AUS Scope WritERS [U]

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Overview: AUS School of Scope Writing

Purpose

The AUS School of Scope Writing is designed to train Acquisition Utilization Specialists (AUS) in the art and science of drafting clear, concise, and compliant Statements of Work (SOWs), Performance Work Statements (PWSs), and Statements of Objectives (SOOs). Scope writing is the foundation of every successful acquisition, and this program equips AUS professionals with the knowledge, tools, and hands-on practice needed to support the VA’s procurement mission with precision and accountability.

Why It Matters

Poorly written scopes cause cost overruns, performance failures, and delays in delivering critical services to veterans. The AUS School of Scope Writing addresses this challenge by ensuring that AUS personnel:

• Translate program requirements into procurement-ready scopes. 
• Use FAR and VAAR-compliant language to reduce protest risks. 
• Balance mission needs with market research and vendor capabilities. 
• Support contracting officers in achieving best-value outcomes for the VA.
   

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the key differences between SOWs, PWSs, and SOOs and when to use each. 
2. Apply FAR/VAAR requirements to scope writing. 
3. Conduct effective requirement-gathering sessions with program offices. 
4. Write performance-based scopes that include measurable outcomes and quality standards. 
5. Develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs) aligned with the scope. 
6. Develop legally sufficient FAR Justification to support the careline need for limited competition rational. . 
7. Avoid common pitfalls that lead to ambiguous requirements, disputes, or contract modifications. 
8. Collaborate effectively with contracting officers, CORs, and program staff.

Outcome

Graduates of the AUS School of Scope Writing will emerge as scope champions—capable of transforming program needs into acquisition-ready documents that streamline procurement, strengthen vendor accountability, and ultimately accelerate delivery of mission-critical services to veterans.