Use it for outreach
Send a tighter version to small business specialists, contracting officers, and prime contractors.
Free GovCon Tool
Free capability statement generator for small businesses (with 3 samples)
Build a first draft you can clean up, save, and bring into Marcus. This runs in your browser and gives you a practical one-page structure for contracting officers, small business specialists, primes, and teaming partners.
Quick answer: a federal capability statement is a one-page summary of what your company does, who you have done it for, your NAICS codes, UEI, CAGE code and certifications, and how to reach you. Fill in the boxes below for a draft, or jump to the samples and the FAQ.
Draft Output
Fill in the company inputs and click Build Draft. Your capability statement starter will appear here.
Review before sending. A good capability statement should be specific, truthful, and tailored to the buyer.
Use it with SAM.gov
Compare the draft against a notice to see whether your proof matches the requirement.
Use it with Marcus
Paste the draft into Marcus and ask for a buyer-specific version with a 72-hour action plan.
What belongs in it?
A strong capability statement should include core services, NAICS codes, certifications, differentiators, past performance proof, contact details, and the buyer lane you want to pursue.
What should stay out?
Do not overload the page with every possible service, unsupported claims, generic slogans, or certifications that are not active. Federal buyers need quick proof, not brochure fluff.
What is the next step?
After the draft is clean, build a SAM.gov search plan, score your readiness, and use Marcus to tailor the statement to a specific opportunity.
Buyer-specific version
Create one master draft, then make a separate version for each agency, prime, or opportunity. The strongest version uses the buyer's language and moves the most relevant proof to the top.
Proof beats promises
If you claim cybersecurity, maintenance, staffing, construction, or professional services capability, add proof: project type, customer type, result, tools, certifications, location, or team capacity.
Review cadence
Revisit the statement after every serious pursuit. New past performance, better NAICS evidence, certifications, and agency targets should improve the document over time.
Before sending
Read the draft like a contracting officer with one minute to decide whether you belong in the conversation. The services, proof, and contact path should be clear without a sales call.
For primes
When sending to a prime contractor, emphasize the work package you can support, certifications that help their subcontracting plan, and the low-risk proof that makes you easy to team with.
For agencies
When sending to an agency, connect your capabilities to mission need, contract vehicle, location, NAICS, or previous government-style work. Keep it factual and easy to scan.
3 sample capability statements (fictional companies)
These are made-up companies so you can see what "good" looks like. Notice that every line has a number, a name, or a credential. That's what a contracting officer skims for.
Sierra Ridge Facility Services LLC (fictional sample)
- Core competencies: HVAC preventive maintenance, small facility repairs, grounds upkeep for clinics and offices
- Past performance: 3-year HVAC maintenance subcontract for a VA outpatient clinic ($410K); county building maintenance contract ($95K/year)
- Differentiators: 2-hour emergency response in northern Nevada; EPA 608 certified techs; owner on every job walk
- Company data: SDVOSB (SBA VetCert) · NAICS 238220, 561210, 561730 · UEI and CAGE listed · Reno, NV
Basin Line Builders Inc. (fictional sample)
- Core competencies: Tenant improvements, ADA upgrades, concrete flatwork, roofing repairs up to $2M
- Past performance: USACE sidewalk and ramp ADA upgrade ($640K, on time); 12 school district renovation projects
- Differentiators: Bonding up to $3M single / $6M aggregate; in-house superintendent with federal QC/CQM training
- Company data: HUBZone small business · NAICS 236220, 238110, 238160 · UEI and CAGE listed · Sacramento, CA
Cobalt Peak Systems LLC (fictional sample)
- Core competencies: Microsoft 365 and Azure administration, help desk, network refresh, NIST SP 800-171 readiness
- Past performance: Help desk support for a 300-user state agency (2 years); subcontractor on a DoD network refresh
- Differentiators: SPRS score posted; staff holding Security+ and Azure certifications; US-based help desk
- Company data: WOSB · NAICS 541512, 541513, 541519 · UEI and CAGE listed · Boise, ID
Tricks that make a capability statement work
- Lead with the thing they buy. If the VA clinic buys HVAC maintenance, HVAC goes first, not your company history.
- Put dollar values on past performance. "$410K VA subcontract" beats "extensive federal experience" every time.
- Only list NAICS codes you can actually do. Three strong codes beat twelve hopeful ones.
- Save it as a PDF named after you. "YourCompany_CapStatement_2026.pdf" is easy to find in an inbox. "final_v3.pdf" isn't.
Capability statement questions
What goes on a federal capability statement?
Five things: core competencies, past performance, differentiators, company data (UEI, CAGE, NAICS codes, certifications), and contact information. Keep it to one page.
Is DUNS still required on a capability statement?
No. SAM.gov replaced the DUNS number with the Unique Entity ID (UEI) in April 2022. List your UEI and CAGE code instead.
Should I make a different capability statement for each agency?
Yes, if you can. Keep one master version, then move the most relevant past performance and NAICS codes to the top for each agency or prime you send it to.
Can I use the capability statement generator for free?
Yes. The generator builds a draft from your details at no cost. Edit it in your own words before you send it.
How long should a capability statement be?
One page. Contracting officers skim, so lead with your core competencies and one or two strong pieces of past performance.
Should I send my capability statement as a PDF?
Yes. A PDF keeps the formatting intact and is easy to attach. Name the file with your company name and NAICS focus so it is easy to find later.
Do I need past performance to write a capability statement?
Not government past performance. Commercial projects count, as long as you describe the scope, the customer type and the result. Never invent proof.
Need the full walkthrough? Read how to write a capability statement.