Skip to main content
Agencies classify purchases using NAICS (industry) and PSC/FSC (product/service) codes. Getting these right makes search, alerts, and SAM.gov registration work in your favor.

​
NAICS codes

NAICS describes what industry you operate in. Examples:
CodeIndustry
541512Computer Systems Design Services
236220Commercial and Institutional Building Construction
561720Janitorial Services
541330Engineering Services
You list NAICS codes on SAM.gov. Agencies attach NAICS to solicitations and apply SBA size standards to determine small business eligibility for each code.

​
PSC / FSC codes

PSC (Product Service Code) and FSC (Federal Supply Class) describe what is being bought:
Code familyExamples
RProfessional, administrative, and management support
DIT and telecom services
JMaintenance, repair, and rebuilding of equipment
YConstruction of structures and facilities
Use PSC to narrow searches when NAICS alone is too broad.

​
Using codes in Civic AI

You do not need to memorize codes to search — plain English works. But codes help when you:
  1. Build saved searches — combine agency name + NAICS keyword
  2. Validate fit — compare solicitation NAICS to your SAM profile
  3. Size markets — filter awards by NAICS to see spend concentration
Example queries:
  • “Open solicitations NAICS 541512 — federal”
  • “Construction awards PSC Y1ZZ — Texas”

NAICS and PSC codes guide

Full guide to choosing and analyzing codes on the blog.

​
Picking your codes

1

List your core services

Write what you sell in plain language first.
2

Map to 3–7 NAICS codes

Choose codes that match your revenue, not aspirational markets.
3

Add PSC where relevant

Especially for product-heavy or construction businesses.
4

Register on SAM.gov

Align your profile codes with how you search and bid.