NAICS 238220

Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors

Updated August 2026 — federal spending and agency data cross-checked against SAM.gov and USAspending.gov.

HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems installation and maintenance.

Federal Spending

$4B+ annually

Top Agencies

GSA, DoD, VA

Market Outlook

Growing +3% annually. Energy efficiency mandates = increased HVAC upgrades.

Common Federal Contracts

1

Building HVAC systems

2

Plumbing installation and repair

3

Mechanical systems maintenance

4

Energy efficiency upgrades

Contractor Competitive Advantage

Skilled trade with high demand. Licensing creates competitive moat. GSA Schedule available. Strong minority and women-owned opportunity.

Relevant Certifications

8(a)

HUBZone

WOSB

Top Procuring Agencies

How to Win in This Sector

  1. 1. Verify Your NAICS: Make sure this NAICS code matches your primary business activity. You can only claim set-asides for your primary NAICS.
  2. 2. Apply for Certifications: Most contracts in this sector allow 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, or SDVOSB certifications. These give you advantages in bidding.
  3. 3. Target Top Agencies: Identify the top 3 agencies hiring in this sector and research their procurement needs.
  4. 4. Assess Your Advantage: Review the competitive advantages above and determine how your firm differentiates.
  5. 5. Build Relationships: Attend industry days, connect with contracting officers, and respond to RFIs (Requests for Information).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS code 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors)?

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NAICS 238220 covers Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors: HVAC, plumbing, and mechanical systems installation and maintenance. Federal agencies spend $4B+ annually annually on contracts in this category.

Which federal agencies buy Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors services?

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The top federal buyers for NAICS 238220 are: GSA, DoD, VA, Interior. These agencies run the highest volume of solicitations in this NAICS category. Register in SAM.gov with this code and monitor each agency's forecast and open solicitations.

What types of federal contracts fall under NAICS 238220?

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Common federal contracts in NAICS 238220 include: Building HVAC systems; Plumbing installation and repair; Mechanical systems maintenance; Energy efficiency upgrades. These range from task order contracts under GWACs to agency-specific BPAs and standalone solicitations.

Do small businesses have a competitive advantage in NAICS 238220?

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Skilled trade with high demand. Licensing creates competitive moat. GSA Schedule available. Strong minority and women-owned opportunity.

What certifications help win NAICS 238220 contracts?

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The most valuable certifications for NAICS 238220 contracts include: 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB. These certifications unlock set-aside competitions where you compete only against similarly certified firms, dramatically improving win probability compared to full-and-open competition.

What is the market outlook for NAICS 238220 in federal contracting?

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Growing +3% annually. Energy efficiency mandates = increased HVAC upgrades.