That is a mistake.

Your NAICS codes do more than describe what your company does. In federal contracting, they are tied directly to SBA size standards, which means they can determine whether you are considered “small” for a specific opportunity. That affects small business set-asides, socioeconomic certifications, subcontracting opportunities, teaming decisions, proposal strategy, and even your eligibility to win certain awards.

This is where many contractors get tripped up. They assume that being a “small business” is a fixed status. It is not. In government contracting, your small business status depends on the NAICS code assigned to the opportunity and the SBA size standard attached to that code.

That one detail can change everything.

What NAICS Codes Actually Do in Government Contracting

NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System. It is the standard federal agencies use to classify businesses and industries by the type of work performed. The U.S. Census Bureau describes NAICS as the system federal statistical agencies use to classify business establishments for collecting, analyzing, and publishing economic data.

In normal business conversation, a NAICS code might simply identify your industry. In federal contracting, it becomes more powerful because every solicitation must be tied to a NAICS code and a corresponding small business size standard.

The FAR states that contracting officers assign a NAICS code and size standard to solicitations, contracts, task orders, and delivery orders. The code should reflect the principal purpose of the product or service being acquired.

That phrase, “principal purpose,” matters.

A company may perform several types of work. You might provide IT consulting, cybersecurity, program management, staffing, training, logistics support, and administrative services. But the government opportunity itself should be classified under the industry that best describes the main work being procured.

So while your SAM.gov profile may include multiple NAICS codes, the solicitation will usually have one NAICS code that governs that specific opportunity.

That is the code that determines whether you qualify as small for that contract.

Why NAICS Codes and Size Standards Are Connected

The SBA does not use one universal definition of small business. Instead, it establishes size standards by industry. Those standards are matched to NAICS codes.

Some industries are measured by average annual receipts. Others are measured by number of employees. SBA’s size regulations explain that size standards are expressed either in millions of dollars in annual receipts or number of employees, unless otherwise specified, and that the number represents the maximum size a business and its affiliates can have while still being considered small.

This is why two companies with the same revenue can have very different eligibility outcomes.

A contractor with $25 million in average annual receipts might be small under one NAICS code but other-than-small under another. A manufacturer with 900 employees might qualify as small under one manufacturing code but not under a different industry code with a lower employee threshold.

The danger is assuming your company is simply “small” because it is privately held, locally owned, or smaller than the major primes. Federal contracting does not work that way.

Small is defined by the size standard attached to the NAICS code.

The Real Risk: You May Be Small for One Opportunity and Not Small for Another

This is where things get practical.

Let’s say your company performs both management consulting and administrative support. Those may fall under different NAICS codes, and those codes may have different SBA size standards. If you are pursuing a small business set-aside, your eligibility depends on the NAICS code assigned to that specific solicitation.

That means you need to ask a very direct question before you bid:

“Are we small under the NAICS code assigned to this opportunity?”

Not “Are we small in general?”

Not “Are we registered as small in SAM?”

Not “Have we won small business contracts before?”

The question is tied to the solicitation.

The FAR also makes clear that solicitations involving set-asides, reserves, or partial set-asides must specify the NAICS code and corresponding size standard. That gives contractors the information they need, but only if they review it carefully and compare it against their actual size.

Experienced contractors know this is not a box-checking exercise. It is an eligibility issue.

Your SAM.gov Profile Matters, But It Does Not Override the Solicitation

Your SAM.gov registration includes your entity information, assertions, representations and certifications, and NAICS codes. SAM.gov’s entity registration checklist specifically directs entities to use Census NAICS resources to look up codes for their organization and ties small business-related responses to size metrics entered in the registration.

That makes your SAM profile important. Buyers, contracting officers, prime contractors, and agency small business specialists may review it to understand what your company does.

But your SAM.gov profile does not give you blanket eligibility for every small business opportunity under every NAICS code you selected.

This is a common misunderstanding.

Adding a NAICS code to SAM.gov tells the marketplace that your company performs work in that category. It does not automatically mean you qualify as small under that code. It also does not mean every opportunity connected to that code is a good fit.

Your profile needs to be accurate, but your bid decision still needs to be made opportunity by opportunity.

The Wrong NAICS Code Can Create Problems Fast

A wrong NAICS choice can cause trouble in two directions.

First, if your SAM.gov profile is missing relevant NAICS codes, your business may be harder to find. Agency buyers and prime contractors often search by NAICS when looking for vendors. If your profile does not reflect your real capabilities, you may miss visibility before an opportunity ever reaches the public bid stage.

Second, if you pursue work under a code where you do not qualify as small, you may expose yourself to eligibility problems.

This is especially important for set-aside contracts and socioeconomic programs. For example, FAR provisions for WOSB contracting require a WOSB or EDWOSB offeror to qualify as small under the size standard corresponding to the NAICS code assigned to the contract. The same principle appears across small business programs because the underlying issue is always size eligibility.

A company can have the right certification and still fail the size requirement for a specific procurement.

That is the part many contractors do not expect.

How Contracting Officers Assign NAICS Codes

Contracting officers are responsible for assigning the NAICS code that best matches the principal purpose of the acquisition. That does not mean contractors have no voice. If the NAICS code appears incorrect, there are procedures to challenge it.

Under FAR Part 19, an appeal of a contracting officer’s NAICS code designation and applicable size standard generally must be filed within 10 calendar days after the issuance of the initial solicitation or an amendment affecting the NAICS code or size standard. SBA may file an appeal before offers are due.

That deadline is short.

If you believe an agency has assigned the wrong NAICS code, waiting until proposal week is usually too late. You need to review the solicitation early, compare the scope of work against the assigned code, and decide quickly whether the classification is worth questioning.

This is not about trying to game the system. It is about making sure the code accurately reflects the work.

The assigned code can affect competition, eligibility, pricing strategy, and whether the opportunity is realistically available to your business.

Size Status Is Not Just About Your Company Alone

Another area that can surprise contractors is affiliation.

SBA size standards generally look at the concern whose size is at issue and its affiliates. SBA’s rules state that, in determining a concern’s size, SBA counts the receipts, employees, or other measure of size of the business and all of its affiliates.

This matters for companies with related ownership, common management, joint ventures, investment relationships, subcontracting arrangements, or other business ties that may raise affiliation questions.

A contractor may look small on its own books but become other-than-small when affiliates are included.

That does not mean every partnership creates a problem. Teaming and subcontracting are normal parts of government contracting. But contractors need to understand how their structure, relationships, and agreements could affect size calculations before they represent themselves as small.

This is especially important when pursuing set-asides, large multi-year opportunities, or socioeconomic program work.

When Is Size Determined?

Timing also matters.

SBA’s regulations address when size status is determined for federal contracting programs. For many procurements, size is determined as of the date the concern submits its initial offer, including price. There are additional rules for multiple-award contracts, orders, and recertification situations.

In plain English, you should not assume your eligibility is frozen forever because you were small when you registered in SAM.gov or when you first entered the federal market.

Growth is good. Winning contracts is good. Expanding your team is good.

But as your revenue or employee count changes, your size status may change too. Contractors that are growing quickly need to watch this closely. A company can move from small to other-than-small under certain NAICS codes without realizing it until a bid, certification, or award is at risk.

How to Confirm Whether You Qualify as Small

The process does not have to be mysterious.

Start with the opportunity. Identify the NAICS code and size standard listed in the solicitation. Then compare that size standard against your company’s current size calculation, using the correct SBA methodology for receipts or employees.

If the size standard is based on receipts, do not simply use last year’s revenue. SBA has specific rules for calculating average annual receipts. If the size standard is based on employees, do not guess based on your current headcount. SBA has rules for employee-based calculations too.

Next, consider whether affiliates must be included. This is where many contractors should slow down and get help if the ownership or business structure is not straightforward.

Then review your and optimize your SAM.gov registration. Make sure your NAICS codes are accurate, your assertions align with your business, and your profile reflects the work you actually want to pursue.

Finally, repeat this process regularly. Your eligibility picture can change as your company grows, as SBA updates size standards, or as agencies classify opportunities differently.

This is not a one-time setup task. It is an ongoing compliance and positioning discipline.

Do Not Treat NAICS Selection Like a Keyword Strategy

There is a temptation to add every possible NAICS code that sounds remotely related to your business.

That can backfire.

Yes, you want buyers to find you. Yes, your SAM.gov profile should reflect the full range of work your company can legitimately perform. But NAICS selection should be grounded in real capabilities, past performance, staffing, equipment, licensing, and delivery capacity.

If your profile lists too many unrelated codes, it can make your business look unfocused. Worse, it can create confusion when your capability statement, website, SAM.gov profile, and proposals do not tell the same story.

The strongest contractors are usually not the ones claiming they can do everything. They are the ones that clearly understand where they fit, which agencies buy what they sell, which NAICS codes align with their strongest capabilities, and which size standards affect their eligibility.

That is a much better strategy than loading up a profile with codes and hoping something sticks.

NAICS Codes Also Affect Market Research

For contractors serious about business development, NAICS codes are not just compliance data. They are market research tools.

They help you identify which agencies buy your type of work, which competitors are winning, what contract vehicles are being used, how opportunities are being classified, and whether certain buying offices consistently use specific NAICS codes.

This is where experienced contractors gain an edge.

If you only look at open solicitations, you are late. If you study award history by NAICS code, you can start seeing patterns. Which agencies repeatedly buy under your primary codes? Which incumbents are coming up for recompete? Which small businesses are winning? Which codes are being used for work that looks similar to yours?

That intelligence helps you decide where to focus, how to position your company, and whether your profile needs to be tightened before buyers start looking.

Keep Your Documentation Clean

If your small business status is ever questioned, vague answers will not help.

You need documentation that supports your position. That includes revenue or employee calculations, ownership information, affiliate considerations, SAM.gov records, capability alignment, and any relevant certifications.

Good documentation also helps internally. It keeps your sales team, proposal team, leadership, and compliance contacts aligned. Everyone should understand which NAICS codes matter most to the business, where the company qualifies as small, and where eligibility may be close or changing.

This becomes even more important as companies grow.

A contractor that was comfortably small three years ago may now be approaching the ceiling under certain codes. That does not mean the company should stop pursuing federal work. It means the strategy needs to mature.

Maybe the business shifts toward full and open competition. Maybe it strengthens teaming relationships. Maybe it pursues different NAICS areas where it still qualifies. Maybe it focuses more heavily on past performance, contract vehicles, and agency relationships.

But those decisions should be made intentionally, not after a disqualification scare.

The Bottom Line for Contractors

NAICS codes for government contracting are not just administrative labels. They connect your business to SBA size standards, determine whether you qualify as small for specific opportunities, influence how buyers find you, and shape your federal market strategy.

The contractors who stay out of trouble are the ones who treat NAICS and size standards as part of their business development discipline.

They keep their SAM.gov profiles accurate. They check the assigned NAICS code on every solicitation. They confirm whether they qualify as small before submitting an offer. They understand how affiliates may affect size. They document their position. And when something looks wrong, they address it early.

That may not sound glamorous, but it can protect your eligibility, improve your visibility, and keep your business focused on opportunities you can actually win.

As requirements change and competition gets sharper, FedBiz Access gives businesses a clearer path to stronger documentation, better market positioning, and a more competitive government contracting strategy. If you need help navigating NAICS codes, size standards, SAM.gov optimization, or the broader government marketplace, call today: 844-628-8914 or book a call at your convenience.

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Bryan Johnson

5 hours ago

I had my own federal contracting consulting business for 25 years and I have to say Fed Biz Access is doing it right.

Michael Scanna

1 week ago

I cannot recommend the assistance Elizabeth and her team provided to me enough! The entire process was handled professionally, quickly, and with incredible attention to detail. What seemed overwhelming and confusing at first became simple and stress-free thanks to their guidance. They answered every question patiently, ensured all information was submitted correctly, and kept me informed every step of the way. Their knowledge of the SAM registration process saved me so much time and frustration. If you need reliable, efficient, and trustworthy help with SAM registration, this is absolutely the team to use!

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Stacy Hall

1 week ago

Trying to update anything with a govenrment agency is always a nightmare. After fighting with Sam.gov for weeks and getting nowhere, we reached out to Constance for help. She has made this SO much easier on us and gotten our account active again.

Response from the owner:Taking the frustration out of these somewhat cumbersome processes is at the center of our expertise. As changes continue within the government workplace, platforms and procedures, our team stays vigilant and current in our quest for a fruitful and pleasant customer experience. Thank you for the opportunity to assist.

Justin Moore

1 week ago

Elizabeth Whitaker with FedBiz Access has been great. She has taken her time with us to customize her services directly to what we need. She is very professional and knowledgeable. Further, she is very proactive and highly responsive in our communications. We enjoy our experience working with Elizabeth and her team. We would highly recommend using Elizabeth at FedBiz Access.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance as needed with your government contracting needs; very much appreciate your positive feedback and five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist and your recommendation of our services.

Minerva Finishes

2 weeks ago

Elizabeth Whitaker has been so very helpful to us. We are a very small business attempting to navigate the Government Contracts process. Elizabeth is quite knowledgeable, easy to understand and patient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist and this five star google review for our Company. Look forward to assisting you as needed in the future.

Lynn Tyler

2 weeks ago

Elizabeth Whitaker helped me get my recertification. She made the process painless. She also helped me update my SAM.

Response from the owner:We appreciate your continued business and positive feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist. Congratulations on your recent recertification, and thank you for the opportunity to assist you in that process.

Schimpf's Garage

2 weeks ago

Cecilia and Sid go well above and beyond to assist me with registering my business with the VA and updating my profile with relevant business changes. Additionally, Frank is a master of contracting and has assisted us in navigating FedBiz's contracting databases and in reviewing proposed bids and contracts. I highly recommend this team to anyone seeking to register their business with the VA and applying for government contracts!

Response from the owner:Congratulations on your recent bid award, we appreciate the recognition of the FedBiz Access services and consultants in assisting you in that endeavor. More importantly, thank you for your service to our country! We value your recommendation, as always, a pleasure to assist with your government contracting goals, registrations and awards.

Jordan Erwin

2 weeks ago

Super easy to work with and always very friendly. Highly recommend.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued business and your trust in the FedBiz Access team; Looking forward to being of valuable service as needed with your marketing and government contracting goals.

Ray Gould

2 weeks ago

Elizabeth Whittaker
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sincerely, ray gould Marine & Valve Supply

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Kati Gibbs

2 weeks ago

Love working with FedBiz! They are so communicative and helpful. Constance is such a pleasure to work with in getting our SBA profile set up, Lou is amazing at setting us up in FedBiz, and Frank is very informative when training us on FedBiz365. I highly recommend FedBiz!

Response from the owner:Love the Love! Thank you for sharing your positive experiences with the FedBiz Access team via this five star google review. More importantly, thank you for the opportunity to share value and assist with your government contracting needs.

Al Hogan

2 weeks ago

Here’s a professional review you could leave for Mya:

Mya was outstanding to work with throughout the entire capability statement process. She was professional, responsive, knowledgeable, and made the experience extremely smooth from start to finish. Her attention to detail and willingness to collaborate ensured that the final product accurately reflected our organization and mission.

I truly appreciate the time and effort Mya put into helping us complete our capability statement. Her customer service and communication were exceptional, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for professional business support services. Thank you again, Mya, for all your hard work and dedication.

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george bianchi

4 weeks ago

Since we’ve had such a positive experience with the team at FedBiz Access in the past, we decided to seek their guidance and support for our nonprofit’s latest project involving government and canine-related initiatives.

Once again, the FedBiz Access team did not disappoint. They directed us to the most effective and efficient way to move forward through the appropriate channels.

We want to thank Frank and the entire FedBiz Access team for providing clear, comprehensive, and valuable information during our consultation.

We would highly recommend FedBiz Access.

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John Diaz

1 month ago

Mya works very accurately and delivers high-quality work in creating our Capability Statement for the GSA organization. Highly recommend her and her organization, FEDBIZACCESS.

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Sandra Chen

1 month ago

Ashley Futral is exceptionally helpful, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to collaborate with. Her efficiency and swift communication have been invaluable, and I greatly appreciate her guidance throughout the process.

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Jacqueline Winter

2 months ago

FedBiz makes renewals so easy and simple which is great as when doing it directly with the gov't is so much more complicated! It was great working with Ashley Futral on on our latest renewal - she saved me so much time! She also helped sort out issues that came up with SAM that I don't think we could have solved on our own. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Very Much Appreciated. We value your loyalty and repeat business over the years. Thank you for allowing us to assist; Fed Biz Access is at your service for all your government contracting needs, from registration to award.

Tara Goldsby

2 months ago

Ashley Futral was extremely helpful with renewing our sam.gov entity registration. She was always prompt with responding to emails and made the process go smoothly.

Response from the owner:Thank you. We appreciate your feedback and repeat business with our agency year after year. Our FedBiz Access government contracting assistance team aims high for your satisfaction and results. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Chris Ramey

2 months ago

Ashley is on another level!!! Very knowledgeable and helpful. Great to work with year over year!! Thumbs Up!!!!!!!

Response from the owner:We appreciate your comments and thank you for your repeat business and the thumbs up for our FedBiz Access government contracting consultants.

Jay Reyes

2 months ago

Ashley Futral and the team at FedBiz Access provided outstanding support throughout my certification process. As the owner of a disabled veteran-owned logistics company, navigating the requirements can be complex—but Ashley made it seamless. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and deep knowledge of the process helped position my company for success in the government contracting space. Highly recommended for any business looking to grow strategically.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your service to our country. Our pleasure to assist and be of value to your organization in your government contracting goals.

Torland Wingfield

3 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with FedBiz on my SBA Disabled Veteran Owned Company Certification. Ashley was simply amazing, using her knowledge and professional approach to get the job done. She checked on me constantly providing weekly updates and worked all issues that came up during the process. I even received a call from her when the certification was approved. This is a great company that I give my strongest recommendation.

Response from the owner:Thank you for recognizing our FedBiz Access team's efforts on your behalf with this five star review and your positive feedback. We value your business and satisfaction.

Ice King LLC

3 months ago

Elizabeth Whitaker made our SAM renewal process quick and easy! We enjoyed working with her and the entire FedBiz Team. They have been great folks to work with and took sooooo much drama out of the process. Quick to respond to all our questions and we truly feel they want our business to succeed. Highly recommend !!!

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John Foster

3 months ago

Mya was great with communications throughout the project. She has outstanding graphics and document creation ability.

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Heridel Guadarrama

3 months ago

thanks Cassie for everything !!

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Jim Dragon

3 months ago

While working with FedBiz Access to update our cage code was an extremely easy worry-free process. Elizabeth was great to work with.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to be of service; we appreciate your business and your five star google review and feedback for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Jon Urban

3 months ago

2025/2026 UPDATE: Cassie and her team at FedBizAccess continue to provide us with professional and reliable support for SAM registration and other government contracting needs.

2024 UPDATE: We continue to rely on FedBizAccess to help us stay on top of our SAM registration. Thanks again for making this an easy process for us, Cassie!

Original Review: We hired FedBizAccess several years ago to help us manage our federal contractor profile through the SAM database. Throughout the years they have been quick to respond to our requests. The past few years more of our focus has been outside the federal contracting arena and we hadn’t required their help. This year, though, we hit a snag renewing our SAM profile since we had a slight change in our company name. We reached out to FBA for help, and Cassie Elbanay responded immediately. She has been critical in helping us navigate the process. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and an overall professional. We are confident work will be done correctly and successfully when Cassie and her team are on the case. It has been a pleasure working with her, and I look forward to continuing our firm’s partnership with her and her team at FBA.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your time and effort in detailing your successful business relationship with our company and staff. Always here to assist as you need us. Thank you for your repeat business and this five star review for FedBiz Access, our amazing staff and your dedicated specialist. We appreciate your vote of confidence and the recognition of our expertise and long standing experience in the government contracting industry.

Alfonso Betts

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay at FedBizAccess was extremely helpful in resolving my issue in SAM. Her knowledge and expertise with the SAM system made the process smooth and efficient—it was handled within minutes. It’s truly a pleasure working with such a knowledgeable and responsive team at FedBizAccess. I greatly appreciate the support and professionalism.

Response from the owner:We are thankful for your repeat business and loyalty to the FedBiz Access team and specialist(s). Its important for us to hear your five star google confirmation of the excellent support and professionalism we strive to maintain. Thank you again for your time in posting this review.

Milissa Fowler

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay was extremely valuable and I could not ask for an easier process. The amount of time and frustration she saved me was priceless. Amazing!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your amazing review and feedback. We aim for an easy and seamless process as much as possible. Thank you for your business and recognition of our FedBiz Access team specialist's efforts on your behalf. We appreciate it.

Joyce Kamau

4 months ago

Working with Cassie at FedBiz on our SAM registration renewal was a great experience. She was patient, thorough, and proactive in addressing potential issues before submission. Cassie expertise helped us avoid delays and ensured our registration was completed efficiently. Cassie is not only highly competent but also wonderful to work with throughout the process.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the detailed account of your great experience with the FedBiz Access team specialist and thank you for your repeat business. We value your feedback and strive to maintain this proactive approach for best and consistent results. We appreciate your recognition.

Brennan Champion

4 months ago

Cassie Elbanay and the FedBiz Access team were exceptional throughout our SAM registration process. Cassie went above and beyond at every step, providing clear guidance that made what can be a complex process feel straightforward. We would absolutely recommend Cassie and FedBiz Access to anyone navigating SAM registrations.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service year after year. We appreciate your feedback and recognition for the FedBiz Access team and consultant and look forward to continue providing exceptional service and clear guidance.

Thomas Esposito

4 months ago

I had the pleasure of working with Mya, she brought my vision to life and we could not be happier with her work.

Response from the owner:Always a pleasure to be able to bring your vision to life. Thank you for the opportunity to provide marketing and design support for your government contracting needs. Thank you for this five star review for the FedBiz Access team specialist as well.

Tamarah

4 months ago

I had a positive experience working with FedBiz and appreciated the guidance and communication provided during the process. Sidney was responsive and supportive, and I’m grateful for the assistance and encouragement along the way.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to continue being of service as needed. Thank you for the opportunity to assist with your government contacting goals.

Cami Allen

4 months ago

Ashley was super helpful, professional and timely. The support we receive from FebBiz Access is so helpful in helping us keep current and updated in a sometimes difficult to navigate government world.

Chris Merrill

6 months ago

Cassie and Fedbiz were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive throughout the entire process from our initial inquiry through the submission. They made the renewal process easy and fast for us to get through.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to keep up the good work:) thank you for the opportunity to assist; we appreciate your business and your positive feedback via this five star google review for our FedBiz team specialist.

Jeff Lindsey

6 months ago

I've been working with FedBiz Access for years now. Cassie does a wonderful job of making the process easy and quick. She is the best! Thanks, Cassie!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team and specialist. Our pleasure to be of consistent and valuable service to your organization.

Tommy Bohler

6 months ago

Cassie was very helpful throughout the whole renewal process with our municipality and also followed up with assistance on a change in our bank accounts. She was super responsive and took care of our problem almost immediately.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to provide efficient and valuable guidance as needed. Looking forward to maintaing this level of service at your direction. Thank you for your five star feedback for our team.

John Anderson

6 months ago

Mya did a great job. We completed the capabilities statement in two attempts. On the second attempt, I provided her with some of our pictures, and she embedded them in our statement.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist and create a compelling and appealing visual representation of your govcon capabilities. Thank you for the opportunity to be of service.

Rifles Only

6 months ago

Cassie made renewing our SAMS registration quick and efficient, and maintained great communication with us.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your repeat business and your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team consultant. Here as you need us!

arnoldo renteria

6 months ago

This team is highly professional and truly knows how to get things done. I am very pleased to have achieved my objective thanks to their support.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your business and this five star google review for the FedBiz Access team; looking forward to continuing working with your objectives and goals for government contracting success.

Harold Quinones

6 months ago

Very easy to work with, knowledgeable, and absolutely handled on your behalf. Recommended.

Response from the owner:Appreciate your business and your recommendation. Thank you very much for this five star Google review for the FedBiz Access team.

George Boza

6 months ago

Mrs. Elbanay continues to be consistently efficient and proficient concerning all all SAM matters. We have worked with her for several years and always go back to her with any SAM or government agency matters. She is pleasant person who listens and resolves any situation and/or subject brought to her attention. Summarizing, she is second to none and we look great forward to working her again.

Once again we have the opportunity to work with Cassie Elbany and as expected she surpassed our expectation with her efficient and professional approach and completion of our new registration. It becuase of Cassie above average support that we work with FEDBIZACCESS and will continue to do so.

Response from the owner:We appreciate the opportunity to continue being of service, as needed, from registration to award. Thank you for your repeat business and your positive feedback for our Fed Biz Access government contracting, dedicated team member.

Julia Perez

7 months ago

SAM Register (Fedbizz Access) has been a great help every step of the way, Thank you Cassie E. for updating me and checking up on the process every step of the way. You have been a great help.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to assist. Thank you for this five star review for our FedBiz Access dedicated consultant and thank you for your business.

cathy deLeon

7 months ago

Ashley was very helpful as always! Easy to register with FedBiz. Ashley took care of our address cheange fast and efficiently. Thank you!

Response from the owner:Thank you; We appreciate your repeat business and opportunity for FedBiz Access professionals to assist with your government contracting needs.

Meghan Ruth

7 months ago

Cassie has been amazing!!

She is so helpful and such a breeze to work with. I always look forward to talking with her.

Response from the owner:Our pleasure to be of service every step of the way; thank you for your business and your five star feedback!

Jessica Sumner

7 months ago

Cassie assisted in making our SAM renewal fast and EASY!!

Response from the owner:Always here to answer any of your government contracting questions and keep the process "fast and easy!". Thank you for your feedback!

Joe Rementer

7 months ago

Cassie was patient and professional in updating my FedBiz account information.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the opportunity to assist. We appreciate your five star google review for the FedBiz Access team specialist.

Warren Gatson

7 months ago

Fedbiz has been the needle in the Haystack!
Frank Krebs became Executive Service Contractor's mentor with the information and resources , his professional and friendly approach ESC were awarded a contract with the City of Chapel Hill! Its was a Darn Good Investment!!!

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The post NAICS Codes and Size Standards for Federal Contracting: How to Stay Eligible (and Avoid Disqualification) appeared first on FedBiz Access.

Federal contracting for wildfire disaster recovery encompasses a broad range of services, from emergency response to long-term environmental restoration. This guide outlines the critical NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes that contractors should consider when pursuing wildfire recovery opportunities with federal agencies.

Understanding NAICS Codes in Federal Contracting

Strategic Importance

NAICS codes serve several crucial functions in federal contracting:

• Enable accurate matching between contractors and federal opportunities
• Determine eligibility for small business set-aside contracts
• Facilitate efficient contract administration
• Define scope of services for federal agencies

Key NAICS Codes by Recovery Phase

Immediate Response Operations

561730 – Landscaping Services

• Debris clearing
• Emergency vegetation management
• Fire break maintenance

562998 – All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services

• Hazardous debris removal
• Specialized cleanup operations
• Emergency waste handling

624230 – Emergency and Other Relief Services

• Temporary housing coordination
• Emergency supply distribution
• Disaster logistics management

621910 – Ambulance Services

• Emergency medical transport
• On-site medical support
• First responder services

Short-Term Recovery Operations

238910 – Site Preparation Contractors

• Land clearing and grading
• Excavation services
• Rebuilding site preparation

237310 – Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

• Infrastructure restoration
• Emergency road repairs
• Access route reconstruction

541330 – Engineering Services

• Recovery planning
• Infrastructure assessment
• Erosion control design

Long-Term Recovery Operations

562910 – Remediation Services

• Environmental cleanup
• Soil contamination treatment
• Site rehabilitation

113310 – Logging

• Damaged timber removal
• Forest management
• Salvage operations

115310 – Support Activities for Forestry

• Reforestation planning
• Prevention measures
• Forest health monitoring

Strategic Implementation

Selecting Appropriate NAICS Codes

1. Assess Core Capabilities

• Review your company’s primary services
  • Identify relevant experience
  • Match services to NAICS descriptions

2. Market Research

• Monitor active wildfire recovery RFPs
  • Track commonly used NAICS codes
  • Identify trending opportunities

3. Registration Management

• Update SAM profile regularly
  • Include all applicable NAICS codes
  • Maintain accurate size standards

Need help? Our SAM and DSBS optimization team can help you select the best NAICS codes for your business to ensure your registration is visible to the right government buyers.

Set-Aside Opportunities

Many wildfire recovery contracts are designated for specific business categories:

• Small Business Set-Asides
• HUBZone Designated Contracts
• 8(a) Program Opportunities
• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Contracts

Best Practices for Success

Registration and Compliance

• Maintain current SAM registration
• Update NAICS codes regularly
• Monitor size standard compliance
• Keep capability statements current

Opportunity Monitoring

• Track seasonal contracting patterns
• Monitor disaster-prone regions
• Build relationships with key agencies
• Stay informed about recovery initiatives

Professional Assistance Available

FedBiz Access provides comprehensive support for contractors entering or expanding in the wildfire recovery market:

• SAM registration and updates
• NAICS code optimization
• Capability statement development
• Contract opportunity monitoring
• Proposal development support

Contact Information

For expert assistance with NAICS codes and federal contracting:

Phone: (844) 628-8914 or Schedule a complimentary consultation at your convenience.

Next Steps

1. Review your current NAICS codes
2. Assess your service capabilities
3. Update your SAM registration
4. Develop targeted capability statements
5. Contact FedBiz Access for professional support

Document prepared by FedBiz Access Government Contracting Made Simple

The post Essential NAICS Codes for Wildfire Recovery Contracting for 2025 appeared first on FedBiz Access.

Understanding Market Demand

First and foremost, the cornerstone of choosing a product or service is understanding the market demand. It’s crucial to research and verify whether the government is actually buying what you’re considering offering, and if so, at what volume. This analysis isn’t just about confirming existence but also understanding the scale of demand. The Market Intel Database provided by FedBiz Access offers an in-depth and user-friendly approach to gathering relevant data. This powerful tool allows you to see detailed spending trends, helping ensure that you’re not investing in a product or service with limited or no government demand.

Aligning with Passion and Brand Values

While market demand provides a logical basis for your choice, aligning this with what you are passionate about and what resonates with your brand’s ethos is equally vital. If there’s a mismatch between what you sell and your company’s identity or values, it could lead to dissatisfaction and a lackluster business performance. The energy and enthusiasm you bring to your work are often palpable to clients and can significantly influence their perception of your company’s commitment and reliability.

Assessing Competitive Advantage

Having a competitive advantage is what sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. This could stem from various factors such as unique expertise, proprietary technology, exclusive partnerships, or even superior implementation strategies. Before deciding on your flagship product or service, assess what unique value you can offer to the government that competitors might not. This advantage will be a key driver in not just winning contracts but also in fulfilling them successfully.

Profitability Considerations

One of the more pragmatic aspects of selecting your offering is its profitability. This involves an analysis beyond the surface-level costs and pricing to include a deeper understanding of the government contracting environment’s financial nuances. Consider the cost structures, pricing norms, and the typical overheads associated with delivering your product or service in the government sector. Sometimes, what’s profitable in the commercial market may not hold the same financial appeal in government contracting due to stringent pricing regulations and competitive bidding.

Scalability and Resource Feasibility

Scalability is critical, especially when considering contracts that might require a significant ramp-up in delivery or scope. Evaluate whether your business can realistically meet large-scale demands without compromising on quality or timelines. This involves having the right infrastructure, processes, and resources in place to scale operations efficiently. Similarly, ensure that you have, or can obtain, the necessary expertise and technological capabilities to support this growth.

Customer Experience and Longevity

The government sector values not only the quality and cost-efficiency of products and services but also the customer experience and reliability. Offering a stellar customer experience can enhance your reputation and lead to more contract opportunities. Moreover, consider the longevity of the product or service in the marketplace. Is it something with a sustainable demand, or is it likely to become obsolete or less favored over time?

Synergy with Other Offerings

Lastly, consider how your flagship offering can synergistically complement other services or products you provide. This not only maximizes your market potential but also allows for more comprehensive solutions to government needs, which can be a significant competitive advantage.

How FedBiz Access Can Help

Navigating the complexities of the government marketplace can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. FedBiz Access has been supporting small businesses in this arena for over 23 years, providing expert guidance and strategic insights that pave the way for success. We specialize in helping clients select the correct NAICS codes for their services, ensuring they are perfectly positioned to win government awards. Our deep understanding of market demands and contracting nuances makes us an ideal partner in your government contracting journey.

If you’re looking for expert assistance in identifying the right product or service to offer in the government marketplace, or if you need help with any aspect of government contracting, schedule a complimentary consultation with a FedBiz Specialist today. At FedBiz Access, we’re committed to helping you succeed by making informed, strategic decisions that propel your business forward in the government sector.

The post The Strategic Importance of Choosing the Right Product or Service in Government Contracting appeared first on FedBiz Access.

What Are NAICS Codes?

NAICS codes are a series of numbers designed to categorize businesses into industries based on their activities. These codes were developed jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to facilitate economic analyses and foster a better understanding of the North American economy’s structure and functioning. Each code describes a specific sector, subsector, industry group, and industry type, making it easier for businesses and government agencies to understand the nature of a business.

The Role of NAICS Codes in Government Contracting

In the realm of government contracting, NAICS codes play a pivotal role. They are used by government agencies to classify their procurement needs and by businesses to specify their services or products. This mutual understanding facilitates a more efficient matchmaking process between government contract opportunities and businesses poised to fulfill them.

1. Finding Relevant Contracts: Government solicitations are categorized by NAICS codes. By identifying and using the correct codes, businesses can more easily find government contracts that are relevant to their services or products. This targeted approach saves time and resources, allowing businesses to focus on opportunities that match their expertise.
2. Competing Effectively: The selection of accurate NAICS codes can impact a business’s visibility to government buyers. When a business’s offerings are accurately represented by its selected NAICS codes, it stands a better chance of being considered for contracts that require those specific goods or services. Furthermore, some government contracts are set aside for small businesses within certain NAICS codes, highlighting the importance of correct classification for eligibility and competitive advantage.
3. Market Research and Strategic Planning: NAICS codes can also be used for market research and strategic planning. By analyzing government spending in specific NAICS categories, businesses can identify trends, evaluate the competition, and make informed decisions about market positioning and capability development. A great tool for conducting targeting market research is the Market Intel Database.

Selecting the Right NAICS Codes

The selection of NAICS codes is not always straightforward. A business may operate in multiple sectors or provide a range of services that span different NAICS codes. Here are some tips for selecting the right NAICS codes:

• Review Your Business Activities: Start by thoroughly reviewing your business’s products and services. Consider all aspects of your operations to identify the primary and secondary activities.
• Use the NAICS Search Tool: The U.S. Census Bureau offers a search tool for finding relevant NAICS codes based on keywords or activities. Use this tool to identify potential codes that match your business.
• Consider Multiple Codes: Don’t limit your business to a single NAICS code if multiple codes describe your operations. Identifying all applicable codes can broaden your opportunities.
• Check Contract Histories: Look at past contracts awarded for services or products similar to yours to see which NAICS codes were used. This can provide insight into how government buyers classify certain types of procurements.

How FedBiz Access Can Help

Understanding and navigating NAICS codes is just the beginning. Competing for and winning government contracts requires a comprehensive approach, encompassing everything from initial registration to contract management. This is where FedBiz Access comes in.

As the leading government business development firm, FedBiz Access provides unparalleled expertise and support to businesses of all sizes and industries. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping businesses understand the complexities of government contracting, including the strategic use of NAICS codes to enhance visibility and competitiveness.

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

If you have questions about NAICS codes or any aspect of government contracting, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with a FedBiz Specialist. Our team is here to help you unlock your full potential in the federal marketplace and navigate the path to success with confidence.

Understanding the importance of NAICS codes and leveraging them effectively can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to thrive in the government contracting sector. With FedBiz Access by your side, you’re not just navigating the process; you’re setting the stage for unparalleled success.

The post Understanding the Importance of NAICS Codes in Government Contracting appeared first on FedBiz Access.

How to choose NAICS Codes?

What are the best NAICS codes for government contracting?

The North American Industry Classification System (known as NAICS Codes) is a classification system to group businesses into similar industries for the primary purpose of having standardized data to analyze and track economic activity.

Each business is classified into a six-digit numeric NAICS Code based on your major business activity. The Census Bureau tabulates the data of all businesses into summary totals at the two-digit down to six-digit NAICS Code levels.

Selecting your primary NAICS Code is an initial decision you make as a small business registering in the System for Award Management (“SAM”) system to become a government contractor.

You must select a primary NAICS Code that best reflects your specific business, but you should also include at least 3 – 5 secondary NAICS Codes to reflect other broader areas of your business. Now we are on the path to choosing the best NAICS code for your business.

NAICS Codes are a two-digit through six-digit hierarchical classification system, offering five levels of detail. Each digit in the code is part of a series of progressively narrower categories, and the more digits in the code signify greater classification detail up to the sixth digit.

Did you pick the right NAICS code?

• Two-Digit – 20 primary Economic Sector Codes
• Three-Digit – 96 Subsector Codes
• Four-Digit – 308 Industry Group Codes
• Five-Digit – 689 Industry Codes
• Six-Digit – 1012 total specific National Codes

The U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) has adopted the primary NAICS Code designation as a way of establishing the definition of ‘small business’ based on your industry.

The SBA uses NAICS Codes to assign different standards to industries based on your five-year average annual revenue and/or 12-month average employee count.

When selecting your primary NAICS Code, the decision can impact your SBA designation since some relatively similar-sounding codes can have different size standards. You will want to stay under the size standards as a small business to maintain your small business status and qualify for the SBA’s socioeconomic programs, including SDVOSB, WOSB/EDWOSB, HUBZone, and 8(a).

Under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (“FAR”) Simplified Acquisition Procedures for soliciting and evaluating bids up to $250,000, contracting officials must first reserve awards for businesses classified as ‘small businesses.’ These procedures require fewer administrative details, fewer approvals, and less documentation, but first, the government contracting official must try to obtain offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive in price, quality, and delivery. Based on this, the award must go to a small business.

The SBA typically takes your word for it on which NAICS Code you select for your primary NAICS Code. However, they do reserve the right to challenge it, so make sure you can justify it. In addition, make sure that your tax return also reflects the same primary NAICS Code as your SAM registration.

A good NAICS Code is one that is broad but accurately describes your business. So, be sure to check the size standards and pick the code that is right for you.

FedBiz Access works with small businesses to help them establish their foundation with the federal government from their initial SAM registration to setting strategy to help find the right buyers. We can help you pick your best primary NAICS Code, as well as your secondary NAICS and PSC Codes.

FedBiz Access has over 21 years of experience working with companies to help them win business by ensuring their registrations, research, engagement strategy, set-aside certifications, and GSA Multiple Award Schedules are current, complete, and compliant.

FedBiz Access helps companies build a clear path from registration to award.

The post Best NAICS Codes for Small Businesses appeared first on FedBiz Access.

Welcome to our podcast FedBiz 5, where you get informed, get connected and get results.  In our last episode we discussed, “What is SAM?” – The System for Award Management.   Now we will learn more about NAICS Codes and their importance in your SAM registration.

NAICS Codes are the six-digit identification standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying businesses for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy.  For federal contracting, these are the codes the government researches to find goods and services for award opportunities.

An important part of the SAM registration process is ensuring a business has properly categorized its industry codes in their SAM registration.  (SAM is a business’ accounting and business profile record with the government required for all federal contractors.) 

The six-digit NAICS Code can be broken down into specific levels by each digit of the code.  The NAICS code has 20 primary two-digit Sectors. For example, all Accommodation and Food Services businesses are under the NAICS two-digit code of 72.  The NAICS hierarchy includes 99 three-digit Subcategories, 311 four-digit Industry Groups, and 709 five-digit NAICS Industry Designations.  There are 1,057 six-digit NAICS Codes.

These numbers were derived by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2017 and are updated every five years.  You can find the link here which provides the details of the hierarchy structure – NAICS Codes.  From this link you can research business classifications by industry category hierarchy or use a keyword search to match industries to NAICS Codes.

NAICS Code Structure by Sector:

SECTOR                DESCRIPTION

In the SAM registration process, each NAICS code is compared to a business’ revenue size ‘Total Receipts’ and/or employee count ‘Average Number of Employees’ to learn if they qualify as a ‘Small Business’ under the SBA Size Metric Standards.  Only U.S. Small Businesses can be found in the Dynamic Small Business Search (“DSBS”), which is a small businesses marketing profile with the SBA. (Large businesses, foreign businesses and non-profit businesses do not qualify as small businesses and therefore do not have a DSBS profile.)

NAICS Codes describe in general “HOW” purchased products and/or services are produced.  For example, NAICS Code 541611 is defined as ‘Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services.’  NAICS Codes do not describe who a business sells to.  NAICS Codes are based on a production-oriented concept, meaning that it groups businesses into industries according to similarity in the processes used to produce goods and/or services.

In SAM, NAICS Codes should be focused on core business.  Too much disparity or too many NAICS Codes can give the impression the business is not focused.  What do you want to sell to the government? Less is more in this instance, and that focus is very important.

FedBiz Access’ fulfillment team takes the time to understand their client’s business and asks questions to pull information from the client to ensure their registration is complete, optimized and verified.

This podcast is sponsored by FedBiz Access. For government contracting made simple, call (888) 299-4498.

The post FEDBIZ’5 | EPISODE 3: What are NAICS Codes, the North American Industry Classification System codes? appeared first on FedBiz Access.