PSC H174

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) framework is the government-wide taxonomy used to categorize what the federal government buys; PSCs enable standardized reporting and analysis of procurement actions in systems such as FPDS and SAM and are maintained via the PSC Manual and associated supporting files. The PSC H174 is defined in the PSC Manual under Category H (Quality Control, Testing, and Inspection) and is described as "Quality Control‑ Office Machines, Text Processing Systems, and Visible Record Equipment." It is applied to contract actions where the predominant work is quality-control, testing, inspection, or related QC services for office machines and text-processing/visible-record equipment as reported in FPDS.¹

What this PSC covers

• Quality-control services for office machines and peripherals (inspection, acceptance testing).
• Testing and acceptance of text‑processing systems and associated software/hardware interactions.
• Inspection of visible-record equipment and related devices (e.g., printers, recorders).
• Documentation, reporting, and certification activities associated with QC of office/text equipment.
• Calibration, verification, and testing activities tied to office-recording hardware performance.
• Services predominantly focused on the physical performance or conformance of office/text equipment.
  Not specified by official sources.¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

• Official PSC-to-NAICS crosswalks and alignment spreadsheets are published in the PSC Manual archive and supporting spreadsheets; specific NAICS mappings for H174 must be confirmed from the official category-alignment spreadsheet and supporting files.²

Adjacent and related PSCs

• H175 — Quality Control‑ Office Supplies and Devices.¹
• H274 — Equipment and Materials Testing‑ Office Machines, Text Processing Systems, and Visible Record Equipment.¹
• H374 — Inspection‑ Office Machines, Text Processing Systems, and Visible Record Equipment.¹

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Where is PSC H174 defined in official guidance?
  A: The PSC Manual (Product and Service Codes Manual) lists H174 under Category H with the descriptor shown in the manual. The PDF edition of the PSC Manual is the primary official source for PSC descriptors and usage guidance.¹

• Q: How should agencies select H174 for an FPDS report line?
  A: Agencies should choose the PSC that reflects the predominant product or service procured. When the primary objective is quality control, testing, or inspection of office or text-processing equipment, select H174. The PSC Manual and FPDS element guidance explain usage conventions.¹

• Q: Does H174 prescribe a NAICS code or size standard?
  A: No. PSCs do not set NAICS codes or small-business size standards; NAICS and size standards are separate FPDS data elements and solicitation items. Crosswalks showing possible NAICS alignments are published in the PSC Manual archive and supporting spreadsheets.²

• Q: When is H274 used versus H174?
  A: Use H274 when the action is primarily equipment or material testing of the listed device classes; use H174 when the dominant requirement is quality-control, inspection, or acceptance services for office/text equipment. Consult the PSC Manual for descriptor nuances and examples.¹

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC H174 overview: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/H174
• PSC Manual (PDF): Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual, April 2024 edition.¹
• PSC Manual landing and archive (category-alignment spreadsheets and supporting files).²

References

1. Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual, Federal Procurement Data System, Acquisition.gov (PSC Manual PDF). https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202024.pdf

2. Product and Service Code Manual landing page and archives, Acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual