Guides / SAM.gov search
How to Search SAM.gov by NAICS Code (and Stop Missing Set-Asides)
If you search SAM.gov by keyword alone, you're missing work. Agencies describe the same job a dozen different ways, and a keyword search only finds the ones that happen to use your words. Searching by NAICS code catches every notice classified for your industry, whatever it's called.
Here's the method, step by step, using the filters as they appear on SAM.gov today.
1. Know your NAICS codes
NAICS codes are six-digit industry codes. Your SAM.gov registration lists them: one primary code and usually a few secondary ones. You can look codes up at census.gov/naics.
Tip: list every code you can genuinely perform under. Contracting officers often pick a code that's close to, not exactly, the one you'd pick. A painting contractor might also watch 236220 (commercial building) because renovation jobs are often coded there.
2. Open the Contract Opportunities search
On SAM.gov, click Search. In the left panel, under Select Domain, choose Contract Opportunities. Leave the keyword box empty; you'll use filters instead.
3. Filter by NAICS code
In the filter panel, open Product or Service Information and use the NAICS Code field. Add each of your codes. (The Product and Service Code field next to it classifies what's being bought, rather than the industry. It's handy for supply buys, which are often easier to find by product code.)
4. Add a set-aside filter
Open Set Aside and pick the programs you qualify for: Total Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, or Women-Owned. Set-asides limit who can compete, which raises your odds.
5. Filter by place of performance
Open Place of Performance and add your states. Far-away work can still make sense if you can run it with local subcontractors, but travel adds up quickly on small jobs.
Watch out: on some notices, the location shown is the contracting office, not where the work or delivery happens. Always confirm the delivery or job-site address in the solicitation itself.
6. Pick the right notice types
Under Notice Type, don't stop at Solicitations. Sources Sought and Presolicitation notices come before the RFP. Answering a Sources Sought tells the agency small businesses are interested, and that can be the reason a contract gets set aside at all. Keep Status on Active.
7. Read the attachments, not just the summary
The notice page is only a summary. The real requirements, quantities, site-visit dates and submission instructions are in the attachments. Some agencies, especially Army contracting offices, post only a link to the PIEE Solicitation Module; the actual RFQ is on that page. Open it before you decide to bid.
8. Save the search and turn on alerts
When you're signed in to SAM.gov, you can save the search and get email notifications for new matches. Set it up once and the opportunities come to you.
9. Do a quick bid/no-bid before reading every page
Before you spend a weekend on a solicitation, check five things:
- Do you hold the required licenses, or can a licensed sub cover that trade?
- Can you meet the bonding and insurance requirements?
- Is there a mandatory site visit, and has it already passed?
- Do you have relevant past performance to show?
- Is there enough time before the due date? Note the time zone.