NAICS 928120 Quarterly Industry Report
International Affairs
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 928120Sector: Public Administration (92)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for International Affairs (NAICS 928120) draws on data from the Department of State[2], Census Bureau[3], and the SBA[5]. Fair Market Value analysts examine foreign affairs budgets, diplomatic workforce data, and international program activity specific to NAICS 928120. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[6].. Quarterly updates reflect changes in foreign policy priorities, development assistance levels, and diplomatic staffing patterns.
Industry Definition & Overview
International Affairs (NAICS 928120) encompasses government establishments primarily engaged in the administration and operation of international affairs and programs. This classification covers the Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, Peace Corps, and other foreign affairs agencies that manage diplomatic relations, foreign assistance programs, and international negotiations. Embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide fall within this code. The Department of State[2] operates over 270 embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions across the globe, employing approximately 77,000 people including Foreign Service officers, civil servants, and locally employed staff. USAID administers foreign economic and humanitarian assistance programs with annual budgets exceeding $30 billion across more than 100 countries. The Peace Corps deploys thousands of volunteers to developing nations for community development and education projects. International affairs employment includes diplomats, foreign service specialists, development officers, intelligence analysts, and administrative staff. The Census Bureau's ASPEP survey[3] captures State Department and foreign affairs employment within federal government data. Many Bureau of Labor Statistics[4] tracks related occupations including political scientists and international relations specialists. Trade negotiation offices within the U.S. Additionally, trade Representative's office manage bilateral and multilateral trade agreements affecting billions of dollars in commerce. Cultural exchange programs, international broadcasting through agencies like the U.S. Agency for Global Media, and passport and visa issuance round out the broad scope of this international affairs classification.
What's Included in This Industry
- Department of State headquarters and regional bureaus
- U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions
- U.S. Agency for International Development offices
- Peace Corps headquarters and country offices
- U.S. Trade Representative offices
- Passport and visa issuance offices
- International broadcasting and cultural exchange programs
- Foreign assistance and humanitarian aid coordination offices
- Arms control and nonproliferation offices
- International organization liaison offices (UN, NATO)
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Public Administration | 92 |
| Subsector | National Security and International Affairs | 928 |
| Industry Group | National Security and International Affairs | 9281 |
| NAICS Industry | International Affairs | 92812 |
| National Industry | International Affairs | 928120 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 928110 | National Security | National security establishments that coordinate with diplomatic agencies on defense cooperation, military alliances, and security assistance programs abroad |
| 927110 | Space Research and Technology | Space research programs that participate in international space agreements, joint missions, and satellite cooperation managed through diplomatic channels |
| 926110 | Administration of General Economic Programs | General economic program offices that coordinate with trade negotiators on international commerce, export promotion, and foreign investment policies |
| 921110 | Executive Offices | Executive offices that set foreign policy direction, appoint ambassadors, and negotiate treaties requiring Senate ratification and implementation |
| 921120 | Legislative Bodies | Legislative bodies that appropriate foreign affairs funding, ratify treaties, confirm ambassadors, and provide oversight of diplomatic and development programs |
| 923120 | Administration of Public Health Programs | Public health administration offices that coordinate with international agencies on global health initiatives, pandemic preparedness, and disease surveillance |
SBA Lending Summary
16
Total SBA Loans
$1.6M
Total Loan Volume
$100K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.50%
Average Interest Rate
64
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[1]
Key Insight: The U.S. Small Business Administration[5] does not establish size standards for NAICS 928120 because international affairs agencies are government establishments. Private firms providing consulting, security, or logistics services to diplomatic and development agencies are classified under their own NAICS codes. Those contractors may access SBA programs including the 7(a) loan program[7] and 504 loan program[8] under their industry's size standard.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Readycap Lending, LLC | 8 | $1.4M | $175K |
| 2 | TD Bank, National Association | 8 | $200K | $25K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of establishments are classified under NAICS 928120?
NAICS 928120 covers government international affairs establishments, including the State Department, USAID, Peace Corps, embassies, consulates, and trade negotiation offices. The Census Bureau[9] covers all government administration and operation of foreign affairs programs.
How is the international affairs establishment structured?
The State Department manages diplomatic relations through over 270 posts worldwide. USAID runs development programs in 100-plus countries. The U.S. Trade Representative negotiates trade agreements. Specialized agencies like the Peace Corps and broadcasting organizations focus on specific international engagement areas.
Does the SBA set a size standard for NAICS 928120?
No. The SBA[10] does not assign size standards to Sector 92 codes because they cover government entities. Private contractors serving diplomatic and development agencies use their own NAICS codes for SBA eligibility.
What NAICS codes are closely related to 928120?
Related codes include 928110 (National Security), 927110 (Space Research), 926110 (Economic Programs), and 923120 (Public Health Programs). The Census Bureau[11] places international affairs in its own subsector alongside national security.
What private-sector industries commonly serve international affairs agencies?
Management consultants (NAICS 541611), engineering firms (NAICS 541330), IT vendors (NAICS 541512), and security companies (NAICS 561612) are frequent contractors. Translation services, logistics companies, and development consulting firms also serve this market extensively.
What activities are included under NAICS 928120?
Activities include diplomatic negotiations, foreign assistance program management, visa and passport processing, trade agreement administration, cultural exchange coordination, and international broadcasting. The Department of State[2] coordinates most civilian foreign affairs activities.
Can businesses serving international affairs agencies qualify for SBA loans?
Where are international affairs offices concentrated?
The State Department and USAID are headquartered in Washington, D.C. Over 270 embassies and consulates are spread across every region of the world. The U.S. Mission to the United Nations is in New York. Passport agencies operate in major cities, and the Peace Corps maintains country offices wherever volunteers are deployed.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [2]Department of State state.gov
- [3]Census Bureau's ASPEP survey census.gov
- [4]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [5]SBA sba.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]7(a) loan program sba.gov
- [8]504 loan program sba.gov
- [9]Census Bureau census.gov
- [10]SBA sba.gov
- [11]Census Bureau census.gov
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