If you are involved in federal government contracting, you’re probably familiar with North American Industry Classification System Codes, better known as NAICS codes. But government buyers also use a lesser-known type of code, called Product and Service Codes, or PSCs. For contractors, understanding PSCs and effectively using them in their public profiles, capability statements, and websites can make it easier to connect with federal buyers.
What Are PSCs?
PSCs, which are sometimes referred to as Federal Supply Codes, are four-character codes used to describe products and services purchased by the federal government. Most federal solicitations and contracts are assigned a PSC. A full list of PSCs and their definitions can be found in the government’s PSC Manual.
How Do PSCs Differ From NAICS Codes?
NAICS codes identify a type of industry, whereas PSCs more specifically identify the products and services the government is purchasing. For this reason, PSCs are often more granular than NAICS codes. For example, just within the field of building maintenance, there are several dozen potential PSCs, ranging from maintenance of air traffic control towers to maintenance of schools to maintenance of warehouse buildings and much more.
Many contractors are much more familiar with NAICS codes than PSCs because the U.S. Small Business Administration uses NAICS codes to determine small business size standards. Government buyers, however, use PSCs every bit as much–if not more–than they use NAICS codes.
How Do Government Buyers Use PSCs?
By assigning PSCs to its contracts, the government can much more closely track its spending. But government buyers also use PSCs to help find qualified contractors when they are conducting market research or otherwise reviewing a contractor’s qualifications.
For example, if the Department of Defense intends to build a new school on a military base, its market research might include seeking contractors whose profiles identify PSC Y1CA, “Construction of Schools.”
How Can Contractors Effectively Use PSC Codes?
Like NAICS codes, contractors are asked to self-identify their PSC codes on their SAM and Dynamic Small Business Search profiles. Don’t overlook this opportunity! Spend some time reviewing the PSC Manual and add the PSCs in areas in which you have worked or would like to be considered for work. Reviewing the PSCs assigned to previous solicitations and contracts in your industry can be helpful in identifying the right PSCs to add to your profiles.
Don’t stop at your profiles: add your PSCs to your capability statement and website, too! Finally, if you would like assistance identifying your PSCs and advice for how to better use them to help government buyers connect with you, schedule an appointment with your APEX Accelerator counselor.
For more information about Government Contracting, contact your CIRAS Government Contracting Specialist or complete our Request for Counseling form.