Capability Statements 101

1. Capability Statements 101 Presented by the Central Ohio Minority Business Association and the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, a program of the Ohio Development Services Agency

2. What is a Capability Statement?!?

3. Capability 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: It’s a RESUME for your Business! Source: 1 - Definition of a Capability Statement | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_6883889_definition-capability-statement.html#ixzz2Ik0OCSyW

4. Capability 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, UNSPSC • What you sell + your specialty • Your capabilities and qualifications

5. Why Do You Need A Capability Statement?!?

6. Why You Need A CS Now! • It’s 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.

7. Uses of a Capability Statement • 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.

13. A Capability Statement, Parts Whole

14. 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

15. 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 you’re proud of (and that are proud of you!) • List major projects that you’ve completed recently • Contact: • List the best person to contact when interested in procuring your services. Make sure the information is valid and effective.

16. Make your Statement Pop! 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.

17. 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 Statement RESOURCES

18. QUESTIONS?!?

19. Have questions? Need assistance?!? Contact: Jennifer Averi Frost, Director Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center 614-252-8005 jfrost@comba.com Capability Statements 101 Presented by the Central Ohio Minority Business Association and the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center, a program of the Ohio Development Services Agency