Capability Statement
A capability statement is a one-page marketing document that gives a government buyer a fast snapshot of your business: what you do, what makes you different, proof you can deliver, and how to find you. It’s the single most-requested document when introducing your firm to a contracting officer or responding to a [sources sought](/glossary/sources-sought) notice.
What to include
- Core competencies — a tight list of what you actually do, in the buyer’s language.
- Differentiators — why you over a competitor (certifications, clearances, specialized equipment, niche expertise).
- Past performance — a few relevant contracts or projects with measurable outcomes.
- Company data — your UEI, CAGE code, NAICS codes, set-aside certifications, and a point of contact.
Tailor it to the agency
A generic capability statement gets ignored. The strongest versions mirror the language of the specific agency or solicitation and lead with the past performance most relevant to that buyer’s need.
Keep it to one page, make it skimmable, and put your identifiers where a contracting officer can find them in two seconds. Then pair it with a tailored response whenever you reply to a sources sought or RFI.
Find the right opportunities to target your capability statement at — free.
Find your buyers →Frequently asked questions
How long should a capability statement be?
One page. A capability statement is meant to be skimmed in seconds by a busy contracting officer, so it should be concise, visual, and lead with your most relevant strengths and identifiers.
What identifiers go on a capability statement?
At minimum your UEI, CAGE code, primary and secondary NAICS codes, any set-aside certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB), and a clear point of contact.