Top 14+ NAICS Codes for Disaster Relief

Top 14 NAICS Codes for Disaster Relief Contracts: Get found fast when disaster strikes.

Federal agencies move quickly when responding to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other emergencies. That means they rely on businesses that are already properly registered, listed with the right NAICS codes, and ready to act.

Hurricane season officially starts June 1, but it’s already looking like we’re in for an early start this year. That means the window to prepare is closing fast.

FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Forest Service prioritize vendors with pre-approved contracts and complete SAM registrations. FEMA also maintains an ILP Vendor Profile system and uses pre-awarded contracts to speed up procurement. If your business falls under one of the following NAICS codes, you may already be eligible for emergency contracts, but incomplete registrations or mismatched codes can disqualify you.

Use this guide to check your codes and learn how agencies use them during actual disaster response. While this list reflects the most commonly seen codes in relief efforts, it is not a definitive ranking based on FY 2024 or 2025 contract data.

1. NAICS Code 562119 – Other Waste Collection
   Used for debris hauling, storm cleanup, and disposal of building materials or vegetative waste. This code applies to businesses that specialize in the physical removal of storm aftermath and damaged property.
2. NAICS Code 562910 – Remediation Services
   Covers hazardous material cleanup, including mold, asbestos, and contaminated soil. Often used after chemical leaks, storm surges in industrial areas, or building demolitions.
3. NAICS Code 561730 – Landscaping Services
   Storms knock down trees and fill roads with debris. This code is commonly used for clearing foliage, fallen branches, stump grinding, and brush removal during recovery operations.
4. NAICS Code 561720 – Janitorial Services
   FEMA and other agencies need indoor spaces cleaned quickly. This code covers the cleaning of shelters, trailers, vehicles, and office space used during relief missions.
5. NAICS Code 722320 – Caterers
   Provides pre-cooked meals to displaced families, emergency workers, and agency staff. Common in emergency feeding contracts managed by FEMA and Red Cross.
6. NAICS Code 424490 – Other Grocery and Related Products Wholesalers
   Used for supplying non-perishable goods like bottled water, canned food, and MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat). This code helps feed thousands during mass sheltering events.
7. NAICS Code 541930 – Translation and Interpretation Services
   When agencies serve multilingual populations, they contract interpreters or translation firms. This is common for Spanish, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, and American Sign Language.

1. NAICS Code 314910 – Textile Bag and Canvas Mills
   This code includes tarp manufacturers, a key product used for roof patching, supply protection, and temporary shelter setup during disaster response.
2. NAICS Code 561612 – Security Guards and Patrol Services
   Used to secure supply depots, shelters, and temporary housing zones. Also contracted to guard relief workers or enforce curfews in high-risk areas.
3. NAICS Code 423830 – Industrial Machinery and Equipment Wholesalers
   This applies to companies that provide heavy equipment, such as forklifts and loaders, and supply handling tools needed during relief logistics.
4. NAICS Code 333924 – Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing
   While manufacturers are sometimes contracted, agencies more commonly lease equipment. This code may apply to suppliers offering both manufacturing and delivery of emergency handling equipment.
5. NAICS Code 532490 – Equipment Rental and Leasing
   Often preferred over manufacturing contracts for speed. Used when agencies rent machinery, power tools, lighting, or climate control units. Especially important when contracts call for temporary support.
6. NAICS Code 335312 – Motor and Generator Manufacturing
   Covers businesses that manufacture or distribute portable generators. Rental solutions may take priority, but manufacturers may be awarded contracts if local supply chains are disrupted.
7. NAICS Code 624230 – Emergency and Other Relief Services
   A general-use code covering nonprofit and for-profit services that deliver shelter, food, counseling, clothing, or relocation support.

These codes are not always categorized as emergency response, but they frequently appear in large-scale disaster rebuild contracts:

• 237310 – Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction

• 237110 – Water and Sewer Line Construction

• 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

• 562991 – Septic Tank and Related Services: Used for installing and maintaining portable toilets at temporary shelters

• 541519 – Other Computer Related Services: May apply to emergency IT support, data protection, and cybersecurity infrastructure

Certifications That Matter

Many disaster relief contracts require proof of readiness beyond your NAICS code. Contractors may need certifications such as:

• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Safety Training

• FEMA Public Assistance Program Training

• HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response)

• SAM.gov registration with accurate NAICS alignment

Having these in place can help you meet contracting deadlines and stay competitive.

Bonus: Public Health Emergency NAICS Codes

These were used extensively during COVID-19 and remain relevant in federal emergency planning:

• 325414 – Biological Product Manufacturing: Vaccine production and immunological supplies

• 339113 – Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing: PPE kits, bandages, and field-use first aid kits

• 621910 – Ambulance Services: Emergency transportation under federal or state funding

What’s Next?

If you found your code on this list, don’t wait. A storm, flood, or wildfire can trigger a contracting wave that fills in hours. USFCR can help you update your SAM registration, align your codes, and build a Disaster-ready vendor profile.

To speak with a Contracting Specialist about Disaster Relief, Call: (866) 216-5343 and learn how to get ahead of the next award cycle.