What is a NAICS code and which edition should you use?
The North American Industry Classification System groups establishments by economic activity. The Census Bureau's public search currently labels the 2022 NAICS edition and also shows earlier editions and proposals for a future 2027 update. Search an industry phrase and read the official definition and exclusions, not only a vendor's keyword list. A code found in an old award may have changed; check the edition and the live solicitation before reuse.
How should a contractor choose codes for a SAM profile?
List the products and services the firm actually delivers. Search the Census definitions for each activity, compare near-neighbor descriptions and exclusions, then enter accurate applicable codes in the SAM profile. Do not add unrelated codes just to catch more alerts; search can use adjacent terms without asserting capability the firm does not have. SBA says the SAM business profile helps populate Small Business Search and recommends a complete profile. SBA how to win contracts; Census NAICS.
For any specific bid, the contractor's preferred or primary profile code does not replace the contracting officer's assigned procurement code. Check the notice, solicitation and amendments for that code and its size standard. SBA NAICS appeals.
How is small-business size tested under a NAICS code?
Each code has an SBA size standard, usually employee count or average annual receipts. Use the live SBA size standards tool and official table for the assigned code, rather than copying a number from an old article. SBA says contracting receipts are generally averaged across the latest five complete fiscal years, while employee count uses the latest 24 calendar months; include affiliates according to SBA's rules. These are distinct tests, not a choice the offeror can make for a given code. SBA size standards.
Worked method, not an eligibility finding: if a solicitation names an employee-based code, collect payroll counts for each pay period in the applicable window, include affiliate employees, average as SBA directs, and compare with the code's current standard. If it names a receipts-based code, use the applicable tax-return figures and averaging period. Have a qualified reviewer check affiliation, exceptions and timing before representing size. Never substitute the word “small” in a profile for this calculation.
What did a real solicitation show about code and size?
The public USSOCOM H9240026RE001 notice named NAICS 541611 and a $24.5 million small-business size standard for a 100% small-business set-aside. Those are facts about that past notice, not a current general standard for every buyer or code. Its offer deadline passed on May 28, 2026. For a new pursuit, open the new solicitation and check SBA's current standard rather than transplanting this number.
How do you use NAICS to search without missing work?
Search SAM.gov with the codes describing actual service lines, plus plain-language requirement terms, related agency names and place of performance. Read notices, not just a search-result count. A broad industry code can contain work outside your capability, while a buyer may describe your service under a neighboring code. Check scope, set-aside status and the current attachments before a pursuit decision. SAM opportunities; Census definitions.
What if the contracting officer assigns the wrong code?
A directly affected interested party may appeal the designation to SBA's Office of Hearings and Appeals. SBA says OHA must receive a NAICS appeal within 10 calendar days of issuance of the solicitation, or an amendment affecting the code, by 5 p.m. ET on the tenth day. Filing and service rules are specific; review the current OHA guidance and regulations immediately rather than using this article as an appeal checklist. SBA NAICS appeals.
What do code lookup and corrections cost?
The Census classification search and SBA size-standard resources are public. Changing a profile code does not change the contracting officer's assigned code; a formal appeal consumes time and may require specialized advice. No fee or guaranteed result is asserted here. Verify current requirements with official sources, particularly when an imminent bid or appeal turns on the designation.
FAQ
Is my primary NAICS code the one every agency must use?
No. The contracting officer designates a code for each procurement based on the principal purpose of the acquisition. Check that solicitation's assigned code. SBA NAICS appeals.
Does listing several codes make me small under all of them?
No. Size is assessed against each code's SBA standard, including affiliates and other rules. SBA size standards.
Should I rely on a 2017 code found in an older award?
Not without checking. Census currently provides 2022 definitions and historical editions; verify the current solicitation's code and definition. Census NAICS.
How long do I have to appeal a solicitation's NAICS code?
SBA OHA says 10 calendar days from issuance of the solicitation or an amendment affecting the code, with receipt by 5 p.m. ET on day ten. Confirm the current rules immediately. SBA NAICS appeals.
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