What is a capability statement — and what should it include?
A capability statement is a one-page summary of what a company does and how to contract with it. Contracting officers and prime contractors use it to decide in seconds whether to take the next step.
Why it matters
Buyers doing market research and primes building teams read many of them. A clear one-pager gets you onto a sources-sought list, into a teaming conversation, or into the stack for a small purchase.
What to include
- Company summary — who you are in two or three sentences.
- Core competencies — what you do, in the buyer’s language.
- Differentiators — why you, backed by facts.
- Past performance — relevant contracts, labeled accurately.
- Corporate data — UEI, CAGE code, NAICS codes, certifications, contract vehicles.
- Point of contact — name, email, phone.
Common mistakes
Listing certifications a company does not hold, presenting partner or employee experience as company past performance, and filling the page with buzzwords. Every claim on a capability statement can be checked — and buyers do check.
See an example
Our own capability statement follows this format and is available as a one-page PDF.
General information, not legal advice. Always check the clauses of the specific solicitation.
Quick answers.
Question not listed? Ask us directly — a person answers, not a chatbot.
One page. A second page is rarely read.
Yes, where possible. Lead with the competencies and NAICS codes that match the agency or opportunity.
