How to Write a Capability Statement (2026)
To write a capability statement, put four things on one page: your core competencies (what you do), your differentiators (why you), your past performance (proof), and your company data (UEI, CAGE, NAICS, certifications, and a contact). Keep it skimmable and tailor it to the specific agency you’re sending it to.
- 1
Gather your company data
Collect your UEI, CAGE code, primary and secondary NAICS codes, any set-aside certifications, and a single point of contact. Buyers look for these immediately.
- 2
Write your core competencies
List — tightly — what you actually do, in the buyer’s language, not internal jargon. Three to six bullet points beats a paragraph.
- 3
State your differentiators
Say why you over a competitor: certifications, clearances, specialized equipment, niche expertise, or a track record on similar work.
- 4
Add relevant past performance
Include a few of your most relevant contracts or projects, each with a measurable outcome. Relevance to the target agency matters more than quantity.
- 5
Design it as one skimmable page
Lay it out so a busy contracting officer can scan it in seconds — clear sections, your identifiers easy to find, your logo and contact visible.
- 6
Tailor it to each agency
A generic statement gets ignored. Mirror the language of the specific agency or solicitation and lead with the past performance most relevant to that buyer.
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Find your buyers →Frequently asked questions
How long should a capability statement be?
One page. It’s a fast-scan marketing document for a busy contracting officer, so keep it concise and visual, leading with your most relevant strengths and your identifiers.
What identifiers must I include?
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.