NSF

National Science Foundation

Funds scientific research and education. Buyer of research services, IT infrastructure, and educational programs.

FY2026 Budget

$10B+

research funding, science education, infrastructure

OSDBU Contact

Office of Small Business Programs - smallbiz@nsf.gov

2026 Trend

Quantum computing research, climate science, artificial intelligence, STEM education programs

Market Intelligence

Real-time spending data via USAspending.gov

Annual Spend (FY2025)

Total obligated amount for contract awards in the current fiscal year.

$0

Obligated to date

Budget UtilizationNaN%

Top Contract Awardees

$9.5B
$8.9B
$7.3B
$5.2B
$5.1B

WinBidIQ Insight: National Science Foundation is showing high competition among the top 5 vendors. Small businesses should focus on subcontracting opportunities with these leaders or targeting niche set-asides where these giants are restricted.

How to Win Contracts from National Science Foundation

As a major federal contracting entity, National Science Foundation (NSF) commands a FY2026 budget of $10B+. Recent market intelligence indicates a highly active procurement cycle, with obligated spend distributed among 5 primary vendors.With a strategic focus on research and development contracts favor innovation and academic partnerships and small research teams valued, this agency presents targeted opportunities for contractors operating within critical NAICS codes like 541711 and 541320.

For emerging contractors, the most effective entry strategy is to identify recompete opportunities — contracts currently held by incumbents that are expiring within the next 12 to 18 months.NSF recompetes often have predictable scopes and defined evaluation criteria, making them significantly easier to bid intelligently than entirely new requirements.

NSF is excellent for research-focused contractors and academic teams. Lower contract volumes but intellectual satisfaction high. Good for specialized R&D. IP ownership more collaborative than typical government contracts.

Procurement Focus & Requirements

  • Research and development contracts favor innovation
  • Academic partnerships and small research teams valued
  • Peer-reviewed research often required
  • Publication and intellectual property sharing expected

Top NAICS Codes — NSF

These NAICS codes appear most frequently in National Science Foundation solicitations. Include these in your SAM.gov registration to appear in agency searches and qualify for relevant set-asides.

541711

541320

541611

611210

334512

Common Recompete Categories at NSF

Recompetes — contracts currently held by an incumbent that are coming up for renewal — are the highest-probability opportunity for new entrants. These categories see recurring recompetes at National Science Foundation:

1

Scientific research services and laboratories

2

STEM education programs and curriculum development

3

Research infrastructure and computing systems

4

Data management and analytics services

Track live recompete opportunities in WinBidIQ

National Science Foundation Contracting: FAQs

How much does National Science Foundation spend on contracts annually?+
National Science Foundation (NSF) has a FY2026 budget of $10B+ (research funding, science education, infrastructure). Contract spending goes toward 5 primary NAICS code categories, with quantum computing research, climate science, artificial intelligence, stem education programs. Small businesses compete for set-aside contracts across all major spending categories.
What NAICS codes does NSF use for small business contracts?+
National Science Foundation most frequently awards contracts under NAICS codes 541711, 541320, 541611, 611210, 334512. These cover Research and development contracts favor innovation, Academic partnerships and small research teams valued, Peer-reviewed research often required. Register in SAM.gov with these codes and ensure your size is within SBA size standards for each code to qualify for set-asides.
How do I contact NSF's small business office?+
National Science Foundation's small business contact is: Office of Small Business Programs - smallbiz@nsf.gov. This office — typically called the OSDBU or OSBP — runs small business outreach events, matchmaking sessions, and subcontracting fairs. Attending these events is one of the most effective ways to get pre-RFP visibility with contracting officers.
What types of contracts does NSF award to small businesses?+
National Science Foundation awards set-aside contracts under multiple socioeconomic programs including small business, 8(a) Business Development, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned), and HUBZone. Common contract vehicles include Scientific research services and laboratories and STEM education programs and curriculum development. Most contracts over $25K are posted on SAM.gov.
What is the best strategy to win a first NSF contract?+
Start by identifying recompete opportunities — contracts expiring within 12 months where the incumbent may be vulnerable. National Science Foundation recompete categories include: Scientific research services and laboratories; STEM education programs and curriculum development; Research infrastructure and computing systems. Build past performance through subcontracting first, then bid on small set-asides. Attend OSDBU outreach events to meet program managers before RFPs drop.
What is NSF's procurement trend for 2026?+
Quantum computing research, climate science, artificial intelligence, STEM education programs. NSF is excellent for research-focused contractors and academic teams. Lower contract volumes but intellectual satisfaction high. Good for specialized R&D. IP ownership more collaborative than typical government contracts. Monitor SAM.gov and USASpending.gov for emerging solicitations and forecast notices — ideally 6-12 months before RFP release.

Find NSF Contracts Matched to Your Company

WinBidIQ monitors SAM.gov daily and scores every National Science Foundation solicitation by fit to your company profile — NAICS codes, certifications, size, and past performance.

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