NAICS 238220 is the federal classification for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. The SBA small business size standard is $19 million in average annual receipts, so most independent shops qualify for set-aside contracts. Register the code in SAM.gov, then bid federal, state, and school district work under it.
NAICS 238220 is the federal classification for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. With a $19 million SBA size standard, most independent shops qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts. Here is what the code covers, how to register it, and where 238220 work actually posts.
NAICS 238220 is the federal classification for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. The SBA small business size standard is $19 million in average annual receipts, so most independent shops qualify for set-aside contracts. Register the code in SAM.gov, then bid federal, state, and school district work under it.
This AIGovBid guide covers trades & construction for small business government contractors and explains the next steps contractors should take.
NAICS 238220 is the North American Industry Classification System code for Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors. It covers installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing, heating, and cooling systems, including new construction, additions, alterations, and service work performed by contractors who may supply both parts and labor.
The SBA small business size standard for NAICS 238220 is $19 million in average annual receipts over the preceding five fiscal years, per the SBA small business size standards table. A plumbing or HVAC contractor at or below that revenue level qualifies as a small business for federal contracting and can compete for small business set-aside contracts.
NAICS 238220 covers plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors, while NAICS 238160 covers roofing contractors. Both carry a $19 million SBA size standard. Companies that self-perform both trades can list both codes in their SAM.gov profile and bid solicitations issued under either code.
Yes. SAM.gov requires one primary NAICS code but allows unlimited secondary codes. Mechanical contractors commonly pair 238220 with codes like 236220 for commercial building construction or 238160 for roofing. You can bid any solicitation whose NAICS code you list, as long as you meet that code's size standard.
Search SAM.gov by NAICS code 238220 for federal opportunities, register on your state procurement portal for state work, and register as a vendor with local school districts and municipalities, which award many plumbing and HVAC jobs on informal quotes below formal bid thresholds without ever posting them publicly.
Canonical URL: https://www.aigovbid.com/blog/naics-238220-government-contracts-2026