Standout Capability Statements in 2025 for Government Contractors

Standout Capability Statements in 2025 for Government Contractors

The purpose of a Capability Statement is to get you a meeting... or get rejected.

You want federal buyers to quickly decide that they should meet with you or that you aren't a good fit for them.

Top Mistakes on Your Capability Statement

Small businesses make some common mistakes on their Capability Statement that prevent them from landing more meetings.

Here are the top mistakes on your Capability Statement and how to fix them.

Burying the Lead

  • If you're 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, or HUBZone - put logo in header on right
  • Put your CAGE and UEI in the header


Not Encouraging Further Exploration

  • Link your logo to your website
  • Link your CAGE, UEI and SBA logos to your DSBS profile
  • Link your GSA logo to your Advantage profile


Too Many Words

  • Capability Statement is to get meetings, not inform or educate
  • Use 14-point font (minimum) for the header and body


No Clear, Focused Offer

  • Need to make it very easy to understand what you sell
  • Have one main core competency (niche down)
  • Have three sub competencies


Past Performance is Confusing

  • Use two sections
  • "Customers" shows credibility (no logos)
  • "Projects" show work aligning to core competency


Not Having a True Differentiator

  • Can everyone say what you're saying?
  • What can you bring that most others don't / can't?
  • For my last company, "3 SharePoint Migrations of 100K+ Users"


Too Many NAICS

  • Only need 6 (rest can be in SAM)
  • Don't use descriptions
  • Align to your core competencies


Not Using a Person as the POC

  • People buy from people, not companies
  • Put your name and email (not info@aaa.com)


Hard to Read

  • People read left to right
  • Use a Z-Format for your Capability Statement
  • Header leads to core comp which leads to past performance


Too Pretty

  • No need for pink (WOSB) or flags to show how patriotic you are
  • Focus on your core competency
  • Focus on your value proposition


Not Built for Search

  • Use your top 5 keywords throughout the Capability Statement
  • Add metadata to your file (e.g. properties in PDFs)


Watch the full training to hear me expand on these mistakes.


🔥 Join 21,236 others and subscribe to our GovCon newsletter | https://lnkd.in/es6qfwgk

👀 Follow me (Neil McDonnell) on LinkedIn and hit the 🔔 on my profile to see more government contracting content like 35,702 other people do.

Sophia S.

Owner | Citizen Consulting Group LLC (CCG) | DBE-certified firm providing customized services, actionable guidance, and tangible results for AEC industry, government, and agency community impact projects.

2w

I'll have to read through this one a couple time, lots of good nuggets!

Like
Reply
Stephen MacDonald

Enabling Equitable R.O.I. for All Parties in the Energy Sector.

2mo

Neil McDonnell what if your capabilities statement introduces concepts that the government buyers don't even understand? Where does a small business go to educate these buyers so, they can then apply to the 'revamped' solicitation that now includes the technology?

Like
Reply
Angela Fisher

Operations Manager/ Compliance Risk Governance Lead/ Contracting Manager/ EA

3mo

Neil, this is a fantastic article! Your insights on creating effective Capability Statements are incredibly valuable. I especially appreciated your points on avoiding common mistakes like burying the lead and ensuring a clear, focused offer. I have a couple of questions: How do you recommend small businesses identify their true differentiators, especially in competitive markets? What are some effective ways to ensure that Capability Statements are built for search and stand out to federal buyers? Thanks for sharing your expertise and helping small businesses succeed in the federal contracting space!

James Poole

Chief Executive Officer at SAVE THE AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

3mo

I love it I want to make mine as good as possible, and stand out and thank you for the advice

To view or add a comment, sign in

More articles by Neil McDonnell

Insights from the community

Others also viewed

Explore topics