Introduction

In federal contracting, the toughest fights are not always for the largest dollar awards but for the most crowded NAICS codes. Many small firms spend time chasing popular codes only to face dozens of rivals every time they bid. When you aim at codes with fewer bidders, you can boost your chances of winning and lower the stress of back-to-back proposals.

This guide shows you how to find low-competition NAICS codes in 2025, match them to your strengths, and use simple steps to win more contracts. You will learn what a NAICS code is, why competition levels matter, how to measure bidder counts, and which seven codes offer real demand with fewer rivals. Finally, you will see how to set up your business and your web pages so that contracting officers can find you first.

What Are NAICS Codes and Why Do They Matter in 2025

A NAICS code is a six digit number used to sort businesses by their main activities. When agencies post work, they tag each opportunity with one or more NAICS codes. This lets them filter bids, find firms that meet size rules, and track spending in each industry. As a small business, you pick codes in your SAM.gov record to show what you do.

In 2025 federal buying patterns will shift as new roads and bridges get built health programs expand and green technology projects take shape. These moves change which codes get the most bids. Some will draw a crowd while others stay quiet. If you know where the money lands but the field is not full you can focus on codes that offer a better chance to win your first contract under a code and to build a record there.

How to Define Low Competition in Federal Contracting

Low competition does not mean no value. It means that a few firms enter the race. When just a handful bid each time, your odds of coming out on top rise sharply. To find low competition codes, look at three simple measures. First, check the average number of offers per award. Fewer offers mean less crowding. Next, see how much of the work goes to a few big vendors. If the top five firms hold most of the awards, new bids may face tough odds but if award dollars scatter among many small firms, competition is lighter. The third review set aside trends. If a code has a few small business set asides it may signal that most firms have not stepped up there.

You can gather this data on public sites. FPDS.gov shows every award and how many firms bid. USA spending dot gov lists total dollars spent by code and the count of firms paid. GSA eLibrary shows how many firms handle each schedule code. A quick look at these sites gives a clear view of where the field is thin.

Top Seven Low Competition NAICS Codes for 2025

Here are seven codes with solid budgets but fewer bidders. For each you get a plain reason why it stays underused, a sample use case and the profile of a firm that can win.

Code 541620 Environmental Consulting Services

This code covers work such as soil tests, air quality studies, water sampling and site cleanup plans. Many small firms skip this code because they lack lab space or testing gear. In 2025 new road and bridge funds will include cleanup at military sites, parks and brownfield areas. A firm with basic field tools, local clean up experience and a clear safety plan can win contracts without dozens of rivals.

Code 621610 Home Health Care Services

Home health care grew fast during the last public health emergency but few contractors list this code. Hospitals, veteran centers and aging agencies need nurses, therapists and aides for visits in homes. If you have licensed staff, a simple billing system and good state records this code offers a steady stream of work. Competition stays low because many agencies prefer large providers or focus on commercial clients.

Code 541513 Computer Facilities Management Services

Agencies modernizing data centers need firms to run servers, monitor networks, handle backups and apply security patches. Many IT shops stick to custom apps and skip facilities work. A firm that can show server uptime rates, patch success records and solid backup plans can win midsize contracts with fewer bids.

Code 532283 Recreational Vehicle Rental

Believe it or not, agencies rent RVs for training camps, park patrols, emergency staging and film crews. Most rental fleets focus on tourist markets and do not register for federal work. If you own several RVs or team up with local outfits you can bid on trips that big outfits overlook. With clear insurance records and a simple fleet plan you face little competition.

Code 561730 Landscaping Services

National parks, public land sites and federal offices need grounds care turf mowing shrub trimming and seasonal planting. Local landscapers serve homeowners and malls but few apply for federal bids. A firm with basic equipment, proof of work at public sites and safety training can land multi year tasks with a small field of bidders.

Code 541930 Translation and Interpretation Services

Government programs in law, health and diplomacy need language support for documents, court cases and field missions. Many language firms chase corporate clients and ignore federal leads. If you offer rare language pairs, have vetted interpreters and hold basic clearances you can secure awards with little rivalry.

Code 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology

This code covers lab work on biofuels, pest control, crop enzymes and other non medical uses of biotech. It is technical and many small labs lack needed gear. Agencies fund pilot projects to test new bio methods for soil health, water cleaning and waste control. If you have grant work in environmental biotech, some lab space and ties to a college you can bid on niche projects few firms pursue.

How to Position Your Business for These Codes

First, map your skills, past projects, and licenses to each code’s needs. If you lack direct federal work, partner with firms that hold awards under that code. Offer to serve as a subcontractor to build a record you can list in future bids.

Next, register all relevant codes in your SAM.gov profile. The more codes you list the more often you appear in agency searches. Keep your page current and write clear service descriptions for each code.

Revise your capability statement to show results tied to each code. Use numbers such as acres tested hours of care sessions uptime rates or language pairs covered. Data speaks louder than general claims.

Seek teaming agreements with firms that complement your strengths. Two or three small firms can join to meet size rules, technical needs and proposal criteria. This lets you tackle larger tasks under a code you could not win alone. Over time, you gain direct awards once your track record grows.

Finally watch agency roadmap,s procurement forecasts, and budget plans to spot upcoming work in your codes. Early notice gives you time to prepare proposal,s gather partner,s and sharpen your pitch. Contact small business offices at key agencies to share your capability statement and ask about set aside plans in your areas.

Conclusion

Focusing on low-competition NAICS codes in 2025 can reshape how you win federal work. By targeting codes with real budgets but fewer bidders, you lift your odds to win your first contract under a code and build a steady record. Map your strengths, register all codes you can serve and use teaming to cover gaps. Write clear capability statements with numbers and keep watching agency plans for new needs.