Templates
Capability Statement Template
Download a free, ready-to-use capability statement template. Choose Word for full design control or PDF for quick turnaround. Fill in your details and send to contracting officers today.
Word Template
Fully editable. Customize fonts, colors, layout, and branding. Best for teams with design control.
Download free
PDF Template
Print-ready with fillable fields. Get a professional result in minutes. Best for quick turnaround.
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What goes in a capability statement?
Company Overview
Legal name, UEI, CAGE code, NAICS codes, small business status, employee count
Core Competencies
4–8 specific capabilities using language from federal solicitations
Past Performance
3–5 completed contracts with agency name, value, and quantified results
Differentiators
Set-aside certifications (8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone), clearances, awards
Contact Information
Direct contact name, phone, email, physical address, website
Why you need a capability statement
The federal government awards over $160 billion per year to small businesses. But contracting officers do not find vendors on Google — they review capability statements submitted at industry days, stored in government databases, and attached to networking emails.
Without a capability statement, you are invisible to the largest buyer in the world. With one, you have a professional document that proves your qualifications in the 30–60 seconds a contracting officer spends evaluating each vendor.
Our free template gives you the exact structure and format that contracting officers expect. Download it, fill in your details, and use it to reach hundreds of government buyers.
How to use your capability statement
Attach it when reaching out to contracting officers and agency procurement contacts
Industry Days
Bring printed copies to networking events, matchmaking conferences, and agency outreach
SAM.gov
Upload it to your SAM.gov profile so federal buyers can find it during searches
Subcontracting
Include it in proposals to prime contractors looking for qualified subcontractors
Database Uploads
Submit it through agency OSDBU portals and small business databases
Ready to get your first contract?
Once your capability statement is done, use GovScout to find contracts that match your capabilities. Search by NAICS code, set-aside type, and agency.
Search contracts freeLearn more
Beginner's Guide
Step-by-step walkthrough for small businesses new to federal contracting
Detailed Template Guide
Section-by-section breakdown with examples and insider tips
SAM.gov Registration
Get your UEI and CAGE code — required for every capability statement
Find Government Contracts
Search federal contract awards and identify your next opportunity
Frequently asked questions
What is a capability statement?
A capability statement is a one-page document that markets your company to federal contracting officers. It includes your company overview, core competencies, past performance, certifications, and contact information. Every small business pursuing government contracts needs one — it is the first document contracting officers request when evaluating vendors.
Is this template free to use?
Yes, completely free. Download the Word or PDF template and customize it for your business. No signup, no watermarks, no hidden fees. Use it for unlimited versions of your capability statement.
Can I edit the Word template?
Yes. The Word template is fully editable in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice. Change fonts, colors, layouts, and branding to match your company. The PDF version has fillable fields for quick turnaround.
How long should my capability statement be?
One page is ideal. Contracting officers spend 30–60 seconds on each capability statement. Keep it concise — everything important should be visible without scrolling. Use a second page only for an extended past performance list.
Can I use the same statement for all agencies?
Not if you want to win. A tailored capability statement outperforms a generic one by 3–5x. Use our template as a master, then customize it for each agency: reorder competencies, highlight relevant past performance, and emphasize differentiators that matter to that specific buyer.
Should I include my company logo?
Yes, keep it professional but minimal. Use your logo in the header, but do not let design overshadow content. Contracting officers want information — company name, NAICS codes, core competencies, past performance. A fancy design is less effective than clear, scannable content.