A statement of requirements is the structured description of what is to be procured — the step before the scope of work.
Distinction. It answers which problem needs solving and why; the scope of work translates that into work packages.
What it covers. Background, target state, affected areas, timeframe, budget range, points of contact.
Why quality matters most. Vague requirements cause the biggest time losses in sourcing projects.
Capture formats. Free-text email, form, guided dialogue.
Synonyms: Requirements definition, Needs Statement, Bedarfsbeschreibung