PSC 5821

Overview

The Product and Service Codes (PSC) system is a governmentwide taxonomy used to classify what the federal government buys for contracting, analytics, and reporting. PSCs are recorded on award actions in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and are governed and updated via the GSA Product and Service Code Manual. ¹

PSC 5821 is defined as “Radio and Television Communication Equipment, Airborne.” The PSC Manual specifies that this class includes telemetering equipment and places it within Federal Supply Group (FSG) 58 for communications, detection, and related electronic equipment. ¹

• See also on G2X:
  • G2X — PSC 5821 overview: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/5821
  • G2X — PSC 5820
  • G2X — PSC 5826

What this PSC covers

• Airborne radio communication equipment designed for installation or operation on aircraft platforms. ¹
• Airborne television communication equipment used for transmission, reception, or relay from aircraft. ¹
• Airborne telemetering equipment associated with radio/TV communications. ¹
• Complete airborne radio/television communication systems categorized under FSG 58, class 5821. ¹
• Requirements where the airborne form factor distinguishes the buy from ground or shipboard equivalents (for example, non‑airborne items typically fall under 5820). ¹
• Items in this class are scoped to communications; navigation and radar functions fall in adjacent airborne classes (5826, 5841). ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Airborne vs. non‑airborne distinction

Within FSG 58, classes often pair an “airborne” and an “except airborne” variant. PSC 5821 covers airborne radio/TV communications, while 5820 covers non‑airborne radio/TV communications. Similarly, 5826 and 5841 are the airborne counterparts to navigation and radar, respectively. ¹

Classification notes and boundaries

• The PSC Manual notes that FSG 58 excludes data‑transmission equipment designed for use with ADP configurations; such items are classified elsewhere (e.g., ADP‑related classes), and classification follows the next‑higher‑assembly rule in the federal cataloging system. ¹
• Components like cable and wire assemblies are generally classified in Group 59 (e.g., 5995) when appropriate, not under 5821. ¹
• The only explicit inclusion listed for 5821 is telemetering equipment; no additional inclusions or exclusions are specified for this class. Not specified by official sources. ¹

Environmental and data reporting notes

Environmental attributes are recorded in FPDS using data element 8L, which agencies apply to the predominant product or service on the action. The PSC Manual provides the definitions and options for reporting energy‑efficient, biobased, or environmentally preferable attributes; no class‑specific variations are defined for 5821. ¹

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC 5821 include?
  PSC 5821 covers airborne radio and television communication equipment and explicitly includes telemetering equipment. It sits within FSG 58 for communications, detection, and related electronics. Use 5821 when the equipment is designed for installation or operation on aircraft. ¹

• How is 5821 different from related classes like 5820, 5826, and 5841?
  Function and platform drive coding: 5821 is airborne radio/TV communications; 5820 is non‑airborne radio/TV communications; 5826 is airborne radio navigation; 5841 is airborne radar. Choose the airborne class when the item is aircraft‑installed or operated. ¹

• Are components like cables or harnesses coded under 5821?
  Generally, stand‑alone components are coded in Group 59 component classes such as 5995, not in Group 58 end‑item classes. When names appear in multiple classes, the Manual applies the next‑higher‑assembly rule. End items belong in 5821; separately bought components are coded to their own classes. ¹

• Where are PSC codes used in federal systems?
  PSCs appear in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities search filters and on FPDS award records for reporting and analytics. Agencies also use PSCs for market research and spend analysis. SAM.gov Help provides videos and articles on how to search by PSC. ²

• Does the PSC Manual specify sustainability requirements for 5821?
  No class‑specific sustainability rules are prescribed for 5821. When applicable, environmental attributes are reported in FPDS using data element 8L under the Manual’s general guidance. Not specified by official sources. ¹

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC 5821: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/5821
• Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual — April 2025 (current edition). ¹
• SAM.gov Help — videos and articles on searching by NAICS or PSC. ²
• PSC Manual page (current/archives, downloads). ³

References

1. Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual, April 2025 edition (PDF), Section D: Product Codes, FSG 58 entries including 5820, 5821, 5826, 5841; Introductory guidance on FPDS and environmental attributes: https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. SAM.gov Help — “Video: Search opportunities by NAICS or PSC” and related how‑to content indicating PSC usage in SAM.gov Contract Opportunities: https://sam.gov/help
3. Acquisition.gov — PSC Manual page (current and archives, official downloads): https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual