PSC C1FE

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) system is the federal government’s standard taxonomy for classifying what is being purchased, enabling traceable reporting and analysis across procurement systems. PSCs are recorded on contract line items and award reports (e.g., in FPDS and related IAE systems) and are governed through the Product and Service Codes Manual. ¹

PSC C1FE denotes “Architect and Engineering- Construction: Religious Facilities.” Agencies use C1FE when acquiring architect‑engineer (A‑E) services tied to the construction of religious facilities (e.g., chapels), whereas actual construction is typically coded under Y1FE; maintenance/repair of such facilities is coded under Z1FE. ²

A‑E services are procured under qualifications‑based selection procedures in FAR Subpart 36.6 (Brooks Act), which govern public announcements, SF 330 submissions, evaluation boards, and negotiation with the most highly qualified firm. This applies when C1FE is the predominant purpose of the acquisition. ³

What this PSC covers

• Architect‑engineer professional services associated with the design or construction of religious facilities when the requirement is for A‑E, not construction. ³
• Conceptual, preliminary, and final design, including specifications, drawings, and construction cost estimates for such facilities. ⁶
• Incidental A‑E services that logically support facility design (e.g., studies, investigations, surveying/mapping, soils engineering). ³
• Construction‑phase A‑E services such as submittal reviews, value engineering, consultations, and as‑built documentation. ³
• Integration of energy conservation, pollution prevention, and recovered‑materials considerations in facility design specifications, where appropriate. ³
• Multidisciplinary building systems design (architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire protection) for religious facilities. ⁶

Related NAICS and PSC codes

When to use C1FE vs. Y1FE vs. Z1FE

• Use C1FE when the predominant purpose is A‑E services for religious facilities; use Y1FE when construction predominates; use Z1FE for maintenance/repair. The PSC Manual directs coding to the predominant product or service. ²

How A‑E acquisitions under C1FE are competed and awarded

• A‑E services are acquired via qualifications‑based selection under FAR Subpart 36.6 (Brooks Act procedures), typically using SF 330 submissions, public announcement, board evaluations, and negotiated award to the most qualified firm. ³

Coding and reporting notes

• Each contract line item must include a PSC; agencies select the PSC that best represents what is being purchased for that line item. ⁴
• For FPDS reporting, choose the PSC that reflects the predominant amount of supplies/services on the award; the active PSC list is maintained for FPDS reporting. ⁵

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC C1FE include?

  • C1FE covers architect‑engineer services related to constructing religious facilities, such as chapels, rather than the construction itself. It sits within PSC Category C1 “Architect and Engineering‑Construction,” distinguishing A‑E efforts from construction or maintenance activities. ²

• When should C1FE be used instead of Y1FE?

  • Apply C1FE when A‑E professional services are the predominant requirement. Use Y1FE when the award primarily covers construction of a religious facility. Agencies code by predominant purpose to ensure accurate reporting. ²

• Are design‑build efforts coded as C1FE?

  • Coding depends on what predominates. If the acquisition is primarily A‑E services, C1FE may apply; if construction predominates, Y1FE is typical. Document the rationale in the file and code to the predominant product or service bought. ²

• Are any NAICS codes officially mapped to C1FE?

  • Not specified by official sources. ¹

• How are A‑E qualifications evaluated for C1FE requirements?

  • Under FAR 36.6, agencies publicly announce requirements, receive SF 330s, and the evaluation board ranks firms based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the specific project; negotiations proceed with the most highly qualified firm for a fair and reasonable price. ³

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC C1FE overview: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/C1FE
• PSC Manual, April 2025 edition (code listings and guidance). ²
• FAR Subpart 36.6 — Architect‑Engineer Services (Brooks Act procedures). ³
• FAR 4.1005‑1 — Required data elements for line items, including PSC. ⁴
• DFARS PGI 204.606 — FPDS reporting guidance on selecting the PSC. ⁵

References

1. Product and Service Code Manual — Acquisition.gov index page. https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
2. PSC Manual April 2025 (PDF). https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
3. FAR Subpart 36.6 — Architect‑Engineer Services. https://www.acquisition.gov/far/subpart-36.6
4. FAR 4.1005‑1 — Required data elements. https://www.acquisition.gov/far/4.1005-1
5. DFARS PGI 204.606 — Reporting data. https://www.acquisition.gov/dfarspgi/pgi-204.606-reporting-data
6. FAR 36.102 — Definitions (e.g., design). https://www.acquisition.gov/far/36.102