NAICS Abuse

Most companies exploit the NAICS system to unfairly skew government competition and few realize how deep the abuse runs. In this eye-opening episode, cybersecurity and government contracting experts Kevin Belanga, Chief Growth Officer at Hunter Strategy, and John Czaika, VP, Strategic Initiatives at Hunter Strategy, unpack how misclassifying NAICS codes can block small businesses, inflate costs, and even land shell companies lucrative contracts meant for true small firms. Discover how industry insiders manipulate NAICS classification for competitive advantage, sometimes unintentionally and often intentionally, and learn practical strategies to spot, challenge, and prevent these abuses. We also break down how government agencies, industry players, and watchdogs can work together to ensure fair play, safeguard small business opportunities, and uphold the integrity of federal procurement. Whether you’re a small business aiming to protect its opportunities or a government professional committed to transparency, this episode reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that shape the federal marketplace and how to fight back.Episode Chapters: 00:00 Understanding NAICS Codes 02:38 Implications of NAICS on Government Contracts 09:24 NAICS Abuse and Its Consequences 15:59 Challenges in NAICS Classification 22:05 Understanding NAICS Codes in Contracting 27:47 The Role of Contracting Officers 33:26 Challenges in Contracting Oversight 39:12 Balancing Competition and Accountability 43:46 Navigating Acquisition Strategies