Certifications: 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, and other designations
Geographic coverage: States and regions where you can perform work
Size status: Small business status for each NAICS code
Contact information: Key personnel and their direct contact details
NAICS Code Strategy
Keyword Optimization
1
Research Buyer Language
Review solicitations, statements of work, and market research announcements in your target markets. Note the specific terms, phrases, and acronyms used. This is the language buyers will search with.
2
List Core Capabilities
Identify your primary service and product offerings. Include technical specialties, industry focus areas, and functional capabilities. These form your keyword foundation.
3
Add Certifications and Clearances
Include relevant certifications, security clearances, and compliance credentials. Buyers often search for these qualifications specifically.
4
Include Technology and Tools
List specific technologies, platforms, software, and tools you use. Buyers needing specific technical capabilities search for these terms.
5
Test and Refine
Search DSBS using your keywords to verify you appear. Adjust terms that do not return your profile. Monitor which keywords drive actual inquiries and refine accordingly.
Writing Your Capabilities Narrative
Geographic Coverage Settings
Certification and Status Display
Contact Information Best Practices
Maintaining Your Profile
Review quarterly: Check all profile elements for accuracy and completeness
Update for new capabilities: Add NAICS codes and keywords when expanding offerings
Verify contacts: Ensure all listed personnel still work in those roles
Refresh narrative: Update capabilities description as your experience grows
Check certifications: Verify displayed certifications match current status
Test searches: Periodically search DSBS to verify your profile appears appropriately
Common DSBS Profile Mistakes
Incomplete information: Fill out every available field with accurate data
Generic descriptions: Replace boilerplate with specific, distinctive content
Outdated contacts: Verify all contact information works and reaches responsive people
Excessive NAICS codes: Only list codes for work you can actually perform
Missing keywords: Include terms buyers actually search for
Set and forget: Profiles need regular review and updates
