PSC Codes (Product Service Codes)
PSC Codes (Product Service Codes)
PSC Codes (Product Service Codes)
Product Service Codes (PSC codes) are four-character codes used by the U.S. federal government to describe the products, services, and research and development items purchased through contracts. In government contracting, PSC codes work alongside NAICS codes to classify acquisitions, but while NAICS focuses on industry and business activity, PSC codes classify what the government is actually buying.
What are PSC Codes
The definition of PSC codes is simple: they are standardized codes that help agencies categorize procurement needs and contractors identify opportunities. If someone asks, “What are PSC codes?” the answer is that they describe the type of product or service being acquired, from construction to IT services to professional consulting.
Each PSC code corresponds to a specific category. For example, codes beginning with R often represent professional services, while those beginning with 70 relate to IT and software.
PSC Code Lookup and Search
Contractors can use PSC code lookup tools provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) or the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). A PSC code search allows companies to see which codes align with their offerings and to track opportunities in SAM.gov.
Because solicitations list both NAICS and PSC codes, understanding how to search PSC codes ensures contractors respond to the right opportunities.
Examples of PSC Codes
PSC Paint Code – Refers to procurement of paint and related supplies. Contractors in the coatings industry can identify opportunities by searching PSC paint code categories.
PSC Airport Code – Sometimes confused with PSC codes, “PSC” can also mean Pasco, Washington’s airport code (PSC). This is not related to Product Service Codes in contracting, but it is a common search overlap.
Understanding the distinction is important for businesses doing PSC code lookups online.
How PSC Codes Differ from NAICS Codes
NAICS Codes: Identify the type of business or industry (for example, IT services, construction).
PSC Codes: Identify the specific product or service being purchased (for example, software licenses, engineering services).
Both are used in solicitations, but PSC codes provide the most detail about what the government is buying.
Why PSC Codes Matter in Government Contracting
PSC codes matter because they:
Help contractors find and filter opportunities in SAM.gov
Allow agencies to categorize procurement spending
Provide insight into government buying trends by product or service type
Work with NAICS codes to define eligibility and competition
For contractors, understanding PSC codes improves market research and positioning in capture planning.
How GovDash Helps with PSC Codes
GovDash streamlines PSC code usage by automatically reading solicitations and identifying applicable codes. Instead of manually searching PSC codes, contractors can use GovDash to align opportunities, compliance requirements, and proposal content with both NAICS and PSC codes. This saves time and improves accuracy in targeting opportunities.
Final Thoughts
PSC codes are essential for contractors to understand what the government is buying and to match their offerings to opportunities. Whether you’re running a PSC code search, using a PSC code lookup tool, or trying to distinguish PSC from NAICS, mastering these codes ensures better alignment with federal contracting opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are PSC codes?
PSC codes are four-character codes used to classify products, services, and R&D items purchased by the federal government.
How do I look up PSC codes?
You can use GSA or FPDS PSC code lookup tools, or search solicitations on SAM.gov, which always list applicable PSC codes.
What is the difference between PSC codes and NAICS codes?
NAICS codes classify the type of business or industry, while PSC codes classify the specific product or service being purchased.
What is a PSC paint code?
PSC paint code categories cover government procurement of paint and related products.
Does PSC also mean an airport code? Yes. PSC is also the airport code for Pasco, Washington. However, this is unrelated to Product Service Codes in contracting.