C APABILITY S TATEMENTS 101 Presented by the Central Ohio Minority Business Association and the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, a program of the Ohio Development Services Agency

W HAT IS A C APABILITY S TATEMENT ?!?

C APABILITY STATEMENTS Defined as: A brief outline of a company that is trying to contract work with a government office. This statement describes the company, its capabilities and its expertise. 1 Simply stated: Source: 1 - Definition of a Capability Statement | eHow.com statement.html#ixzz2Ik0OCSyW

C APABILITY STATEMENTS At most a 1-2 page document, serving as marketing tool for your Company Useful when trying to contract with the Government and other Businesses. Should include: Who you are + contact information All appropriate codes – NAICS, SIC, UNSPSCNAICSSIC UNSPSC What you sell + your specialty Your capabilities and qualifications

W HY D O Y OU N EED A C APABILITY S TATEMENT ?!?

W HY Y OU N EED A CS N OW ! Its a physical Elevator Pitch. Relieves the pressure of trying to get it all in. Great for networking events, matchmakers, sales calls, and can be posted to your web site. Can be tailored to suit specific audiences Capability Statements come in all forms: HTML/Web Pages, Word Documents, PDFs, and even self-running CDs.

U SES OF A C APABILITY S TATEMENT To provide information about your company quickly To register for some government procurement sites: Many government agencies require a Capabilities Statement be submitted with bids. Prime contractors can require subcontractors to submit capabilities statements before contracting with them. As a door opener for cold calls.

A C APABILITY S TATEMENT, P ARTS W HOLE

Company Overview ( or narrative) : A brief company history, and An overview of your products/services Differentiators ( or Key Personnel ): Experience of: Owner/CEO Chief sales person Staff Core Competencies ( or Capabilities ): List all products and services you offer List your specific services first, you want to show them why your company is the one for the job

Company Data: Any applicable codes for your business Any licenses (and their numbers) you may hold Company Business Structure Past Performance ( Customers ): List major customers that youre proud of (and that are proud of you!) List major projects that youve completed recently Contact: List the best person to contact when interested in procuring your services. Make sure the information is valid and effective.

M AKE YOUR S TATEMENT P OP ! When giving out your capability statement, you want to make it stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips: Use glossy/thicker paper Present a seamless marketing profile: Same colors on all letterhead, business cards, web sites and capability statement Use graphics Be creative! Be sure to tailor your Statement for specific uses.

RESOURCES Small Business Federal Government Contracting: Small Business Federal Government Contracting: Your Capability Statement (CAPE) for Small Business Federal Government Contracting Check Ohio First Resources Northeast Ohio PTAC: Writing a Winning Capabilities StatementWriting a Winning Capabilities Statement

QUESTIONS?!?

C APABILITY S TATEMENTS 101 Presented by the Central Ohio Minority Business Association and the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, a program of the Ohio Development Services Agency Have questions? Need assistance?!? Contact: Jennifer Averi Frost, Director Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center