How to write a capability statement
Have you been given a task to write your company’s capability statement, and you don’t know how to go about it? Do you need guidance on how to write your business’ capability statement? Do you have the time and resources to accomplish the task? Worry not because this article answers all your questions regarding capability statements.
Factors to consider when writing a capability statement
- Purpose
What is your capability statemen goal? Are you adding the capability statement to a proposal you are sending to the government regarding RFP? If yes, you need to consider the requirements of the particular government solicitation you are addressing. Also, note that your company must speak to each agency’s mission. Your one-page document should express how your company fits the bill. It must reiterate the core value of the services or products you want to provide.
However, if the goal of the capability statement is to network and make government officers and vendors aware of the products and services offered by your business, then you need to include the key services and strengths of the business. Speak broadly about the services so that contracting officers or prospective partners can see the range of your capabilities.
2. Audience
Depending on the size and audience of your business, your capability statement should be written to fit the exact need of each solicitation. Through this, you can strategically determine and critically recognize the information that should be highlighted about your business. This highlighted information would be presented to every critical decision-maker in government procurement.
Your audience may change depending on the needs of the industry or the agency. There are two types of audiences within government procurement:
- Prime government vendors: One great way to network is by sending your capability statement to the prime government vendors. Ensure you send every information and detail about your company to prime government vendors of interest. This is an excellent way of enticing them.
- Contracting Officers: Similar to Prime Government Vendors. It can also be used for networking. Different agencies will view this document anytime you send out a proposal. If there is an agency you are interested in working with, just send your capability statement to them as an excellent first step before submitting your application.
3. Expectations
Familiarize yourself with every agency requirement you want to establish contact with. To ensure that the capability statement speaks directly to the needs. You should ask yourself the following questions: What industry governs your company’s regulation? Where would your services and products be well utilized?
Capability statement sections and format
1. Past performance
This gives you the chance to express past and related experiences from the most to the least relevant. This is to enhance and reinforce your companies listed core competencies. Government agencies get tangible evidence on whether your company has done related or similar works from your past experiences.
This section should contain all the government subcontracts and contracts you’ve earned.
2. Core competencies
Core competencies are short statements that link your company’s capabilities to the specific agency’s requirements. They are usually in bullet-point format.
3. Differentiators
If you cannot clearly state the direct benefit of the agency working with your company, the agency decision-makers may not select your business. So you need to address the following questions before submitting your capability statement: Why are my services and products better solutions than others on the market? Does my business have a competitive edge? What are they?