237990 - Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
Introduction
If you're involved in the heavy civil construction industry or considering entering this robust sector, understanding NAICS Code 237990 is essential. This category covers a wide range of specialized construction projects that don't fall into other specific classifications but are critical to infrastructure development. From underwater construction to pile driving and flood control systems, businesses under NAICS 237990 are the backbone of numerous large-scale engineering projects. Whether you’re a contractor, government agency, or supplier, knowing this NAICS code can help guide your business decisions, compliance, and contracting opportunities.
What is NAICS Code 237990?
NAICS Code 237990 is classified under the Construction sector and titled Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in heavy and civil engineering construction projects that are not specifically classified elsewhere.
These projects include specialized construction services such as underwater construction, pile driving, dredging, and other heavy engineering tasks essential for infrastructure and environmental protection.
Sector & Industry Overview
- Sector: Construction
- Title: Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
- Industry Focus: Heavy and specialized civil engineering projects not included in other NAICS codes.
Typical business activities within this industry involve complex, large-scale construction operations that often require specialized equipment and expertise. This includes projects like dam construction, marine structures, flood control systems, tunnels, and various forms of earth retention systems.
Size Standard
- Small Business Size Standard: $45 million (average annual receipts)
This size standard helps determine eligibility for small business certifications and government contracting preferences under the NAICS code 237990.
Typical Businesses Under NAICS 237990
- Underwater construction contractors
- Pile driving contractors
- Specialized heavy construction contractors handling unique civil engineering projects like dredging, flood control, and marine structures
These businesses often provide turnkey solutions for projects requiring deep knowledge of heavy civil construction, environmental regulations, and engineering best practices.
Code Details Table
| Construction Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Anchored earth retention contractors | Installation of earth retention systems anchored for stability |
| Athletic field (except stadium) construction | Construction of sports playing fields |
| Avalanche, rockslide, mudslide, or roadside protection construction | Protective structures against natural hazards |
| Breakwater construction | Coastal protection structures |
| Bridle path construction | Building horse trails and paths |
| Bulkhead wall or embankment construction | Shore protection and embankment installation |
| Caisson (marine or pneumatic structures) construction | Underwater foundation elements |
| Canal construction | Excavation and creation of canals |
| Channel construction | Construction of waterway channels |
| Cofferdam construction | Temporary enclosures for underwater work |
| Construction management (dams, marine structures, mass transit, tunnels) | Oversight of heavy civil projects |
| Cribbing (shore protection) construction | Shore supportive frameworks |
| Dam construction | Building water retaining structures |
| Dike and other flood control structure construction | Flood prevention structures |
| Dock construction | Building maritime docking facilities |
| Drainage canal and ditch construction | Water drainage infrastructure |
| Dredging (canal, channel, ditch, waterway) | Removal of sediment from water bodies |
| Drive-in movie facility construction | Outdoor entertainment facility construction |
| Earth retention system construction | Systems for slope stabilization |
| Earth-filled dam construction | Dam construction using earth materials |
| Electricity generating plant, hydroelectric construction | Hydroelectric power plant building |
| Embankment construction | Construction of earthen ridges and walls |
| Farm drainage tile installation | Agricultural water management |
| Flood control project construction | Wide-ranging flood protection projects |
| Floodway canal and ditch construction | Floodway water conveyance systems |
| Gabion construction | Rock-filled wire basket structures |
| Golf course construction | Construction of golf course grounds |
| Harbor construction | Port and harbor infrastructure |
| Helical pier construction (marine or pneumatic structures) | Helical pile foundation systems |
| Horizontal drilling (underground cable, pipeline, sewer installation) | Trenchless installation techniques |
| Hydroelectric generating facility construction | Building hydroelectric generation plants |
| Ice rink (except indoor) construction | Outdoor ice rink building |
| Jetty construction | Coastal and harbor piers |
| Land drainage contractors | Agricultural and land water management |
| Levee construction | Flood protection levees |
| Light rail system construction | Rail transit infrastructure |
| Lock and waterway construction | Waterway navigation locks |
| Marine construction | Construction of marine structures |
| Microtunneling contractors | Small diameter tunnel excavation |
| Missile facility construction | Specialized facility construction |
| Monorail construction | Elevated rail transit systems |
| Nuclear waste disposal site construction | Construction of facilities for nuclear waste |
| Outdoor recreation facility construction | Parks, trails, and recreation areas |
| Park and recreational open space improvement construction | Enhancing public outdoor spaces |
| Pier construction | Dockside structures |
| Pile driving, marine | Driving piles underwater or near shore |
| Pipe-jacking contractors | Underground pipe installation |
| Playground construction | Building public playgrounds |
| Port facility construction | Construction of port infrastructure |
| Power plant, hydroelectric, construction | Hydropower generation facility construction |
| Railroad construction | Rail track and related structures |
| Railway construction (interlocker, roadbed, signal, track) | Comprehensive railway system building |
| Railway roadbed construction | Rail foundation works |
| Recreation area, open space construction | Development of recreational lands |
| Recreational vehicle park construction | Construction of RV parks |
| Retaining walls, anchored (with piles, soil nails, tieback anchors) construction | Stabilization walls with support systems |
| Revetment construction | Shoreline erosion control structures |
| Riprap installation | Rock placement for shoreline protection |
| Rock removal, underwater | Underwater rock blasting and removal |
| Seawall, wave protection construction | Coastal barrier construction |
| Sediment control system construction | Erosion and sediment runoff management |
| Ski tow construction | Facilities for ski lift systems |
| Spillway, floodwater construction | Water flow control structures |
| Sports field construction | Outdoor sports facility construction |
| Streetcar line construction | Urban streetcar infrastructure |
| Subway construction | Underground urban rail construction |
| Tennis courts, outdoor, construction | Building outdoor tennis facilities |
| Timber removal, underwater | Underwater timber extraction |
| Trail construction | Building walking and biking trails |
| Trenching, underwater | Underwater trench excavation |
| Tunnel construction | Subsurface passage construction |
| Wharf construction | Waterfront docking and handling structures |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of construction projects does NAICS 237990 cover?
NAICS 237990 covers heavy and civil engineering construction projects not classified under other specific NAICS codes, including underwater construction, pile driving, marine and flood control projects, tunnels, and other specialized heavy construction activities.
What is the size standard for small businesses under NAICS 237990?
The SBA size standard is $45 million in average annual receipts. Businesses below this threshold may qualify as small businesses for government contracting.
Can companies specializing in underwater construction fall under NAICS 237990?
Yes, underwater construction contractors are typically classified under NAICS 237990.
How does NAICS 237990 differ from other heavy construction codes?
This code includes specialized heavy civil engineering projects that don’t fit into other classifications such as highway or bridge construction, making it a catch-all for unique heavy construction activities.
Why is knowing the NAICS code important for contractors?
Knowing your NAICS code helps identify proper business classification, aids in government contracting, ensures compliance with procurement requirements, and assists in applying for small business certifications.
Understanding NAICS Code 237990 is vital for businesses operating in the heavy civil engineering construction space. Whether you're managing flood control projects, building marine structures, or facilitating highway tunnels, this code reflects your industry segment accurately and opens doors to appropriate contracts and certifications.
For government contractors and private-sector stakeholders alike, aligning with the correct NAICS code ensures smoother project bidding and better market positioning in the construction sector.
