NAICS 541511 vs 541512 vs 541519: IT Services Codes
The difference between NAICS 541511, 541512, and 541519 — the federal IT services codes — what each covers, their $34M size standard, and which to choose.
The three core federal IT services NAICS codes are easy to confuse:
- 541511 — Custom Computer Programming Services: writing and maintaining custom software/code.
- 541512 — Computer Systems Design Services: designing and integrating computer systems and networks.
- 541519 — Other Computer Related Services: IT services that don't fit 541511 or 541512.
All three sit in sector 54 and share a $34.0 million SBA size standard. The right choice comes down to what your firm primarily does — and your primary code shapes which contracts you match and your size status.
Side-by-side
| Code | Title | Primarily covers | Size standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 541511 | Custom Computer Programming Services | Writing, modifying, testing, and supporting custom software/code to a client's spec | $34.0M |
| 541512 | Computer Systems Design Services | Designing/integrating hardware, software, and network systems; planning and consulting on IT systems | $34.0M |
| 541519 | Other Computer Related Services | IT services not classified under 541511/541512 | $34.0M |
How to tell them apart
- 541511 (Custom Programming): the deliverable is code. You're building or maintaining bespoke applications, scripts, or software to a customer's requirements.
- 541512 (Systems Design): the deliverable is a designed/integrated system. You plan, architect, and integrate computers, software, and networks — often spanning hardware and multiple software components.
- 541519 (Other): a residual bucket for IT services that aren't custom programming or systems design — for example certain IT support or specialized computer services without a dedicated code.
Many IT firms legitimately touch all three. Pick the primary code that reflects your largest revenue line, and add the others as secondary codes.
The 541512 IT VAR exception
541512 carries a well-known special provision: an alternate size standard (an employee-based cap) for Information Technology Value-Added Resellers (ITVAR) on certain solicitations. If you resell IT hardware/software with integration services, check whether a solicitation invokes the ITVAR exception, because the applicable size standard can differ from the $34.0M receipts figure. Confirm specifics on our 541512 page.
Which should you choose?
- Build software to spec → 541511 primary.
- Architect and integrate systems/networks → 541512 primary.
- IT services that fit neither cleanly → 541519, but prefer a specific code where one applies.
Your primary NAICS affects opportunity matching and size status, so choose deliberately. For the broader process, see how to find your NAICS code.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between 541511 and 541512? 541511 is custom programming (the deliverable is code); 541512 is systems design and integration (the deliverable is a designed/integrated system).
What is NAICS 541519? Other Computer Related Services — a residual code for IT services not classified as custom programming (541511) or systems design (541512).
What is the size standard for these IT codes? All three use a $34.0M average-annual-receipts standard. 541512 also has an employee-based exception for IT Value-Added Resellers on certain solicitations.
Can I use more than one of these codes? Yes. Choose a primary code for your main line and add the others as secondary codes in SAM.gov.
Key takeaways
- 541511 = custom programming, 541512 = systems design/integration, 541519 = other IT services.
- All three share a $34.0M size standard; 541512 has an ITVAR employee-based exception.
- Choose your primary code by your largest revenue line; add the rest as secondary.
- Set them in SAM.gov; details per code in the NAICS directory.