Cybersecurity NAICS Codes 541512, 541519, 541611 and 541990

As the largest consumer of a wide variety of goods and services, the U.S. Federal Government relies on the North American Industry Classification System, or NAICS, as a classification of business establishments by type of economic activity. It is used by government and business in Canada, Mexico, and the United States of America, and has largely replaced the older Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.

NAICS Code Structure

The NAICS numbering system employs a five or six-digit code.

• The first two digits designate the largest business sector.
• The third digit designates the subsector.
• The fourth digit designates the industry group.
• The fifth digit designates the NAICS industries.
• The sixth digit designates the national industries.

NAICS Codes for Cybersecurity – Including 541512, 541519, 541611 and 541990

The cybersecurity industry is one that has relatively recently become highly in demand across the public sector. The industry is comprised of a vast number of products and services that are offered to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and information systems. Because the industry is ever-changing and a relative newcomer – it has faced its fair share of challenges in terms of being properly classified within the NAICS. Common codes used for cybersecurity include 541512, 541519, 541611 and 541990.

Classifying Projects and Solicitations with NAICS Codes

NAICS codes have become increasingly important for government and industry alike. The government utilizes NAICS codes to classify upcoming projects and solicitations. In turn, suppliers and vendors categorize their goods and services based on NAICS codes as well. The government and industry then utilize these NAICS codes to search for each other – the government looking for a vendor to fulfill their requirements, and the industry searching for projects that fit their offerings.

The issue arises, unfortunately, when government and industry don’t have a clear understanding of which NAICS codes to use to categorize their needs or offerings. This creates a mismatch scenario where industry cannot fruitfully market to the government, and the government can’t easily sort through and select capable vendors via their NAICS codes. When it comes to cybersecurity – there are a plethora of codes that have been used over the past several years. Commonly used codes include:

541512 – Computer Systems Design Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in planning and designing computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communication technologies. The hardware and software components of the system may be provided by this establishment or company as part of integrated services or may be provided by third parties or vendors. These establishments often install the system and train and support users of the system.

541519 – Other Computer Related Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing computer related services (except custom programming, systems integration design, and facilities management services). Establishments providing computer disaster recovery services or software installation services are included in this industry.

541611 – Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing operating advice and assistance to businesses and other organizations on administrative management issues, such as financial planning and budgeting, equity and asset management, records management, office planning, strategic and organizational planning, site selection, new business start-up, and business process improvement. This industry also includes establishments of general management consultants that provide a full range of administrative, human resource, marketing, process, physical distribution, logistics, or other management consulting services to clients.

541990 – All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in the provision of professional, scientific, or technical services (except legal services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and related services; architectural, engineering, and related services; specialized design services; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific, and technical consulting services; scientific research and development services; advertising, public relations, and related services; market research and public opinion polling; photographic services; translation and interpretation services; and veterinary services).

When choosing a NAICS code for your project or company, it is important to do research on historical contracts from the past (5) years to identify classification trends. Until the NAICS system is modified to provide a clear classification for all cybersecurity products and services – government and industry must do their best to solicit and market effectively.