What NAICS Codes Should Your Government Contracting Business Use?

Describe the work, not every possible ambition

NAICS is the North American Industry Classification System. Businesses use codes to describe their activities, while federal solicitations use an assigned code and associated size standard for the procurement.

A broad list of unrelated codes can obscure your real capability. Begin with the products or services you actually deliver, then research the official descriptions and examples for likely codes.

A practical selection process

1. 01List your current offerings in plain language.
2. 02Compare each offering with relevant NAICS descriptions.
3. 03Review recent notices and awards for similar work to understand how buyers classify it.
4. 04Select a primary activity and accurate additional codes where appropriate.
5. 05Keep supplier profiles and capability statements consistent with your real business.

The solicitation's code matters

Your preferred code does not control a procurement. The contracting officer assigns the solicitation's NAICS code. Determine your size under that code's current SBA standard and applicable affiliation rules rather than assuming one small-business determination covers every industry.

If a classification seems wrong, review the official procedure and any deadlines for raising the issue. Do not silently replace the buyer's code in your eligibility analysis.

Use codes alongside other research

NAICS filters can help find opportunities, but relevant notices may use different wording or classifications. Combine code searches with service terms, buyer names, and public award research. Codes are a discovery and classification tool, not evidence of certification, demand, or eligibility for every set-aside.