Capability Statement Guide 2025: How to Create an Effective Government Contractor One-Pager

Quick Answer: What is a Capability Statement?

A capability statement is a one-page marketing document that summarizes your company for government buyers and prime contractors. It is your business resume for federal contracting, highlighting your core competencies, past performance, certifications, and contact information. Every government contractor needs one.

1 Page

Maximum Length

30 Sec

First Impression

Key Sections

PDF

Best Format

What is a Capability Statement?

Your capability statement is the most important marketing tool in government contracting. It is used when:

When You Need It

• Meeting with contracting officers
• Industry days and matchmaking events
• Responding to sources sought notices
• Approaching prime contractors
• Small business office introductions
• Leaving with agency contacts

Who Uses It

• Contracting officers (identify potential vendors)
• Small business specialists (find set-aside candidates)
• Prime contractors (find subcontractors)
• Program managers (evaluate capabilities)
• Procurement analysts (market research)

Essential Elements

Every capability statement must include these six elements:

1. Company Overview

Brief description of who you are and what you do. 2-3 sentences maximum. Focus on your unique value proposition.

2. Core Competencies

3-6 bullet points of your primary capabilities. What do you do better than competitors? Be specific, not generic.

3. Past Performance

2-4 relevant contract examples with client names (if not confidential), brief descriptions, and outcomes/metrics.

4. Differentiators

What makes you unique? Special expertise, location advantages, innovative approaches, or proprietary solutions.

5. Company Data

NAICS codes, CAGE code, UEI, certifications (8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone, WOSB), contract vehicles (GSA Schedule, etc.).

6. Contact Information

Company name, address, phone, email, website, and primary point of contact with title.

Writing Effective Core Competencies

Core competencies are the heart of your capability statement. Make them count:

Weak Examples

✗ "Excellent customer service"
✗ "Experienced professionals"
✗ "Quality-focused"
✗ "Innovative solutions"
✗ "Competitive pricing"

Generic, everyone claims these

Strong Examples

✓ "OSHA 30-certified safety managers on every project"
✓ "Secret-cleared IT specialists in DoD environments"
✓ "Design-build electrical for healthcare facilities"
✓ "Federal courthouse security system integration"
✓ "On-time delivery rate: 98% over 47 projects"

Specific, measurable, differentiated

Core Competencies Test

For each competency, ask: "Could a competitor say the exact same thing?" If yes, make it more specific. Include numbers, certifications, locations, or specific capabilities that set you apart.

Past Performance Section

Showcase 2-4 of your most relevant contracts:

Past Performance Template

Client: Department of Defense, U.S. Army

Contract: Building 500 HVAC Modernization

Value: $2.4M (Firm Fixed Price)

Period: March 2023 - November 2024

Result: Completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule, achieved LEED Gold certification

Past Performance Tips

✓Choose contracts most similar to your target opportunities
✓Include metrics: on-time, under budget, quality scores
✓Federal contracts are most relevant for federal opportunities
✓Get permission before listing client names

Design Tips

Do

✓ Use your company colors and logo
✓ Keep it to one page (front only)
✓ Use bullet points for scannability
✓ Include white space for readability
✓ Make contact info prominent
✓ Use consistent formatting
✓ Save as PDF for sharing

Do Not

✗ Use tiny fonts to fit more content
✗ Go beyond one page
✗ Use generic stock photos
✗ Include pricing information
✗ Make it text-heavy with paragraphs
✗ Use trendy design over readability
✗ Forget to proofread

Using Your Capability Statement Effectively

Create Multiple Versions

Customize for different audiences. Your construction capability statement should differ from your IT services version. Tailor past performance and competencies to match target opportunities.

Keep It Updated

Review quarterly. Add new contracts, certifications, and contract vehicles. Remove outdated information. Ensure codes and contact info are current.

Have It Ready

Always have printed copies and PDF on your phone. Opportunities to share your capability statement arise unexpectedly at events, meetings, and during random encounters with government personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should it be one page or two?

One page, front side only. If you cannot fit everything, you are including too much detail. Be concise and focused.

Do I need a professional designer?

Not necessarily. Clean, well-organized content matters more than fancy design. Use templates from Word, Canva, or PowerPoint if you are not a designer.

What if I have no past performance?

Include commercial contracts, key personnel experience from previous employers, or relevant non-government work. Everyone starts somewhere.

How often should I update it?

Review at least quarterly. Update immediately when you win significant contracts, gain certifications, or join contract vehicles.

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