NAICS 541715

Research and Development in Physical Sciences

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

Scientific research, testing, and analysis services.

Federal Spending

$8B+ annually

Top Agencies

NSF, DoD, HHS

Market Outlook

Growing +6% annually. Federal R&D spending = sustained demand.

Common Federal Contracts

1

Basic and applied research

2

Laboratory testing and analysis

3

Scientific equipment testing

4

Research support services

Contractor Competitive Advantage

SBIR/STTR grants available for innovative firms. Research expertise = premium pricing. PhD-level professionals = competitive moat.

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 541715 (Research and Development in Physical Sciences)?

+

NAICS 541715 covers Research and Development in Physical Sciences: Scientific research, testing, and analysis services. Federal agencies spend $8B+ annually annually on contracts in this category.

Which federal agencies buy Research and Development in Physical Sciences services?

+

The top federal buyers for NAICS 541715 are: NSF, DoD, HHS, NASA. 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 541715?

+

Common federal contracts in NAICS 541715 include: Basic and applied research; Laboratory testing and analysis; Scientific equipment testing; Research support services. These range from task order contracts under GWACs to agency-specific BPAs and standalone solicitations.

Do small businesses have a competitive advantage in NAICS 541715?

+

SBIR/STTR grants available for innovative firms. Research expertise = premium pricing. PhD-level professionals = competitive moat.

What certifications help win NAICS 541715 contracts?

+

The most valuable certifications for NAICS 541715 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 541715 in federal contracting?

+

Growing +6% annually. Federal R&D spending = sustained demand.