NAICS 541690

Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Updated August 2026 — federal spending and agency data cross-checked against SAM.gov and USAspending.gov.

Specialized technical and scientific consulting services.

Federal Spending

$10B+ annually

Top Agencies

DoD, NASA, NSF

Market Outlook

Growing +5% annually. Federal R&D spending = sustained demand for technical expertise.

Common Federal Contracts

1

Research and development support

2

Technical analysis and studies

3

Science and engineering consulting

4

Technology assessment

Contractor Competitive Advantage

PhD-level expertise creates premium pricing. SBIR/STTR grants available for R&D firms. High contract values.

Relevant Certifications

8(a)

WOSB

Top Procuring Agencies

How to Win in This Sector

  1. 1. Verify Your NAICS: Make sure this NAICS code matches your primary business activity. You can only claim set-asides for your primary NAICS.
  2. 2. Apply for Certifications: Most contracts in this sector allow 8(a), WOSB, HUBZone, or SDVOSB certifications. These give you advantages in bidding.
  3. 3. Target Top Agencies: Identify the top 3 agencies hiring in this sector and research their procurement needs.
  4. 4. Assess Your Advantage: Review the competitive advantages above and determine how your firm differentiates.
  5. 5. Build Relationships: Attend industry days, connect with contracting officers, and respond to RFIs (Requests for Information).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS code 541690 (Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services)?

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NAICS 541690 covers Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: Specialized technical and scientific consulting services. Federal agencies spend $10B+ annually annually on contracts in this category.

Which federal agencies buy Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services services?

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The top federal buyers for NAICS 541690 are: DoD, NASA, NSF, HHS. These agencies run the highest volume of solicitations in this NAICS category. Register in SAM.gov with this code and monitor each agency's forecast and open solicitations.

What types of federal contracts fall under NAICS 541690?

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Common federal contracts in NAICS 541690 include: Research and development support; Technical analysis and studies; Science and engineering consulting; Technology assessment. These range from task order contracts under GWACs to agency-specific BPAs and standalone solicitations.

Do small businesses have a competitive advantage in NAICS 541690?

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PhD-level expertise creates premium pricing. SBIR/STTR grants available for R&D firms. High contract values.

What certifications help win NAICS 541690 contracts?

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The most valuable certifications for NAICS 541690 contracts include: 8(a), WOSB. These certifications unlock set-aside competitions where you compete only against similarly certified firms, dramatically improving win probability compared to full-and-open competition.

What is the market outlook for NAICS 541690 in federal contracting?

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Growing +5% annually. Federal R&D spending = sustained demand for technical expertise.