What NAICS Codes Are Used for IT and Technology Contracts?

Why Your NAICS Code Matters for IT Contracts

Contracting officers search SAM.gov vendor registrations by NAICS code when building their bidders list. Small business set-aside determinations are made at the NAICS code level. Size standards (whether your business qualifies as "small") are calculated per NAICS code. Getting this right is not optional — using the wrong NAICS code means missing opportunities you qualify for.

The Core IT NAICS Codes — Detailed Breakdown

541511 — Custom Computer Programming Services

What it covers: Writing original code and software to client specifications. This includes web application development, mobile app development, database programming, and API development.

SBA size standard: $34M average annual receipts

Who uses it: Software development firms, app developers, government systems developers

Federal buyers: DoD, DHS, VA, civilian agencies with custom software needs

541512 — Computer Systems Design Services

What it covers: Designing, planning, and integrating computer systems including hardware and software. This is the broadest IT NAICS code and covers most IT consulting and systems integration work.

SBA size standard: $34M average annual receipts

Who uses it: IT consultants, systems integrators, managed service providers, IT staffing firms

Federal buyers: Virtually every federal agency — this is the most commonly used IT NAICS code in federal contracting

541513 — Computer Facilities Management Services

What it covers: Outsourced operation and management of IT facilities — data centers, server rooms, network operations centers.

SBA size standard: $34M average annual receipts

Who uses it: Managed service providers, data center operators, NOC operators

Federal buyers: GSA, DoD, civilian agencies with large IT infrastructure

541519 — Other Computer Related Services

What it covers: IT services not covered by the above — help desk support, computer repair, IT training, hardware installation.

SBA size standard: $34M average annual receipts

Who uses it: IT support firms, help desk providers, computer repair shops

Federal buyers: VA, civilian agencies, military installations

518210 — Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services

What it covers: Cloud computing, hosting, data center services, Software-as-a-Service delivery.

SBA size standard: $47M average annual receipts

Who uses it: Cloud providers, hosting companies, SaaS vendors

Federal buyers: GSA (FedRAMP authorized services), DHS, DoD

541690 — Other Scientific and Technical Consulting

What it covers: Cybersecurity consulting, information security, technical advisory services not elsewhere classified.

SBA size standard: $19M average annual receipts

Who uses it: Cybersecurity firms, IT strategy consultants, compliance advisors

Federal buyers: DHS CISA, DoD, agencies under FISMA compliance requirements

Choosing Between 541511 and 541512

This is the most common question for IT firms. The distinction:

• If you write original code as your primary service → 541511
• If you design, integrate, or consult on IT systems as your primary service → 541512
• If you do both (most IT firms do) → register both, use 541512 as primary

In practice, 541512 is used far more frequently in federal contracting. When in doubt, lead with 541512.

NAICS Codes and Small Business Size Standards

For IT NAICS codes, the SBA size standard is based on average annual receipts over 3 years. Most codes in the 5415x range have a $34M standard — meaning if your firm earns less than $34M annually, you qualify as a small business and are eligible for small business set-asides.

Official SBA size standards tool: sba.gov/size-standards