There is no denying that being an 8a certificate holder is already a step ahead in the government contracting industry, as it allows your business to have first-priority claim to various contracts without even having to bid for them, but is that enough?

8a firms that develop good marketing strategies in the federal marketplace are doing significantly better than those who don’t. 

If you are interested in finding out which industries have been winning this 2021, here’s the top 10 NAICS Code for 8a that have grown and thrived. 

1. 541512 

It is no surprise that the computer systems design services are first place on this list, especially with the accelerating rise of the digital economy, people are shifting to the world of tech and are looking for people to help them with that.

This industry specifically refers to establishments that partake in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies.

2. 561210 

Establishments in the facilities support services industry provide operating staff to perform a combination of support services within the client’s facilities. 

The people in this industry are the reason why things are miraculously always in order and clean. No wonder this comes second! Having properly managed facilities is vital for a facility to function effectively and efficiently.

3. 541611 

Administrative management and general management consulting services provide operating advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations on administrative management issues.

In simpler terms, businesses involving this industry manage people, information, and other resources with the goal of achieving organizational goals.

They are essential in making businesses run smoothly, thus they have been in demand in the market because it is a known fact that companies will struggle without them.

4. 236220 

You’ll have no trouble understanding the commercial and institutional building construction industry since it is very self-explanatory. These are the people involved in constructing commercial and institutional buildings.

These buildings are of different kinds, such as stadiums, grain elevators, and indoor swimming facilities. 

More specifically, this industry is geared more towards the on-site assembly of modular or prefabricated commercial and institutional buildings.

8a firms are very successful in their award of federal construction contracts which is why 40%+ of all 8a firms are in the construction field. 

5. 541519 

The other computer related services industry and the industry ranking first on this list might be similarly compared, since both have the “computer” label on them, however they do have a significant difference.

Other computer related services are those who provide computer disaster recovery or software installation services.

They do not offer services such as custom programming, systems integration design, and facilities management services, as these services are offered by the computer systems design services industry.

6. 541330

Engineering services is actually a very broad one since they pertain to a variety of engineering companies. From construction to electrical to chemical, the list goes on. 

Generally, establishments in this industry involve the provision of advice, preparation of feasibility studies, preparation of preliminary and final plans and designs, provision of technical services during the construction or installation phase, inspection and evaluation of engineering projects, and related services.

So basically, any business that applies physical laws and principles of engineering in their design and development of products or services are a part of this industry.

7. 561612 

Security guards and patrol services are also one of the more self-explanatory ones. They are the establishments that provide guard and patrol services, such as bodyguard, guard dog, and parking security services.

Do not confuse this with the NAICS code 56162, although they have the same goal, 56162 is more aimed towards the selling of security systems and remote monitoring of electronic security alarm systems.

8. 541712 

This comprises establishments primarily engaged in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology).

People in this industry are scientists. They conduct research and experimental developments in the  field of science and mathematics. From biology to chemistry to veterinary, the spectrum that this industry covers is wide.

Note: The NAICS Code 541712, however, is no longer valid. The NAICS Code that should be used instead is 541715. Unless the requirement is dealing with nanotechnology, in that case, the code 541713 should be used. 

9. 541990 

All other professional, scientific, and technical services are one of the industries that are harder to classify as the examples are quite wide. Services such as business brokers, construction estimation, and handwriting experts are included in this industry.

Generally, these establishments offer professional, scientific, or technical services, with the exclusion of legal services, architectural, engineering, computer systems design, management, scientific, technical consulting services, etc.

10. 541513 

Computer facilities management services are those establishments primarily engaged in providing on-site management and operation of clients’ computer systems and/or data processing facilities. 

Seeing that companies are shifting to the digital era, as means to manage their businesses, this industry is on high-demand.

This industry, however, is closely related to another NAICS code, 518210, which is the data processing, hosting, and related services. The difference is that 518210 provides hosting or data processing services while 541513 is more on on-site management.

RESOURCES

If you are stuck with an 8a certification and want to learn how to navigate the program, check out this video entitled, “The 8a BD (Business Development) Program fully explained,” to know your way around the industry. 

To also learn more about all things NAICS, you can check out the website here. Information found in this article is taken from the official open data source of federal spending, found here.