If you're pursuing federal government contracts, your NAICS code is the lens through which contracting officers see your business — and the filter that determines which opportunities you're eligible for.
What Is a NAICS Code?
NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. The federal government uses NAICS codes in procurement — every contract opportunity posted on SAM.gov includes one or more NAICS codes identifying what the agency is buying.
NAICS codes are 6 digits long. 541512 means: Professional Services → Computer Systems Design → Computer Systems Design Services.
Why NAICS Codes Matter in Federal Contracting
- Determines size standards. The SBA has revenue or employee-count thresholds for each NAICS code that define "small business."
- Controls set-aside eligibility. Only companies qualifying as small under that NAICS code's size standard can bid on set-aside contracts.
- Shapes who finds the opportunity. If you're not watching the right codes, you're not seeing the right opportunities.
How to Find Your NAICS Codes
1. The Census NAICS Search Tool
Go to census.gov/naics and search by keyword.
2. Your SAM.gov Registration
Log in and check your entity registration. If you registered years ago and your services have expanded, review and update your codes.
3. Award Notice Research
Find contracts that agencies have awarded for services like yours and check which NAICS codes they used.
Common NAICS Codes for Federal Contractors
| Code | Description | Size Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 541512 | Computer Systems Design Services | $34M |
| 541611 | Administrative Management Consulting | $24.5M |
| 561210 | Facilities Support Services | $47M |
| 561720 | Janitorial Services | $22M |
| 561730 | Landscaping Services | $9M |
| 561612 | Security Guards and Patrol Services | $25M |
How Many NAICS Codes Should You Watch?
There's no limit. A company that does IT services (541512) and cybersecurity (541519) should watch both. The risk of watching too many is low. The risk of watching too few is missing opportunities.
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