238220 — Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors
Researched by the BidStride Research Team
HVAC and plumbing contractors install and maintain heating, cooling, and plumbing systems in buildings. Federal contracts cover mechanical system installations and maintenance at government buildings, military facilities, VA medical centers, and federal office complexes.
Federal contracts under NAICS 238220 appear across multiple procurement vehicles including SAM.gov open market solicitations, GSA Schedule task orders, and agency-specific IDIQ contracts. Contractors registered in this NAICS code should maintain an active SAM.gov registration and ensure their capabilities statement reflects specific experience within this industry classification.
Typical contract types in this NAICS include Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for well-defined deliverables, Time and Materials (T&M) for services with variable scope, and Cost-Plus for research and development programs. The typical contract range of $100K - $10M reflects the majority of awards, though individual contracts may fall outside this range depending on scope and agency requirements.
Top Federal Agencies
- General Services Administration
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Defense
- Army Corps of Engineers
Typical Contract Details
- Contract Range
- $100K - $10M
- Common Set-Asides
- Small BusinessSDVOSBHUBZone8(a)
- Contract Types
- FFP, T&M, Cost-Plus (program dependent)
Common Compliance Requirements
Contracts under NAICS 238220 frequently reference these FAR and DFARS clauses. Review them before submitting a proposal.
Always verify applicable clauses in the actual solicitation. Clause applicability depends on contract type, value, and agency requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register NAICS 238220 on SAM.gov?
To register NAICS 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) on SAM.gov, log in to your entity registration at SAM.gov, navigate to the NAICS codes section of your registration, and add 238220 to your list of applicable codes. You can add multiple NAICS codes that reflect your business capabilities. After updating, your registration must be renewed annually to remain active.
What set-asides are available for Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors?
Common set-aside programs for NAICS 238220 contracts include: Small Business, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8(a). The availability of specific set-asides depends on the individual solicitation and the contracting officer's market research findings. Small business set-asides require certification through SAM.gov, while 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB programs require additional SBA certifications.
How many Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors contracts are posted per month?
NAICS 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) contracts are posted regularly on SAM.gov, with volume varying by fiscal quarter. Federal procurement peaks in Q4 (July–September) as agencies exhaust year-end budgets. Typical contract sizes in this code range $100K - $10M. The top federal buyers include General Services Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense.
What size standard applies to NAICS 238220?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) is set by the SBA and determines whether a firm qualifies as a small business for set-aside competition. Size standards are expressed as either annual average receipts or number of employees depending on the industry. Check the current SBA size standards table at sba.gov/size-standards or SAM.gov for the specific threshold applicable to your bid.
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