Capability Statement

Toolkit

A capability statement showcases your business’s skills, experience, and value to potential clients in competitive project or procurement environments.

Resources

What is a Capability Statement

A capability statement is a concise document that communicates your business’s competencies, experience, and qualifications to potential buyers, typically procurement officers, project managers, or government agencies. It should demonstrate how your business can deliver value, especially in competitive or complex project environments.

Key Elements of a Strong Capability Statement:

Business Overview

  • Legal name, ABN, location(s) and relevant contact details.
  • A short paragraph outlining your business's vision, values, and value proposition, especially how you operate in and contribute to regional Australia.
  • Highlight Indigenous ownership or social enterprise status, if applicable.

Core Capabilities

  • List 3–5 key areas of expertise.
  • Use bullet points for clarity and tailor capabilities to the specific major projects or procurement opportunity.
  • Align capabilities with priority work package categories (e.g. maintenance, logistics, fabrication, environmental management).

Experience and Track Record

Brief case studies (1–3) of previous projects delivered, include:

  • Client name
  • Project scope
  • Outcomes (on time, on budget, safety record)
  • Reference any work completed for Tier 1 contractors, councils, or infrastructure projects.

Accreditations, Insurances, and Compliance

  • Industry certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc.)
  • Safety systems (e.g. WHS practices)
  • Licences (e.g. electrical, plumbing)
  • Coverage (public liability, workers comp)

Differentiators

Why should a project choose your business?

  • Emphasise:
  • Regional presence
  • Local workforce
  • Fast response times
  • Proven community engagement
  • Cultural safety practices

Supply Chain Readiness

  • Indicate your ability to meet procurement requirements:
  • Familiarity with ICN Gateway
  • Use of C-Res (Local Buying Program for BHP)
  • Willingness to work in joint ventures
  • Understanding of modern slavery compliance, ESG reporting

Key Personnel

  • Profiles of 2–3 senior team members including qualifications and project experience.
  • Highlight local knowledge and community ties.

Contact Details & ABN

  • Make sure contact info is prominent.
  • Optionally, include your ICN profile URL and business website.

Best Practice Tips

  • Keep it short and sharp, ideally 1-2 pages.
  • Open with a value proposition, "what sets you apart, fast."
  • Use plain English, not corporate jargon.
  • Tailor it to each opportunity or buyer.
  • Design professionally, clean layout, business logo, relevant images.

“Tendering has emerged as the top issue for both major projects and regional businesses”, many SMEs struggle with articulating their value in tenders. A good capability statement helps overcome this."

Return to Tendering and Procurement toolkits

Disclaimer

The information and resources provided in this Business Toolkit are intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Tactic makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the materials contained herein; however, we make no warranties or representations, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, suitability, or availability of the content for any particular purpose.

Users of this toolkit are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any business, legal, financial, or strategic decisions based on the information provided. Tactic disclaims any liability for loss or damage, direct or indirect, that may arise from the use or reliance on this toolkit or any of its components.

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