NAICS codes might seem like a minor administrative detail, but they're actually one of the most strategic decisions you'll make in defense contracting. The codes you select determine which contracts you can bid on, whether you qualify as a small business, and how government buyers find you. Getting them right is essential.
What Are NAICS Codes?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal agencies to classify business establishments. Each code is a 6-digit number that describes a specific industry or activity.
Structure:
2 digits — Sector (e.g., 33 = Manufacturing)3 digits — Subsector (e.g., 332 = Fabricated Metal Products)4 digits — Industry Group (e.g., 3329 = Other Fabricated Metal Products)5 digits — Industry (e.g., 33291 = Metal Valve Manufacturing)6 digits — National Industry (e.g., 332911 = Industrial Valve Manufacturing)
Key NAICS Codes for Defense Manufacturing
Fabricated Metal Products (332)
332111 — Iron and Steel Forging332112 — Nonferrous Forging332119 — Metal Crown, Closure, and Other Metal Stamping332312 — Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing332313 — Plate Work Manufacturing332439 — Other Metal Container Manufacturing332510 — Hardware Manufacturing332710 — Machine Shops332721 — Precision Turned Product Manufacturing332722 — Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing332911 — Industrial Valve Manufacturing332912 — Fluid Power Valve and Hose Fitting Manufacturing332994 — Small Arms, Ordnance, and Accessories Manufacturing332999 — All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
Machinery Manufacturing (333)
333249 — Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing333314 — Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing333316 — Photographic and Photocopying Equipment Manufacturing333413 — Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower Manufacturing333511 — Industrial Mold Manufacturing333514 — Special Die and Tool, Die Set, Jig, and Fixture Manufacturing333517 — Machine Tool Manufacturing333519 — Rolling Mill and Other Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing
Computer and Electronic Products (334)
334111 — Electronic Computer Manufacturing334118 — Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing334210 — Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing334220 — Radio and Television Broadcasting Equipment Manufacturing334290 — Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing334310 — Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing334412 — Bare Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing334413 — Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing334416 — Capacitor, Resistor, Coil, Transformer, and Other Inductor Manufacturing334418 — Printed Circuit Assembly Manufacturing334511 — Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System Manufacturing
Transportation Equipment (336)
336411 — Aircraft Manufacturing336412 — Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing336413 — Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing336414 — Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing336415 — Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit Manufacturing336419 — Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts Manufacturing336611 — Ship Building and Repairing336612 — Boat Building336992 — Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing
How NAICS Codes Affect Small Business Status
Size Standards
The SBA sets size standards for each NAICS code, determining whether you qualify as a "small business." Standards are based on either:
Number of employees — (most manufacturing codes)Average annual revenue — (most service codes)
Examples for Defense Manufacturing
| NAICS Code | Description | Size Standard |
|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 332710 | Machine Shops | 500 employees |
| 332994 | Small Arms Manufacturing | 1,500 employees |
| 334511 | Search & Navigation Equipment | 1,250 employees |
| 336411 | Aircraft Manufacturing | 1,500 employees |
| 336414 | Guided Missile Manufacturing | 1,300 employees |
Why This Matters
Contracts set aside for small businesses use NAICS-specific size standardsYour primary NAICS code determines your overall small business statusDifferent codes may qualify you as small for some contracts but not othersStrategic NAICS selection can maximize your eligible opportunities
Selecting the Right NAICS Codes
Step 1: Identify Your Core Activities
List everything your business does:
Primary manufacturing processesSecondary services (design, testing, repair)Support activities (logistics, training)
Step 2: Research Matching Codes
Use these resources:
Census Bureau NAICS Search — census.gov/naicsSBA Size Standards Table — sba.gov/size-standardsSAM.gov — See what codes competitors useFPDS — See what codes are used in contracts you want
Step 3: Select Primary and Secondary Codes
Primary code — Your main business activitySecondary codes — Additional capabilitiesRegister all applicable codes in SAM.govUpdate as your capabilities evolve
Step 4: Validate Your Selections
Check that you meet the size standard for each codeVerify codes match the contracts you want to pursueConfirm codes align with your capability statementReview annually and update as needed
Strategic Considerations
Multiple Codes = More Opportunities
Don't limit yourself to one code. Most manufacturers have capabilities spanning multiple NAICS codes. Register for all that apply.
Watch for Code Changes
NAICS codes are updated every 5 years. Stay current with changes that might affect your business.
Competitor Analysis
Research what NAICS codes your competitors use. This can reveal opportunities you might have missed.
Contract-Specific Codes
Each solicitation specifies a NAICS code. You must be registered under that code (and meet its size standard) to bid as a small business.
Conclusion
NAICS codes are more than administrative labels—they're strategic tools that determine your access to defense contracting opportunities. Take the time to research, select, and maintain the right codes for your business. It's one of the simplest yet most impactful things you can do to maximize your federal contracting potential.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're a small manufacturer seeking defense contracts, a government buyer looking for qualified suppliers, or a business owner pursuing CMMC certification, KDM & Associates and the V+KDM Consortium are here to help.
Join the KDM Consortium Platform today:
Schedule a free introductory session to learn how we can accelerate your path to government contracting success.
Whether you're a small manufacturer seeking defense contracts, a government buyer looking for qualified suppliers, or a business owner pursuing CMMC certification, KDM & Associates and the V+KDM Consortium are here to help.
Join the KDM Consortium Platform today:
[Register as a Supplier (SME)](/register?type=sme) — Get matched with government contract opportunities, access capacity-building resources, and connect with prime contractors.[Register as a Government Buyer](/register?type=buyer) — Discover qualified, defense-ready small businesses and streamline your procurement process.
*Schedule a free introductory session to learn how we can accelerate your path to government contracting success.*
