What is a Statement of Work (SOW) primarily used for?

The Statement of Work (SOW) is primarily utilized to define expectations for a business arrangement. It serves as a detailed description of the specific tasks, deliverables, timelines, and objectives of a project or engagement between a client and a service provider. By establishing clarity in the scope of work, the SOW aims to ensure that all parties have a mutual understanding of their responsibilities and the expected outcomes. This document is crucial for aligning stakeholder expectations and provides a foundation for managing the project's progress and success.

The other options do not capture the primary purpose of a SOW. While a SOW may include elements related to performance metrics, it is not primarily a contract for those metrics. It also does not serve as a legal document granting authorization for penetration testing, as that would fall under a different type of agreement often called a "permission letter" or "authorization letter." Lastly, while automation tools may aid in the information gathering process, the SOW does not function as a tool for that purpose; rather, it is a guideline for what needs to be accomplished contractually.