What is a NIGP code?

NIGP codes classify goods and services for government procurement. Developed by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, they're used by most US state and local agencies (though not by federal agencies, which use NAICS and PSC codes instead).

The structure is a 5-digit code (with optional 3-digit sub-class extensions for a total 8-digit code): the first three digits identify the class (broad category), and digits 4-5 identify the item within the class. For example, class 620 is "Office Machines, Equipment, and Supplies," and 620-05 might be a specific sub-category like "Adding Machines and Calculators."

For vendors: getting your NIGP codes right on state and local vendor portals is critical because agencies filter their bid notifications by NIGP code. If you register with the wrong codes, you'll miss opportunities. Common problems: (1) too few codes selected — you miss adjacent opportunities; (2) too many codes selected — you get flooded with irrelevant notifications; (3) codes that don't match your actual business — buyers see you as a poor match. Most state and local portals let you edit your NIGP selections at any time.

How NIGP relates to other classification systems: NIGP is state/local. NAICS is a business-classification system used federally (and increasingly by states for reporting). PSC (Product Service Codes) is the federal equivalent used specifically on SAM.gov and defense procurement. Some states now map NIGP codes to NAICS codes internally. Vendors registered federally with NAICS still need to register separately with NIGP codes on state and local portals.