Templates
Free Capability Statement TemplatesFor Government Contractors
Download a free capability statement template in Word or PDF format. Your capability statement is your company's resume for federal contracting — it tells contracting officers who you are, what you do, and why they should work with you.
Word Template
Editable .docx format — open in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice. Best for teams that need to customize branding and layout.
PDF Template
Print-ready PDF with fillable fields. Best for quick turnaround — fill in your details and send same day.
Small Business Guide
Complete beginner guide for small businesses new to federal contracting. Walks through every section with real examples.
Detailed Section Breakdown
In-depth guide covering every section of a capability statement — company overview, core competencies, past performance, and differentiators.
What goes in a capability statement?
Every capability statement includes five essential sections. These are the same whether you use Word, PDF, or build from scratch:
Company Overview
Legal name, UEI, CAGE code, NAICS codes, small business status, year founded
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, certifications
Contact Information
Direct name, phone, email, physical address, website
Why every contractor needs a capability statement
The federal government awards over $160 billion per year to small businesses. But contracting officers do not search Google for vendors — they review capability statements collected at industry days, stored in OSDBU databases, and attached to emails from business development contacts.
Without a capability statement, you are invisible to the largest buyer in the world. With one, you have a professional, scannable document that proves your qualifications in the 30-60 seconds a contracting officer spends evaluating each vendor.
Our templates give you the structure and content guidance to create a capability statement that stands out. Choose Word for full design control, PDF for quick turnaround, or read our beginner guide if you are new to federal contracting.
Find contracts that match your capabilities
Once your capability statement is ready, use GovScout to find contracts by NAICS code, set-aside type, and agency. See who is winning work in your industry and where opportunities are.
Search contracts freeFrequently asked questions
What is a capability statement?
A capability statement is a one-page marketing document that summarizes your business for government buyers. It includes your company overview, core competencies, past performance, differentiators, and contact information. Every small business pursuing federal contracts needs one — it is the first document a contracting officer requests when evaluating potential vendors.
Which template format should I choose?
Choose Word (.docx) if you need full control over layout, branding, and design — you can change fonts, colors, and add your logo. Choose PDF if you need a quick, professional result — fillable fields let you enter your details and send the same day. If you are new to federal contracting, start with our Small Business Guide to understand what goes in each section before picking a format.
How long should a capability statement be?
One page is the standard. Contracting officers review dozens of capability statements and spend 30-60 seconds on each. A one-page format forces you to focus on what matters. Use a second page only for an extended past performance list. If you cannot fit everything on one page, you are including too much.
Do I need a different capability statement for each agency?
Yes. A tailored capability statement outperforms a generic one by 3-5x in response rates. Keep a master template with all your information, then customize for each target: highlight competencies relevant to that agency, lead with similar past performance, and adjust differentiators to address the agency's known priorities.
What NAICS codes should I include?
Include your primary NAICS code (the one that generates the most revenue) and 2-3 secondary codes for other services you offer. NAICS codes determine your size standard and which set-aside contracts you can pursue. Use our NAICS Code Lookup tool to find the right codes for your business.