NAICS 54151154 - Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

541511Custom Computer Programming Services

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

This code covers establishments that write, modify, test, and support software to meet the specific needs of individual clients. Federal agencies use custom programming services extensively for legacy system modernization, custom application development, and mission-specific software tools.

Federal contracts under NAICS 541511 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 $250K - $25M reflects the majority of awards, though individual contracts may fall outside this range depending on scope and agency requirements.

Top Federal Agencies

  • Department of Defense
  • Department of Health and Human Services
  • Social Security Administration
  • Department of Homeland Security

Typical Contract Details

Contract Range
$250K - $25M
Common Set-Asides
Small Business8(a)SDVOSBHUBZone
Contract Types
FFP, T&M, Cost-Plus (program dependent)

Common Compliance Requirements

Contracts under NAICS 541511 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 541511 on SAM.gov?

    To register NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) on SAM.gov, log in to your entity registration at SAM.gov, navigate to the NAICS codes section of your registration, and add 541511 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 Custom Computer Programming Services?

    Common set-aside programs for NAICS 541511 contracts include: Small Business, 8(a), SDVOSB, HUBZone. 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 Custom Computer Programming Services contracts are posted per month?

    NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) 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 $250K - $25M. The top federal buyers include Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Social Security Administration.

  • What size standard applies to NAICS 541511?

    The SBA size standard for NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) 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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