven solutions.
Why It Matters in GovCon
SOOs are common in performance-based acquisitions where the government wants offeror input on approach. Your proposed technical solution — derived from the SOO — becomes a key evaluation factor. Understanding how to map objectives to a compelling, compliant approach is essential. SOOs often accompany or replace traditional SOWs in PBA contracts.
Key Details
- Objective-Focused: States what the government wants accomplished, not how.
- Offeror Response: Contractors draft a Technical Approach or SOW that addresses each objective.
- Evaluation: The government evaluates how well the proposed approach meets the objectives.
- Flexibility: Allows offerors to propose innovative methods and creative solutions.
- PWS Alternative: SOOs are used in performance-based contracting; the contractor's response may become the PWS.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data's AI proposal tools help you analyze SOO objectives and structure technical approaches that clearly demonstrate how your solution achieves each objective.
Related Terms
- Performance Work Statement (PWS)
- Statement of Work (SOW)
- Performance-Based Acquisition (PBA)
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
A document that describes required contract outcomes and performance standards rather than prescribing how the work should be done.
A pre-solicitation document where the government seeks industry input on requirements, capabilities, and market conditions before issuing a formal solicitation.
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