How to write a capability statement
A capability statement is your company's one-page resume for government buyers. Contracting officers and prime contractors ask for it, and some bids want it attached to your quote.
What goes on it, top to bottom
- Company name, logo and a one-line summary. "Licensed low-voltage and locksmith contractor serving South Florida since 2012."
- Core competencies. 4 to 6 bullets of what you actually do: "Access control installation and service", "CCTV design and install", "Master key systems".
- Past performance. 2 to 4 jobs with who it was for, what you did and the size. Commercial and state or local jobs count when you're new to federal work.
- Differentiators. What makes you the safe pick: response time, licenses, certified techs, bonding capacity, a local shop near the base.
- Company data. UEI, CAGE code, NAICS codes, any SBA certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB), and whether you take the government purchase card.
- Contact. Name, phone, email and website. Make it easy to call you.
Keep it simple
One page, front only. Plain fonts, your logo, a little color. Save it as a PDF named with your company name. Update the past performance every time you finish a good job.
Leave off long mission statements, every NAICS code you ever saw, and stock photos of handshakes. Buyers skim it in under a minute: lead with what you do and where.
Where to use it
Attach it when a bid asks for "capabilities" or "past performance", answer "sources sought" notices with it (that's how agencies decide whether to set a job aside for small business), and send it to the small business specialist at the bases and agencies near you.
Your UEI and CAGE come from your SAM.gov registration. Not registered yet? The free guide walks you through it.
General information for trade contractors, checked against the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Department of Labor and SBA.gov in October 2026. Rules and dollar limits change, and the bid itself always wins: follow the clauses in the solicitation you're quoting. Not legal advice.
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