A capability statement is a short document, usually one page, that tells government buyers and prime contractors who your business is, what you do, and why they can trust you. Think of it as a resume for your company. In our Government Contracting Academy you write and polish your own capability statement as part of your portfolio, in person in San Bernardino or live online.
What to include
- Core competencies: the main services or products you provide, in plain words.
- Differentiators: what makes you a better choice, such as speed, specialty skills or local presence.
- Past performance: relevant projects and clients, public or private, described honestly.
- Company data: Unique Entity ID, CAGE code if you have one, NAICS codes, and any small business certifications you hold.
- Contact information: a named point of contact, phone, email and website.
How to write it
- Know your reader. A contracting officer or small business liaison has little time. Lead with what matters to them.
- Tailor it. Keep a master version, then adjust core competencies and past performance for each agency or prime.
- Use short bullets. Clear, scannable lines beat long paragraphs.
- Be accurate. Only list certifications and codes you actually have. Every claim should be easy to verify.
- Design simply. Your logo, clean headings and plenty of white space. Save it as a PDF.
How to use your capability statement
Bring it to outreach events and matchmaking sessions. Attach it when you email a small business liaison or a prime contractor about teaming. Include it when you respond to sources sought notices, if the notice allows it. Keep it current as your work grows.
Mistakes that weaken it
- Listing every service you could possibly offer instead of your strongest few.
- Missing registration data buyers need to look you up.
- Vague claims like "best quality" without proof.
Class details
- Government Contracting Academy: 54 hours, 9 modules, and a finished career portfolio. Modules cover how government buys, procurement and ethics, registrations and certifications including SAM.gov, finding opportunities, bid/no-bid, reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices, proposals and grant narratives, pricing inputs, and post-award contract administration.
- Academy day cohort: Monday to Thursday, 12 to 4 PM, November 23 to December 16, 2026 (no class November 26).
- Academy evening cohort: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9 PM, January 12 to March 11, 2027.
- Academy tuition: $1,497 paid in full, or 3 payments of $499.
- Friday Contracting Workshops: 2 hours every Friday, 12 to 2 PM (no workshop November 27, December 25 or January 1). Topics rotate: finding bids, reading an RFP, bid/no-bid, compliance matrices, proposal and grant narratives, SAM.gov and certifications. $97 per workshop, or a 4-pass for $297.
- Format: every class is offered in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Why it fits this topic: the Academy includes registrations, certifications and finding opportunities, so your capability statement is built on accurate data and aimed at the right buyers.
- Funding note: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the class pay link: Academy, $1,497 in full, Academy, 3 x $499, one Friday Workshop, $97, or Friday Workshop 4-pass, $297. You can also see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free Info Session and Orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on the enroll page to get the link. Full program details are on the Contracting Academy page.
FAQ
How long should a capability statement be?
One page is the common standard, front only or front and back. Short and focused works best.
Do I need SAM.gov registration before writing one?
You can draft it any time, but federal buyers will look for your Unique Entity ID. Registering first lets you include complete company data. See our SAM.gov guide.
Will someone review my capability statement in class?
Yes. In the Government Contracting Academy you build it as part of your career portfolio with instructor feedback.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.