USGS

United States Geological Survey

Manages scientific research, natural resource assessment, and environmental data. Buyer of research services, IT, and technical support.

FY2026 Budget

$1.2B+

geological surveys, environmental monitoring, research

OSDBU Contact

Office of Small Business Programs - usgsosdbuprograms@usgs.gov

2026 Trend

Climate change research, earthquake early warning systems, water resource assessment, environmental resilience mapping

How to Win Contracts from United States Geological Survey

As a major federal contracting entity, United States Geological Survey (USGS) commands a FY2026 budget of $1.2B+. The agency consistently utilizes SAM.gov to distribute its competitive and set-aside awards.With a strategic focus on research and development contracts require specialized expertise and data analytics and visualization increasingly important, this agency presents targeted opportunities for contractors operating within critical NAICS codes like 541320 and 541611.

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.USGS recompetes often have predictable scopes and defined evaluation criteria, making them significantly easier to bid intelligently than entirely new requirements.

USGS offers excellent opportunities for environmental, scientific, and IT firms. Lower contract volumes but less competitive. Strong focus on research/innovation = good for specialized contractors. Moderate compliance burden.

Procurement Focus & Requirements

  • Research and development contracts require specialized expertise
  • Data analytics and visualization increasingly important
  • Environmental compliance and reporting services
  • Academic partnerships and small research teams welcomed

Top NAICS Codes — USGS

These NAICS codes appear most frequently in United States Geological Survey solicitations. Include these in your SAM.gov registration to appear in agency searches and qualify for relevant set-asides.

541320

541611

541711

237310

334512

Common Recompete Categories at USGS

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 United States Geological Survey:

1

Geological and environmental research services

2

Data collection and analysis systems

3

Scientific software development

4

Field operations and technical support

Track live recompete opportunities in WinBidIQ

United States Geological Survey Contracting: FAQs

How much does United States Geological Survey spend on contracts annually?+
United States Geological Survey (USGS) has a FY2026 budget of $1.2B+ (geological surveys, environmental monitoring, research). Contract spending goes toward 5 primary NAICS code categories, with climate change research, earthquake early warning systems, water resource assessment, environmental resilience mapping. Small businesses compete for set-aside contracts across all major spending categories.
What NAICS codes does USGS use for small business contracts?+
United States Geological Survey most frequently awards contracts under NAICS codes 541320, 541611, 541711, 237310, 334512. These cover Research and development contracts require specialized expertise, Data analytics and visualization increasingly important, Environmental compliance and reporting services. 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 USGS's small business office?+
United States Geological Survey's small business contact is: Office of Small Business Programs - usgsosdbuprograms@usgs.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 USGS award to small businesses?+
United States Geological Survey 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 Geological and environmental research services and Data collection and analysis systems. Most contracts over $25K are posted on SAM.gov.
What is the best strategy to win a first USGS contract?+
Start by identifying recompete opportunities — contracts expiring within 12 months where the incumbent may be vulnerable. United States Geological Survey recompete categories include: Geological and environmental research services; Data collection and analysis systems; Scientific software development. 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 USGS's procurement trend for 2026?+
Climate change research, earthquake early warning systems, water resource assessment, environmental resilience mapping. USGS offers excellent opportunities for environmental, scientific, and IT firms. Lower contract volumes but less competitive. Strong focus on research/innovation = good for specialized contractors. Moderate compliance burden. Monitor SAM.gov and USASpending.gov for emerging solicitations and forecast notices — ideally 6-12 months before RFP release.

Find USGS Contracts Matched to Your Company

WinBidIQ monitors SAM.gov daily and scores every United States Geological Survey solicitation by fit to your company profile — NAICS codes, certifications, size, and past performance.

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