What Your Primary NAICS Code Controls
Let’s start with the basics. Your primary NAICS code is the one that SAM officially ties to your registration. It defines your core business activity, determines size standards, and can impact set-aside eligibility. If you’re an SDVOSB, 8(a), WOSB, or HUBZone, the primary code must align with the opportunity you're targeting.
In SAM, you designate one primary NAICS code, but you can list additional NAICS codes to reflect your full range of services.
Why Secondary Codes Still Matter
Even though SAM only locks in one primary, you can still list multiple NAICS codes in your capabilities statement, DSBS profile, and marketing materials. These secondary codes tell the full story of what you do. That’s key when buyers or primes are:
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Searching DSBS by code filters
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Screening vendors for simplified acquisitions
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Comparing your services to competitors
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Evaluating if you're a match for a contract with mixed NAICS scopes
Take Mandi Foret from Louisiana. Her business did landscaping and facilities maintenance. With the right mix of codes added across her documents and DSBS profile, she landed a Coast Guard contract within four months.
Check out more USFCR Case Studies Here
How Agencies and Primes Search You
When contracting officers search vendors, they don’t just filter by one NAICS. Especially in the DSBS (Dynamic Small Business Search) tool, they’ll apply multiple filters:
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Primary NAICS
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Keywords
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Capabilities Narrative
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Past Performance
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Other NAICS codes
If your profile only has one NAICS listed, you won’t show up in relevant results. And if your capabilities statement doesn’t back up your codes with real descriptions, you’ll get skipped. We’ve seen clients miss contract invites because their profile didn’t reflect their full service range.
When It’s Time to Change Your Primary
We fix this every week: a contractor lists their commercial NAICS as primary, even though they’re now targeting government construction jobs. The result? Mismatches, confusion, and lost eligibility.
Here’s when it’s worth changing your primary:
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Your business has shifted industries
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You’re pursuing a set-aside under a different code
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A specific contract requires a different NAICS for eligibility
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You’ve added capabilities and want to reframe how you're positioned
Many contractors rely on USFCR’s expertise to update their NAICS codes across SAM, DSBS, and other systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Doing it wrong can delay awards or cause rejections.
One Mistake That Costs Visibility
Mismatched NAICS codes often occur due to manual entry errors or outdated profiles across SAM, DSBS, and other platforms. Our team at USFCR aligns these systems to maximize your visibility and credibility.
That lack of alignment costs you search visibility and credibility. And yes, contracting officers notice.
What’s Next?
If you're unsure whether your codes are helping or hurting, we can review and fix them fast. From aligning your primary to expanding secondary code visibility in DSBS and the Advanced procurement Portal (APP), we’ll make sure you're positioned to win.
Talk to a specialist about your NAICS codes and get a full profile audit.
FAQ
How do I add secondary NAICS codes in SAM?
SAM requires one primary NAICS code, but you can add multiple secondary NAICS codes in your SAM profile. You can also include additional codes in DSBS, your capabilities narrative, and your capabilities statement.
What happens if I pick the wrong primary NAICS?
It can block you from set-aside eligibility, cause your certifications to be denied, or make you invisible to buyers searching that code. We help contractors update it properly in SAM and supporting systems.
Can I use different NAICS codes for different contracts?
Yes, but your SAM record still has one primary. You can use other NAICS codes in proposals and tailor your approach by opportunity. Just make sure your documents and profiles support the codes you're using. View full FAQ page
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