NAICS codes: why they matter
The North American Industry Classification System is how the government labels what you do.
What they are
A NAICS code is a six-digit number classifying a business activity. Federal agencies attach one to every solicitation to say which industry the work falls in, and the SBA uses it to set the size standard, the revenue or employee limit under which a company counts as small for that work.
Why they matter to you
- SAM.gov. You list the codes that describe your business when you register, and buyers use them to find vendors.
- Small-business status. Whether you qualify as small depends on the code for the work you are bidding on.
- Set-asides. Programs such as WOSB reserve awards in specific codes. See WOSB and EDWOSB.
- Marketing. Agencies publish forecasts and spending data by code, which helps you target your outreach.
Picking the right ones
List what you actually do
Start from your services and products, not from a code list.
Look up candidates
Search the official NAICS directory at census.gov/naics. Your firm can have several applicable codes.
Check the size standard
SBA publishes the current standards in its table of size standards.
Map to SINs
NAICS codes and MAS SINs are related but not identical. We connect them when we scope your application.
Not sure which codes fit? Bring your service list to a free call and we will sort it out.
Ready to talk through your MAS contract?
Book a no-obligation call and we will tell you honestly whether the MAS program fits your firm.