Finding Your FSC and PSC Codes
The federal government, like many complex and large organizations, has numerous
systems of codes designed to make their efforts more efficient. Most vendors
are familiar with the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS)
and Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. However, the federal government
also has another system known as the Federal Supply Classification (FSC)
and Product Service Codes (PSC). The main differences between these coding
systems are that FSC/PSC codes are only focused on end products or services
that the government buys and are end-oriented. For example, a FSC would be more
specific and describe an item as a hammer, whereas NAICS/SIC would describe
it as a hand tool.
The Federal Procurement Data System
(FPDS) was created to administer the FSC/PSC coding system. Maintained and operated
by the General Services Administration, FPDS serves as an instrument to measure
federal spending activities. One of the most important uses of the FPDS system
is the Small Business Administration's Annual Small Business Goaling Report.
This report serves as the federal government's report card on its attempt to
provide a portion of federal contracting dollars to small businesses and as
a benchmark for future goals.
Identifying which FSC and PSC codes fit your company is essential to do business
with the federal government. The FSC is a four-digit numeric index for suppliers
of product, which categorizes items of supply into groups and classes according
to physical or performance characteristics. The National Stock Number (NSN)
for an item of supply consists of the applicable four-digit FSC code number
plus the nine-digit National Item Identification Number (NIIN).
The PSC is a four-digit alphanumeric index for suppliers of service, which categorizes
services of supply into groups and classes according to characteristics and
types of service. The beginning of each code begins with a letter and is followed
by three numbers. For example, training/curriculum development is coded as U008.
To find your codes, direct your web browser to the FPDS
code-searching wizard and answer the related questions. For a detailed
listing of these codes or more information in general, please visit the on-line
Product and Service Codes
Manual. For additional assistance, contact your nearest PTAC Counselor
who will be glad to answer any questions you may have.