Open bids · Guide

The capability statement: a 2-page pitch for government buyers

Most "sources sought" notices and RFIs ask for one, and contracting officers keep them on file. It's the government version of your agency's credentials deck, but shorter and more factual. You can make a solid one in an afternoon.

When you need it

• Sources sought notices and RFIs. The buyer is doing market research before writing the real solicitation. A short capability statement plus answers to their questions gets you noticed, and can shape whether the work is set aside for small businesses.
• Meeting a buyer or small-business liaison. Bring it, or send it afterwards.
• Teaming. Larger firms ask for one before bringing a small agency in as a subcontractor.

What goes on it

Core competencies

3–6 services in the buyer's language: "website redesign and accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA / Section 508)", "public awareness campaigns", "custom web applications", not just "digital".

Past performance

2–4 short project blurbs: client, what you did, a result. Private-sector clients count. Name them if you're allowed to.

Differentiators

2–3 specific reasons to pick you: a niche, a method, speed, a certification. Skip "passionate team".

Company data

Legal name, UEI (from SAM.gov), CAGE code if you have one, NAICS codes, any certifications (8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, SDVOSB, state/city M/WBE), year founded, size.

Contact

One named person, with email, phone and website.

NAICS codes small agencies commonly use

• 541511 Custom computer programming · 541512 Computer systems design · 541519 Other computer-related services
• 541430 Graphic design · 541613 Marketing consulting · 541810 Advertising agencies · 541820 Public relations
• 512110 Video production

List the ones that match work you've actually done. Buyers filter by them.

Fill-in outline

Download the Word template (free) Same outline, formatted and ready to edit.

[AGENCY NAME], Capability Statement
[One sentence: who you are and who you serve]

CORE COMPETENCIES
- [Service 1, in the buyer's words]
- [Service 2]
- [Service 3]

PAST PERFORMANCE
- [Client]: [what you did] → [result, a number if possible]
- [Client]: [what you did] → [result]
- [Client]: [what you did] → [result]

DIFFERENTIATORS
- [Specific reason 1]
- [Specific reason 2]

COMPANY DATA
UEI: [ ]   CAGE: [ ]   NAICS: [ ]
Certifications: [ ]   Founded: [ ]   Team size: [ ]

CONTACT
[Name, title] · [email] · [phone] · [website]

Tips that make a difference

• Tailor it. Reorder competencies and swap past-performance examples to match each notice. One generic version is fine for meetings, not for responses.
• Answer the notice's questions too. A sources-sought notice usually lists specific questions, and the capability statement goes alongside your answers, not instead of them.
• Keep it to 2 pages, as a PDF, with your logo and plenty of white space. You're a design or marketing shop, so it's also a portfolio piece.
• Get free help. APEX Accelerators review capability statements and bids for small businesses at no cost.

Next: get registered so you can actually be paid, then browse open bids that fit small agencies.