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NAICS Codes Explained: How to Find the Right Code for Your Business

Kontrakk Team

Every federal contract on SAM.gov is tagged with a NAICS code. If you don't know yours, you'll miss opportunities that match your capabilities.

What is a NAICS code?

NAICS stands for North American Industry Classification System. It's a standardized system used by the U.S. Census Bureau to classify businesses by their primary activity. NAICS codes are 2 to 6 digits long, with more digits meaning a more specific classification.

For example:

  • 54 = Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
  • 5415 = Computer Systems Design and Related Services
  • 541512 = Computer Systems Design Services

Why NAICS codes matter for government contracting

Federal agencies assign a NAICS code to every solicitation. This code determines which size standard applies (the SBA uses NAICS codes to define what counts as a "small business" in each industry). If you bid on a contract under the wrong NAICS code, you may not qualify as a small business even if you meet the revenue or employee thresholds for your actual industry.

How to find your NAICS code

  1. Start with the Census Bureau's NAICS search at census.gov/naics. Type a keyword describing your work and review the results.
  2. Check your SAM.gov registration. When you register in SAM.gov, you select the NAICS codes that describe your business. You can list multiple codes.
  3. Look at contracts you've won before. The NAICS code assigned to past awards tells you which codes agencies associate with your type of work.
  4. Review competitor profiles. If companies similar to yours are winning contracts under a specific NAICS code, that's likely the right one for you too.

Can you have multiple NAICS codes?

Yes. Most businesses operate across several NAICS codes. In SAM.gov, you can list all the codes that apply to your company. The important thing is that your primary NAICS code accurately reflects your main line of business, since that's what the SBA uses for size standard determinations.

Common NAICS codes in federal contracting

Some of the most frequently used codes on SAM.gov include:

  • 541512 - Computer Systems Design Services
  • 541511 - Custom Computer Programming Services
  • 541330 - Engineering Services
  • 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
  • 561612 - Security Guards and Patrol Services
  • 541611 - Administrative Management and General Management Consulting

Using NAICS codes in Kontrakk

In Kontrakk, you can search by NAICS code directly by typing it into the search bar (e.g., "541512"). You can also describe your business in plain language, and Kontrakk will identify the relevant NAICS code and find matching opportunities.

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