PSC M1DB

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) is a four-character alphanumeric taxonomy the U.S. federal government uses to describe what is being bought in contract actions reported to FPDS‑NG/SAM; the PSC Manual (maintained on Acquisition.gov) defines and publishes the official list and guidance used by agencies for classification, reporting, and spend analysis. ¹

PSC M1DB — OPERATION OF LABORATORIES AND CLINICS — is a facility-related PSC within the M1 family that agencies apply when the primary procurement activity is operating or managing laboratory or clinical facilities (including staffing, administrative operation, and routine facility services required to deliver clinical or laboratory services). The official PSC Manual lists M1DB within the M1 facility/operation group and indicates its role as the PSC value that describes “what” the government purchased for related contract actions. ¹

• Related G2X references:
  • G2X — PSC M1DB
  • G2X — PSC M1DA
  • G2X — PSC Z1DB

What this PSC covers

• Clinical laboratory operations (on-site specimen processing and routine diagnostic workflows).
• Medical clinic operational management (staffing, scheduling, and patient flow administration).
• Laboratory facility administration (front-desk, recordkeeping, intake, and reporting).
• Routine laboratory support services (specimen handling logistics, routine QA/QC procedures).
• Administrative and clerical functions required to run clinics and labs (billing support, appointment coordination).
• Coordination of laboratory staffing and credentialing (non-clinical HR aspects).

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	M1DA	Operation Of Hospitals And Infirmaries
PSC	Z1DB	Maintenance Of Laboratories And Clinics
PSC	C1DB	Architect And Engineering—Construction: Laboratories And Clinics
NAICS	541380	Testing Laboratories (commonly associated with laboratory services procurements)

(PSC-to-NAICS alignment and M1 family groupings are published in the PSC Manual and related category alignment materials.) ¹

Contracting considerations

• Classification: When the contract’s primary deliverable is operating or managing a laboratory/clinic facility (rather than equipment purchase or construction), agencies assign PSC M1DB to Block 46 (Item PSC) in FPDS reporting; consult the PSC Manual for use instructions and examples. ¹
• Contract type and vehicles: Typical vehicles include IDIQs, O&M-style service contracts, and task orders for facility operation; solicitation NAICS may vary by clinical scope. Not specified by official sources. ¹
• Data reporting: Proper PSC selection improves spend analytics and must reflect the primary service purchased rather than ancillary work; consult the PSC Manual for selection guidance. ¹

Frequently asked questions

• Q: When should PSC M1DB be used instead of a procurement PSC for medical supplies or testing equipment?
  A: Use M1DB when the primary purchase is operation/management of laboratories or clinics (staffing, administration, routine operations). Tangible goods (equipment, supplies) should use the PSC that best describes the product purchased. ¹

• Q: Does PSC M1DB indicate clinical scope (diagnostic vs. research) or both?
  A: M1DB is grouped by facility operation rather than technical scope; agencies use it for operations of clinical or laboratory facilities broadly. Technical scope (diagnostic, research) is reflected in solicitation descriptions and selected NAICS. ¹

• Q: Where can contracting professionals validate the correct PSC for a draft solicitation?
  A: The authoritative reference for PSC selection is the PSC Manual on Acquisition.gov; the PSC selection tool and associated guidance are available through the Federal Acquisition Institute. ¹

• Q: Is there a standard NAICS code to pair with M1DB?
  A: No single NAICS is mandated. Common NAICS reported with lab operation contracts include 541380 (Testing Laboratories) and 621511 (Medical Laboratories), depending on the services procured; agencies select the NAICS that best matches the primary industry of the work. ¹

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC M1DB
• Product and Service Code Manual (official): https://www.acquisition.gov/content/psc-manual-april-2025.pdf ¹
• Product Service Code (PSC) Tool information (Federal Acquisition Institute): https://www.fai.gov/content/product-service-code-psc-tool ²

References

1. Acquisition.gov — PSC Manual (PSC Manual April 2025 PDF). https://www.acquisition.gov/content/psc-manual-april-2025.pdf
2. Federal Acquisition Institute — Product Service Code (PSC) Tool (overview and link to the PSC selection tool). https://www.fai.gov/content/product-service-code-psc-tool