USFCR Blog

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.

The month of May highlights Military Appreciation Month, which plays a crucial role in fostering an awareness and understanding of the challenges service members, veterans, and their families face. [1] Military Appreciation Month celebrates a few of the following observance days:

The Hidden Risks of Multi-Entity Contracting

Federal contracting opens the door to major growth, but it also comes with a long list of responsibilities that can quietly stack up, especially for businesses operating across multiple locations or working with subcontractors.

For many, the challenge isn't winning work. It’s staying compliant once the work begins.

Each registered entity tied to a federal contract must meet very specific conditions: active SAM registration, accurate business listings, proper set-aside certification (if applicable), and consistency across government-facing systems like DSBS and capabilities statements. If just one location falls out of step, or a subcontractor isn’t properly registered, it doesn’t just slow things down. It can bring the entire contract to a halt.

This isn't theoretical. It happens more often than people think.

How Federal Buyers Use DSBS for Market Research and Why Your Profile Matters

Why Contracting Officers Use DSBS

When agencies consider setting aside a federal contract for small businesses, they are required to use DSBS. This is not optional. According to FAR 19.203(d) and SBA regulations at 13 CFR 125.2, contracting officers must search both SAM and DSBS to find eligible vendors.

This requirement is tied to the Rule of Two. If they find at least two responsible small businesses that can perform the work, the contract is set aside for small businesses. If they do not, it can be released for full and open competition. That initial market research starts with a DSBS search.

The federal government is raising the bar again. Starting in 2025, all manufactured products and construction materials used in federally funded projects must meet a 65 percent domestic content requirement under the Buy American Act. This rule runs through 2028 and rises to 75 percent in 2029. If you're not auditing your supply chain now, you're risking more than a missed bid; you could be disqualified before you even get started.

Billions in Maintenance Contracts Are Available. Is Your Business Ready to Bid?

If your business offers tree care, lawn services, or landscaping, you might be missing a major revenue stream. The federal government spends billions every year maintaining outdoor spaces, and most of that work falls under NAICS Code 561730. These contracts cover everything from tree removal and mowing to erosion control and fire mitigation. And many are reserved for small businesses.

This Earth Day, nonprofits dedicated to environmental conservation have the chance to access vital funding to further their impactful work. Grants aimed at protecting the environment are available across the country, supporting efforts to preserve natural resources and promote green initiatives. See below to explore environmental funding opportunities by state or region.

If you’ve been in construction for years, you already know how to manage crews, estimate jobs, and deliver results. However, when it comes to federal contracting, it might feel like a completely different world. That’s normal. Plenty of experienced business owners run into that same feeling.

If you're applying for a federal grant, you may come across a requirement to share in the cost of your project. This is called matching or cost sharing. In short, it means that part of the total cost needs to be covered by non-federal sources.

Matching amounts are usually shown as a percentage of the total project cost. These percentages, along with rules about which funds can be used, vary depending on the program. Always review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or other official guidance for your specific grant.

Government agencies often purchase goods and services from the same marketplace as private-sector businesses. Commercial item contracts simplify the process, allowing small businesses to sell their standard products to federal buyers with minimal modifications.