If you’re a small business owner and have been trying to get into the federal arena, you are probably familiar with the North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code. It is very important in terms of gaining visibility to the government but did you know that the Product Service Codes are just as important?
One of the reasons why business owners get lost in government contracting is because of the overwhelming variety of products and services needed by the agencies.
PSCs can help a business easily describe what they can offer to the government buyers, as they are straightforward and also narrower compared to NAICS codes.
Most business owners think their companies stand out from their competition, but only a few have actually attempted to validate that.
Find your competitive advantage by getting to know the marketplace. This could expand potential opportunities for you and your company. With that in mind, here’s a list of the top 10 PSC codes that have dominated 2020 and what they offer to the market.
1. 1510
Aircraft, Fixed Wing
This code pertains only to complete aircraft which means end items, assemblies, parts, attachments, or accessories for use in or on fixed-wing aircraft are classified in classes other than this class.
2. R425
Professional: Engineering/Technical
This is designated for engineering and technical services. Under this category are services that offer systems engineering, technical assistance, and other services used to support the program office during the acquisition cycle. This excludes language translation and sign language interpretation.
3. 1905
Combat Ships and Landing Vessels
This code includes aircraft carriers; battleships; cruisers; destroyers; submarines; frigates and corvettes; gunboats; motor torpedo boats; sub chasers; landing barges; minelaying and mine sweeping craft.
4. R499
Support- Professional: Other
Services in this category offer advisory management. Businesses that fall under this are wide-ranging. One of the few possible NAICS codes for this is engineering services, environmental consulting services, and other computer-related services.
5. 1410
Guided Missiles
This class includes only complete guided missiles, with or without warheads and explosive components, whether in assembled or unassembled form. Complete drones, initially designed as missiles, but converted to drone use, are also part of this code.
End items, assemblies, parts, attachments, or accessories for use in or on guided missiles are classified in classes other than this class.
6. 6505
Drugs and Biologicals
This code refers to establishments that provide all drugs, medicinal grade chemicals, and biologicals subject to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, listed in the Monograph section of the U.S. Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary or covered by the United States Adopted Names (USAN). The items in this category, however, must be formulated for human use only.
Medicated cosmetics and toiletries classifiable in FSC 6508 and in vitro diagnostic substances and reagents classifiable in FSC 6550, and Veterinary Drugs and Biologicals classifiable in FSC 6509 are excluded from this class.
7. D399
IT and Telecom- Other IT and Telecommunications
This refers to establishments that offer IT and telecommunication services, as the name states. This category comprises services that offer any form of electronic information use and transmission.
8. Q201
Medical- General Health Care
This code is also self-explanatory, as it pertains to general health care services. Possible NAICS codes under this category are general medical and surgical hospitals, temporary help services, and home health care services.
9. M1JZ
Operation of Miscellaneous Buildings
Codes under M1 are designated for companies that operate on government-owned buildings. Most of the industry titles under the M1 classification are specified. This code, on the other hand, refers to the construction of buildings that may not particularly fall into other categories, hence the term miscellaneous.
10. 6515
Medical and Surgical Instruments, Equipment, and Supplies
The items offered in this class include anesthesia apparatus, blood transfusion apparatus, oxygen therapy apparatus, respirators, orthopedic supplies, arch supports, clinical thermometers, sutures, hearing aids, veterinary equipment, endoscopes, fiber optic. The ophthalmic instruments and non-medical endoscopes, however, are not included.
RESOURCES
The ranking from this article was taken from usaspending.gov. Federal awards in 2020 were categorized by their PSC codes and were then listed from highest to lowest, according to their respective cumulative amount obligated by the federal government.
To learn more about PSC codes and how to use them, check this video entitled, What is a PSC (product service code) and how to use it? to know your way around the industry and find your competitive edge.
The information found in this article is taken from the Products and Service Codes Manual, wherein the products, services, and research and development (R&D) purchased by the federal government were described according to its specified code.
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