What Contracting Officers Look for in a Capability Statement

When competing for government contracting opportunities, it’s critical to stand out. Much like a resume while job hunting, a capability statement can make all the difference when making a first impression. Contracting Officers will look at dozens of these, so it is important that you make the quintessential details pop and personalize them for the specific bid-opportunity. Your APEX Accelerator is here to help you through the process!

A capability statement is a one-page document that highlights your business’s products and/or services. Contracting Officers and prime contractors expect to see several key sections in your statement. First, highlight three to five core competencies. Use government terminology to explain why your business is a strong fit. Second, identify key differentiators that set your business apart.

This could be specialized expertise, unique processes, or relevant certifications that apply to the bid-opportunity. Next, you will provide some previous work history. This section is the most important to personalize for the opportunity you are considering. Provide previous commercial and government work history that is relevant to the solicitation or sub-contracting opportunity. The next one is simple, make sure your NAICS codes are listed and that you have an accurate size status for your business. Finally, and most obvious, provide your contact and registration. This includes your legal business name, UEI and CAGE codes, point of contact information, and your website. Remember, this is a marketing document, so make sure it looks nice and uses your branding and colors.

Before you rush to put this statement together, there are a few important mistakes to be aware of. Contracting Officers review many capability statements and look for specific information, so brevity is essential. If you go into too much detail, the important information will not be easy to find and could be missed. Bullet points are your friend here. Always tailor the statement to the bid opportunity, subcontracting opportunity, or networking event. For example, if you are attending an industry day, make sure the work experience you listed is relevant to that industry.

There is a lot to keep in mind when putting your capability statement together. Reach out to your APEX Accelerator counselor and we can provide materials and feedback to help you produce the best results for your business.

--Sam Updike, Procurement Counselor for Piscataquis, Penobscot, Hancock and Waldo Counties

Government Contracting Best Practices for Maine’s Small Businesses

As we enter a new year, it’s the perfect time for Maine’s small businesses to revisit the fundamentals of their government contracting strategy. Small, consistent steps can make a meaningful impact on your competitiveness and visibility in the federal marketplace. Here are five practical best practices to help position your business for success in 2026...

1. Refresh and Update All Government Business Profiles--Keeping your registrations accurate and current is essential for eligibility and visibility. Take time to review and update SAM.gov registrations, SBA’s Small Business Search (SBS) profile, State of Maine’s Vendor Self Service profile, and any other federal or state databases where your business appears to ensure agencies and primes see the most up-to-date snapshot of your capabilities.

2. Review Your Bid Match Profile with Your APEX Counselor--Your Bid Match subscription is only as strong as the keywords, codes, and criteria behind it. Schedule a conversation with your APEX counselor to revisit NAICS, PSC, and keyword selections and/or remove opportunities that don’t fit your work. Discuss patterns in Bid Match results to make informed adjustments to your search criteria.

3. Assess Your CMMC Readiness--For businesses supporting the Defense Industrial Base, confirming where you stand with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification is essential. The new year is a great moment to review current cybersecurity practices, identify gaps between your systems and required CMMC levels, and begin or continue implementing compliance measures.

4. Track Agency Procurement Forecasts and Open Solicitations--Government agencies publish procurement forecasts to help businesses prepare ahead of upcoming buys. Begin the year by reviewing federal procurement forecasts, monitoring open solicitations to anticipate RFP/RFQ releases, and identifying potential prime contractors you may want to approach as a supplier or subcontractor.

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5. Map Out Industry Events, Conferences, and Networking Opportunities--Success in government contracting is just as much about relationships as it is about proposals. Start planning now for industry days, small business outreach events, conferences and matchmaking sessions, as well as training and workshops offered by Maine APEX and our partners. These events help you engage with agency representatives and connect with teaming partners.

By taking these small but meaningful steps early in the year, Maine’s small businesses can set a strong foundation for growth in government contracting. Your Maine APEX Accelerator is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s make this year your most successful yet!



--Marissa Henkel, Procurement Counselor for Knox, Kennebec, Lincoln, Sagadahoc and Somerset Counties

A Note of Gratitude

To our clients, partners and statewide collaborators, thank you for trusting us as your resource for government contracting support. Your dedication to Maine’s economy and your willingness to innovate, adapt, and pursue new opportunities inspires us every day.

From all of us at Maine APEX Accelerator, we hope you had a warm, safe, and joyful holiday season. Here’s to a bright and productive 2026!

Miranda Pelkey Honored as

EMDC Employee of the Year

Maine APEX Director Miranda Pelkey has been accorded with the 2025 Tom Davis Employee of the Year Award given annually by the Eastern Maine Development Corporation due to her diligent leadership since taking over the EMDC program’s role just last summer.

Pelkey, who was promoted last spring from Procurement Counselor for clients based in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Waldo counties, was chosen for her work in planning and development while providing exceptional service and mentorship within the EMDC umbrella. This honor recognizes individuals who embody EMDC’s values through their leadership, commitment and positive impact on colleagues and the community.

She quickly stepped into her new role with enthusiasm, focus and a genuine care for the people she serves. She leads an exceptional team of seven staff members with collaboration and confidence, guiding businesses through procurement opportunities and celebrating every success along the way. Pelkey’s leadership has strengthened partnerships, expanded APEX’s reach, and elevated the work we do together.

The award is named for Tom Davis, a respected figure whose dedication to EMDC’s mission and staff is celebrated through this annual award.