How to Create a Winning Capability Statement for Your Business
In today's competitive business landscape, especially for companies pursuing government contracts or corporate supplier opportunities, a strong capability statement is an essential marketing and procurement tool. Think of it as your company's business résumé: a concise, one-page document that showcases your qualifications, competencies, and differentiators to potential clients or contracting agencies.
This guide walks you through the key steps to creating an effective capability statement that captures attention and builds credibility. Here are two customizable templates you can use as a starting point:
Template 1 (https://bit.ly/CPTemplate1)
Template 2 (https://bit.ly/CPTemplate2)
Step 1: Prepare Your Document
Start with a clean, professional format. You can draft your capability statement using tools such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, PowerPoint, or Canva. Choose a simple, one-page layout with consistent branding (logo, colors, and fonts).
Step 2: Add Basic Company Information
Include your legal business name and DBA (if applicable), address, phone number, email, website, and point of contact details. Add your company logo to ensure brand recognition.
Step 3: Define Your Core Competencies
Describe what your company does best. Use bullet points and focus on your primary products or services. Include relevant keywords that match your target clients' needs. Tailor your capability statement for specific clients.
Step 4: Highlight Your Differentiators
Explain what makes your company stand out. Highlight specialized expertise, proprietary technology, or exceptional customer service. Clearly state the benefits to your clients.
Step 5: Showcase Past Performance
List relevant contracts or projects completed. Include client/agency name, project title, performance period, contract value (if appropriate), and client point of contact (if available).
Step 6: Include Key Company Data
List all relevant company identifiers and certifications: DUNS Number, CAGE Code, NAICS, PSC, and NIGP codes, socio-economic certifications (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, MBE, etc.), GSA Schedule, and contract vehicles. Note if you accept credit or purchase cards.
Step 7: Define Your Geographic Coverage
State where you operate (eg, locally, regionally, nationally, or globally) to show your business reach.
Step 8: Add Associations & Certifications
List relevant memberships and affiliations, such as local chambers of commerce, Rotary International, industry associations (NAWBO, NMSDC, AMA, etc.), and certifications (ISO, LEED, Six Sigma, OSHA, etc.), to demonstrate credibility.
Final Tips
✅ Keep it to one page
✅ Maintain a professional and visually clean design
✅ Ensure contact information is accurate
✅ Emphasize strengths and value proposition
✅ Customize for each client or agency
The Bottom Line
A well-crafted capability statement not only opens doors but also strengthens your brand identity and positions your business as a credible, capable partner.
If your organization would like to host a training session on creating a Capability Statement, please contact me at contact@greylockmgtconsulting.com. Workshops can be conducted virtually or in-person, in English or Spanish.
Glossary of Key Terms
- DUNS Number: A unique 9-digit identifier for businesses, issued by Dun & Bradstreet.
- CAGE Code: A 5-character identifier assigned by the U.S. Department of Defense for companies doing business with the federal government.
- NAICS Code: North American Industry Classification System, used to classify businesses by industry.
- PSC Code: Product Service Code, used by the federal government to categorize purchased products and services.
- NIGP Code: National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Code, used by state and local governments for procurement classification.
-8(a) Program: Certification for small disadvantaged businesses through the SBA.
- HUBZone: Businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones, certified by the SBA.
- SDVOSB: Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
- WOSB/EDWOSB: Women-Owned or Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business.
- MBE/DBE: Minority Business Enterprise / Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
- GSA Schedule: A long-term, government-wide contract with the General Services Administration that simplifies purchasing.
-Contract Vehicles: Pre-approved agreements that streamline procurement for agencies.