Top DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities contractors (NAICS 541720)
- Latest 12 months
- $98.9M
- Net obligations · Down $196.7M vs. $295.6M preceding
- Prime contractors
- 54
- With positive obligations in the latest 12 months
Research the DoD federal contracting market for research and development in the social sciences and humanities under NAICS 541720. Compare top federal contractors and market share, reported contract obligations and spending trends, funding-office attribution, recent award activity, contract types, competition, and procurement methods, observed contract vehicle usage, and potential recompete research leads.
Contract obligation trends for Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Department of Defense
Federal records show $1.3B in net obligations across 1,168 awards in Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Department of Defense from Oct 1, 2021 through Oct 23, 2026. This market accounts for 0.059% of $2.3T in agency-wide net prime contract obligations over the period shown. Latest 12-month net obligations decreased 66.5% from $295.6M to $98.9M. 5 prime contractors accounted for at least 80% of positive obligations in that latest period.
Fiscal-year activity
FY27 is year-to-date through Oct 23, 2026; earlier years show complete fiscal-year totals.
View fiscal-year data table
| Fiscal year | Net obligations | Contract actions | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY2022 | $359.7M | 690 | Complete |
| FY2023 | $278.2M | 646 | Complete |
| FY2024 | $295.3M | 591 | Complete |
| FY2025 | $297.4M | 597 | Complete |
| FY2026 | $108.6M | 321 | Complete |
Market at a glance
All reported prime contract awards- All-period net obligations
- $1.3B
- 1,168 awards · 229 prime contractors
- Latest 12-month movement
- −66.5%
- $98.9M vs. $295.6M
- Leading eight prime share
- 87.9%
- Share held by the eight leading prime contractors in the latest 12 months
View agency share, denominators, and set-aside reporting
- Agency context
- 0.059% of $2.3T in agency-wide net obligations.
- Set-aside share when reported
- 12.8% of 421 awards with reported set-aside status.
- Set-aside reporting
- 54 set aside · 367 no set-aside · 747 not reported
What changed in the last 12 months?
Oct 24, 2025–Oct 23, 2026, compared with Oct 24, 2024–Oct 23, 2025.
Competitive shifts
FORS MARSH GROUP LLC gained the most market share
NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC. fell the most in the contractor rankings
Buyer demand
Reported obligations through MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) decreased
Reported obligations through DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY increased
Award activity
THE RAND CORPORATION received an unusually large obligation action
View 3 additional material changes
Market structure
Top-five contractor share increased
Competitive shifts
NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER climbed the most in the contractor rankings
AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC had no reported activity in the latest 12 months
How these findings are calculated
Findings are selected from matched-period changes in obligations, share, rank, funding offices, concentration, reported set-asides, material award actions, and agency-peer outliers. Related signals are combined, and only material evidence-backed changes are shown. Review the full methodology.
Federal contract obligations by funding office
See how positive obligations were attributed across funding offices in the 12 months ending Oct 23, 2026.
32.2% of positive obligations were attributed to AFSAA. That represents $32.2M, up $1.7M from the preceding 12 months.
Latest 12-month share of positive obligations; the gray segment represents all other reported offices.
- AFSAA32.2% · $32.2M · up $1.7M
- DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (H98210)17.1% · $17.0M · up $17.0M
- DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (HQ0804)12.6% · $12.6M · down $26.6M
- DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY4.8% · $4.8M · down $645K
- DEF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT3.7% · $3.7M · up $3.7M
- All other reported offices29.6% of positive obligations
View reported office rankings, comparisons, and evidence
USAspending assigns each award to a funding office. That office may differ from the requiring activity, program office, contracting office, individual buyer, or actual customer.
Reported funding office
AFSAA
#1Up 2 from #3Latest 12 months
$32.2M
32.2% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
+$1.7M
1 active prime contractor · 3 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations increased 5.4% from $30.6M to $32.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 10.3% to 32.2%, a change of +21.9 percentage points.
The latest period contains 6 actions across 3 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 4 awards.
Reported funding office
DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (H98210)
#2Up 69 from #71Latest 12 months
$17.0M
17.1% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
+$17.0M
1 active prime contractor · 13 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations increased 18768.6% from $90K to $17.0M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.030% to 17.1%, a change of +17.0 percentage points.
The latest period contains 14 actions across 13 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 4 awards.
Leading award-level changes
- FORS MARSH GROUP LLC · PIID 47QFPA26F0030+$3.3M: $0 → $3.3M
- FORS MARSH GROUP LLC · PIID 47QFPA26F0039+$2.3M: $0 → $2.3M
Reported funding office
DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (HQ0804)
#3Down 1 from #2Latest 12 months
$12.6M
12.6% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$26.6M
2 active prime contractors · 29 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 67.9% from $39.2M to $12.6M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 13.3% to 12.6%, a change of −0.6 percentage points.
The latest period contains 42 actions across 29 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 32 awards.
Reported funding office
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
#4Up 11 from #15Latest 12 months
$4.8M
4.8% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$645K
3 active prime contractors · 5 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 11.8% from $5.4M to $4.8M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.8% to 4.8%, a change of +3.0 percentage points.
The latest period contains 7 actions across 5 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 3 awards.
Reported funding office
DEF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
#5New to the positive-obligation rankingLatest 12 months
$3.7M
3.7% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
+$3.7M
6 active prime contractors · 11 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations rose from $0 to $3.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 3.7%, a change of +3.7 percentage points.
The latest period contains 11 actions across 11 awards and 6 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 0 active prime contractors and 0 awards.
Reported funding office
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION&
#6Up 6 from #12Latest 12 months
$3.2M
3.2% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$3.8M
2 active prime contractors · 2 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 53.8% from $7.0M to $3.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 2.4% to 3.2%, a change of +0.9 percentage points.
The latest period contains 4 actions across 2 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 3 awards.
Reported funding office
NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE SYSTEMS
#7Up 14 from #21Latest 12 months
$2.7M
2.7% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$528K
1 active prime contractor · 4 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 16.2% from $3.3M to $2.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.1% to 2.7%, a change of +1.6 percentage points.
The latest period contains 4 actions across 4 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 4 awards.
Reported funding office
W049 RESEARCH SUPPORT GROUP
#8Up 1 from #9Latest 12 months
$2.2M
2.2% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$5.5M
7 active prime contractors · 19 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 71.2% from $7.7M to $2.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 2.6% to 2.2%, a change of −0.4 percentage points.
The latest period contains 27 actions across 19 awards. The preceding period contained 12 active prime contractors and 34 awards.
Reported funding office
F1AF1C AF A1
#9Up 9 from #18Latest 12 months
$2.0M
2.0% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$2.1M
2 active prime contractors · 2 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 51.3% from $4.0M to $2.0M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.4% to 2.0%, a change of +0.6 percentage points.
The latest period contains 3 actions across 2 awards. The preceding period contained 4 active prime contractors and 5 awards.
Reported funding office
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) (HQ0853)
#10Down 9 from #1Latest 12 months
$1.7M
1.7% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$52.2M
1 active prime contractor · 2 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 96.8% from $53.9M to $1.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 18.2% to 1.7%, a change of −16.5 percentage points.
The latest period contains 2 actions across 2 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 3 awards.
Leading award-level changes
- LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · PIID HQ085321F0004−$54.7M: $56.5M → $1.8M
- LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · PIID HQ085321F0001+$2.6M: −$2.6M → $0
Reported funding office
DEFENSE CI AND SECURITY AGENCY
#12New to the positive-obligation rankingLatest 12 months
$1.6M
1.6% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
+$1.6M
1 active prime contractor · 1 award
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations rose from $0 to $1.6M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 1.6%, a change of +1.6 percentage points.
The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 0 active prime contractors and 0 awards.
Reported funding office
F1TED8 AFLCMC EBJ ETV
#15New to the positive-obligation rankingLatest 12 months
$1.1M
1.1% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
+$1.1M
1 active prime contractor · 1 award
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations rose from $0 to $1.1M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 1.1%, a change of +1.1 percentage points.
The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 0 active prime contractors and 0 awards.
Reported funding office
OFFICE OF NET ASSESSMENT
#29Down 24 from #5Latest 12 months
$302K
0.30% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$15.2M
14 active prime contractors · 27 awards
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 98.1% from $15.5M to $302K. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 5.2% to 0.30%, a change of −4.9 percentage points.
The latest period contains 29 actions across 27 awards and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 32 active prime contractors and 76 awards.
Reported funding office
F1AF1T SAF CDM
No positive-obligation rankLatest 12 months
$0
0% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$17.0M
1 active prime contractor · 1 award
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 100.0% from $17.0M to $0. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 5.7% to 0%, a change of −5.7 percentage points.
The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.
Reported funding office
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) (HQ0147)
No positive-obligation rankLatest 12 months
$0
0% of positive obligations
Versus preceding 12 months
−$15.0M
1 active prime contractor · 1 award
View office comparison and evidence
Reported obligations decreased 100.0% from $15.0M to $0. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 5.1% to 0%, a change of −5.1 percentage points.
The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 2 awards.
Contract types, competition, and procurement methods
From Oct 24, 2025 through Oct 23, 2026, 123 awards had positive obligations totaling $100.7M. Only One Source was the leading reported procedure, accounting for 52.4% of positive obligations. Awards with a reported parent IDV accounted for 87.6%. Reported awards used contract vehicles such as OASIS.
- Leading award type
- 87.6%
- Delivery Order
- Leading reported procedure
- 52.4%
- Only One Source
- Reported parent IDV
- 87.6%
- of positive obligations had a reported parent IDV
- Median reported offers
- 1
- 54 of 123 awards reported offers
Observed contract vehicles
Only exact reported parent-PIID matches are shown; missing parent IDs are not inferred.
- OASIS
$3.1M
3.1% of positive obligations · 1 matched award
Buying method changes
Compared with Oct 24, 2024–Oct 23, 2025. Based on 123 current awards and 232 preceding awards with positive net obligations.
- Only One Source obligation share
- 52.4%
- Down from 67.1% in the preceding period
How to read these changes
Directional color and the Up or Down labels show historical movement only. Green does not mean favorable and red does not mean unfavorable; neither predicts a future procurement method.
Same-NAICS comparison
Compared with the NAICS 541720 peer median, parent-IDV obligation share is 42.3 percentage points higher, reported full-and-open obligation share is 20.1 percentage points higher, delivery-order obligation share is 56.5 percentage points higher, and median positive award obligations are 92.8% higher.
| Measure | This market | Peer median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent-IDV obligation share | 87.6% | 45.4% | +42.3 pts |
| Reported full-and-open obligation share | 22.2% | 2.1% | +20.1 pts |
| Delivery-order obligation share | 87.6% | 31.2% | +56.5 pts |
| Median positive award obligations | $300K | $156K | +92.8% |
Peer cohort and comparison limits
The peer median gives each of the 6 eligible agency markets equal weight. The included agency markets are:
- Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Department of Education (EDUCATION)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Department of the Interior (INTERIOR)
- Department of Transportation (TRANSPORTATION)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Agency mission, scale, and acquisition context can differ. Peer position does not establish market attractiveness or predict a future procurement method.
View buying-method details and data coverage
Award types
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Order(C) | 78 | $88.3M | 87.6% |
| Definitive Contract(D) | 33 | $11.9M | 11.8% |
| Purchase Order(B) | 12 | $616K | 0.61% |
Reported parent-award types
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| IDC(B) | 78 | $88.3M | 87.6% |
| Not reported | 45 | $12.5M | 12.4% |
Single- or multiple-award parent structure
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Award(S) | 69 | $84.7M | 84.1% |
| Multiple Award(M) | 9 | $3.5M | 3.5% |
| Not reported | 45 | $12.5M | 12.4% |
Solicitation procedures
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only One Source(SSS) | 34 | $52.8M | 52.4% |
| Negotiated Proposal/Quote(NP) | 41 | $21.8M | 21.7% |
| Np(NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE) | 19 | $20.1M | 20.0% |
| Mafo(SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY) | 2 | $3.1M | 3.1% |
| Simplified Acquisition(SP1) | 14 | $1.0M | 1.0% |
| Basic Research(BR) | 3 | $898K | 0.89% |
| Other reported values | 10 | $888K | 0.88% |
Extent competed
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not Competed(C) | 28 | $50.8M | 50.5% |
| A(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION) | 19 | $23.1M | 22.9% |
| Full and Open Competition(A) | 42 | $22.4M | 22.2% |
| Not Available for Competition(B) | 6 | $2.0M | 2.0% |
| Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources(D) | 9 | $709K | 0.70% |
| Not Competed Under SAP(G) | 8 | $507K | 0.50% |
| Other reported values | 11 | $1.2M | 1.2% |
Fair-opportunity and limited-source reporting
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fair Opportunity Given(FAIR) | 6 | $3.5M | 3.5% |
| Minimum Guarantee(MG) | 3 | $8K | 0.010% |
| Not reported | 114 | $97.2M | 96.5% |
Other-than-full-and-open reasons
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobilization, Essential R&d (FAR 6.302-3)(MES) | 19 | $47.3M | 47.0% |
| Only One Source-Other (FAR 6.302-1 Other)(ONE) | 10 | $4.0M | 3.9% |
| Authorized by Statute (FAR 6.302-5(A)(2)(I))(OTH) | 6 | $2.0M | 2.0% |
| SAP Non-Competition (FAR 13)(SP2) | 8 | $507K | 0.50% |
| Not reported | 80 | $46.9M | 46.6% |
Contract pricing types
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost No Fee(S) | 12 | $40.1M | 39.8% |
| Firm Fixed Price(J) | 72 | $23.5M | 23.3% |
| J(FIRM FIXED PRICE) | 20 | $20.7M | 20.5% |
| Cost Plus Fixed Fee(U) | 14 | $13.1M | 13.0% |
| U(COST PLUS FIXED FEE) | 4 | $3.1M | 3.1% |
| Labor Hours(Z) | 1 | $236K | 0.23% |
Product or Service Codes
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Studies/Analysis- Other(B599) | 33 | $61.4M | 61.0% |
| General Science and Technology R&d Services; General Science and Technology; Basic Research(AJ11) | 8 | $8.3M | 8.2% |
| General Science and Technology R&d Services; General Science and Technology; Applied Research(AJ12) | 7 | $4.7M | 4.7% |
| Support- Professional: Market Research/Public Opinion(R422) | 6 | $3.6M | 3.6% |
| Special Studies/Analysis- Data (Other Than Scientific)(B506) | 11 | $3.6M | 3.5% |
| Support- Professional: Operations Research/Quantitative Analysis(R405) | 1 | $3.2M | 3.1% |
| Other reported values | 57 | $16.0M | 15.8% |
Awarding subagencies
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Department of the Air Force(5700) | 19 | $42.9M | 42.6% |
| Federal Acquisition Service(4732) | 24 | $29.8M | 29.6% |
| Washington Headquarters Services(97F5) | 16 | $5.5M | 5.4% |
| Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency(97AE) | 2 | $4.5M | 4.5% |
| National Institute of Standards and Technology(1341) | 5 | $4.4M | 4.3% |
| Department of the Army(2100) | 33 | $3.7M | 3.7% |
| Other reported values | 24 | $10.0M | 9.9% |
Awarding offices
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fa7014 Afdw Pk(FA7014) | 13 | $40.6M | 40.3% |
| GSA Fas Aas Region 9(47QFPA) | 24 | $29.8M | 29.6% |
| Washington Headquarters Services(HQ0034) | 16 | $5.5M | 5.4% |
| Def Advanced Research Projects Agcy(HR0011) | 2 | $4.5M | 4.5% |
| Dept of Commerce Nist(1333ND) | 5 | $4.4M | 4.3% |
| Defense Human Resources Activity(H98210) | 6 | $3.5M | 3.4% |
| Other reported values | 57 | $12.6M | 12.5% |
Reported parent IDVs
| Reported value | Awards | Positive obligations | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| FA701422D0001(9700) | 11 | $38.6M | 38.3% |
| 47QFPA23D0001(4732) | 22 | $23.5M | 23.3% |
| HQ003424D0003(9700) | 7 | $8.3M | 8.2% |
| DOCSB134114CQ0010(1341) | 5 | $4.4M | 4.3% |
| H9821020D0003(9700) | 6 | $3.5M | 3.4% |
| 47QFPA22D0004(4732) | 1 | $3.2M | 3.1% |
| GS00Q14OADU213(4732) | 1 | $3.1M | 3.1% |
| HQ014712D0001(9700) | 1 | $1.8M | 1.8% |
| Other reported values | 24 | $2.0M | 2.0% |
| Not reported | 45 | $12.5M | 12.4% |
Exact vehicle-match evidence
$3.1M · 3.1%
Reported award data linked 1 award to a specific catalog vehicle.
Offers, award size, and timing
- Median reported offers
- 1 median
- 54 reported · 69 not reported
- Positive award obligations
- $300K median
- $88K–$674K middle 50%
- Reported performance period
- 364 days (~12 months) median
- 123 reported · 0 not reported
Calculations group latest-period actions by award, retain awards with positive net obligations for share denominators, and use each award's latest reported USAspending procurement fields as of Oct 23, 2026. Blank competition, pricing, PSC, or parent-IDV values remain not reported; they are not inferred. Offer counts must be positive and below the FPDS 999 placeholder. Awarding organizations can differ from the funding agency that defines this page.
Top federal contractors
Latest 12-month market share, concentration, and complete prime contractor rankings across the period shown.
- Prime contractor concentration
- 5 of 54prime contractors account for at least 80% of positive obligations in the last 12 months
- Largest prime contractor
- 38.5%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
- Leading four prime contractors
- 78.5%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
- Leading eight prime contractors
- 87.9%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Based on $100.2M in positive obligations during the 12 months ending Oct 23, 2026. Individual shares and movement appear in the searchable rankings below. Movement compares with Oct 24, 2024–Oct 23, 2025.
Last 12mo obligation volume: Highest positive obligations first; net deobligations follow by magnitude; contractors with no activity in the last 12 months follow by all-period obligations. Ranks use the complete contractor list and remain fixed when search narrows the results.
- #1
Last 12mo obligations
$38.6M
38.5%
Dollar movement
−$163K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
14 awards
21 actions
Historical and award details for THE RAND CORPORATION
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $38.8M → $38.6M
- −0.4%
- Share: prior → latest
- 13.1% → 38.5%
- +25.4 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $240.2M
- 17.9% of all-period positive obligations · 141 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Oct 1, 2021
- through Apr 24, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 0 0 Not reported 14 22 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #2
Last 12mo obligations
$27.4M
27.3%
Dollar movement
−$9.3M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
41 awards
53 actions
Historical and award details for FORS MARSH GROUP LLC
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $36.7M → $27.4M
- −25.4%
- Share: prior → latest
- 12.4% → 27.3%
- +14.9 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $150.2M
- 11.2% of all-period positive obligations · 188 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Dec 16, 2021
- through Sep 28, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 2 3 Not reported 39 33 Reported small business 1 1 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #3
Last 12mo obligations
$8.3M
8.3%
Dollar movement
−$52.4M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
12 awards
18 actions
Historical and award details for UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $60.6M → $8.3M
- −86.4%
- Share: prior → latest
- 20.4% → 8.3%
- −12.2 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $84.8M
- 6.3% of all-period positive obligations · 21 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Apr 12, 2024
- through Apr 24, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 1 1 Not reported 11 17 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #4
Last 12mo obligations
$4.4M
4.4%
Dollar movement
−$471K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
6 awards
8 actions
Historical and award details for THE MITRE CORPORATION
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $4.9M → $4.4M
- −9.7%
- Share: prior → latest
- 1.6% → 4.4%
- +2.7 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $12.7M
- 0.95% of all-period positive obligations · 18 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Jun 9, 2022
- through Sep 21, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 0 0 Not reported 6 7 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #5
Last 12mo obligations
$3.2M
3.1%
Dollar movement
−$2.7M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
7 awards
9 actions
Historical and award details for PERATON INC.
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $5.8M → $3.2M
- −45.8%
- Share: prior → latest
- 2.0% → 3.1%
- +1.2 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $21.5M
- 1.6% of all-period positive obligations · 38 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Jun 21, 2022
- through Sep 17, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 0 2 Not reported 7 5 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #6
Last 12mo obligations
$3.1M
3.1%
Dollar movement
−$1.9M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
1 award
3 actions
Historical and award details for NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $5.0M → $3.1M
- −37.9%
- Share: prior → latest
- 1.7% → 3.1%
- +1.4 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $24.2M
- 1.8% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Sep 25, 2022
- through Aug 25, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 0 0 Not reported 1 2 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #7
Last 12mo obligations
$1.7M
1.7%
Dollar movement
−$77.5M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
2 awards
3 actions
Historical and award details for LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $79.2M → $1.7M
- −97.9%
- Share: prior → latest
- 26.7% → 1.7%
- −25.0 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $576.0M
- 42.9% of all-period positive obligations · 20 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Oct 6, 2021
- through Feb 9, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 0 0 Not reported 2 4 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #8
Last 12mo obligations
$1.5M
1.5%
Dollar movement
+$1.3M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
1 award
1 action
Historical and award details for UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $211K → $1.5M
- +611.6%
- Share: prior → latest
- 0.070% → 1.5%
- +1.4 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $6.5M
- 0.49% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
- Recorded activity
- Since Nov 16, 2022
- through Dec 2, 2025
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 1 1 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #9
Last 12mo obligations
$1.5M
1.4%
Dollar movement
+$1.5M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
1 award
1 action
Historical and award details for CHEROKEE INSIGHTS LLC
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $0 → $1.5M
- Not comparable
- Share: prior → latest
- 0% → 1.4%
- +1.4 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $1.5M
- 0.11% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
- Recorded activity
- Since Mar 25, 2026
- through Mar 25, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 1 0 Reported no set-aside 0 0 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 1 0 All-period set-aside types
- 1 · 8(a) sole source
- #10
Last 12mo obligations
$1.3M
1.3%
Dollar movement
−$983K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
6 awards
7 actions
Historical and award details for ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $2.3M → $1.3M
- −42.8%
- Share: prior → latest
- 0.77% → 1.3%
- +0.5 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $9.7M
- 0.72% of all-period positive obligations · 15 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Oct 5, 2021
- through Apr 20, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 6 10 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #11
Last 12mo obligations
$1.2M
1.2%
Dollar movement
−$2.1M
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
4 awards
5 actions
Historical and award details for TELEMUS GROUP LLC
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $3.3M → $1.2M
- −63.7%
- Share: prior → latest
- 1.1% → 1.2%
- +0.1 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $9.8M
- 0.73% of all-period positive obligations · 14 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Mar 15, 2022
- through Apr 1, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 4 5 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 4 5 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #12
Last 12mo obligations
$1.1M
1.1%
Dollar movement
−$697K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
11 awards
14 actions
Historical and award details for STRATEVARIOUS INC
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $1.8M → $1.1M
- −39.4%
- Share: prior → latest
- 0.60% → 1.1%
- +0.5 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $8.9M
- 0.66% of all-period positive obligations · 30 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Nov 3, 2021
- through Apr 6, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 11 18 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 9 16 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #13
Last 12mo obligations
$1.0M
1.0%
Dollar movement
+$50K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
2 awards
2 actions
Historical and award details for LONG TERM STRATEGY GROUP, LLC
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $983K → $1.0M
- +5.1%
- Share: prior → latest
- 0.33% → 1.0%
- +0.7 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $3.3M
- 0.24% of all-period positive obligations · 6 awards
- Recorded activity
- Since Oct 27, 2021
- through Mar 10, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 2 2 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 2 2 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #14
Last 12mo obligations
$865K
0.86%
Dollar movement
−$825K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
1 award
1 action
Historical and award details for DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $1.7M → $865K
- −48.8%
- Share: prior → latest
- 0.57% → 0.86%
- +0.3 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $5.8M
- 0.43% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
- Recorded activity
- Since Dec 29, 2022
- through Dec 30, 2025
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 1 1 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
- #15
Last 12mo obligations
$469K
0.47%
Dollar movement
+$73K
vs. prior 12 months
Last 12mo awards
1 award
2 actions
Historical and award details for THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
- Obligations: prior → latest
- $396K → $469K
- +18.4%
- Share: prior → latest
- 0.13% → 0.47%
- +0.3 percentage points
- All-period obligations
- $866K
- 0.060% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
- Recorded activity
- Since Dec 19, 2024
- through Jun 24, 2026
Award reporting
Latest and prior 12-month award reporting Reported award evidence Latest Prior Reported set-aside 0 0 Reported no set-aside 1 1 Not reported 0 0 Reported small business 0 0 All-period set-aside types
None reported.
Potential federal contract recompetes
Investigate potential recompetes surfaced by near-term end dates, award value, and recent contract changes.
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
SECURING EXPERIMENTAL QUANTUM COMPUTING USAGE IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS (SEQCURE) QUANTUM COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT QUANTUM COMPUTER AND QIST RESEARCH (PHASE 2)
The reported potential end date is Mar 31, 2027. Current award value is 100.0% of reported potential value ($27.1M of $27.1M).
Performance period
80.7%
Current award value as a share of potential value
100.0%
Supporting data
Reported performance starts Dec 26, 2024.
No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Mar 31, 2027.
$27.1M is obligated against $27.1M in current reported award value (100.0%).
Reported potential end dates: Jun 25, 2026 → Dec 25, 2026 → Mar 31, 2027.
Obligations are compared with current reported award value, not treated as a contract ceiling.
These are research leads, not confirmed recompetes. USAspending records through Oct 23, 2026; reported dates and values can change through later modifications.
Recent federal contract award activity
Recent contract actions with unusually large obligation changes or meaningful shifts in contractor and funding-office activity.
This action
+$13.9M
THE RAND CORPORATION
AFSAA
PROJECT AIR FORCE (PAF) - FY26 CORE RESEARCH PROJECTS - 72 STAFF-YEAR OF TECHNICAL EFFORTS
Why it stands out
The contractor climbed 2 positions in this market.
It now ranks #1 by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.
- Award net obligations
- $33.0M
- Share of 12-month positive obligations
- 13.9%
Supporting data
- Prime contractor
- #1 · 38.5% share
- $163K net decline despite this positive action
This action
+$1.5M
CHEROKEE INSIGHTS LLC
F1ATB1 AFMRA SG
PERFORMANCE BASED NON-PERSONNEL SERVICES CONTRACT TO PROVIDE PROGRAM AND POLICY EVALUATIONS. TASKS INCLUDE PROVIDING CONDUCTING DATA ANALYSIS AND AUTHORING RELATED REPORTS CONDUCTING PILOT STUDIES ON EVIDENCE-INFORMED PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS FOR FAP.
Why it stands out
No activity for this contractor was reported in this market during the preceding 12 months.
The base action placed the contractor #9 in this market by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.
- Award net obligations
- $1.5M
- Share of 12-month positive obligations
- 1.4%
Supporting data
- Prime contractor
- #9 · 1.4% share
- Newly active in this market; no actions were reported in the preceding 12 months
This action
+$4.0M
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
QUANTUM BENCHMARKING INITIATIVE (QBI) EFFORT UNDER THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND (UMD) APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY (ARLIS) UNIVERSITY AFFILIATE RESEARCH CENTER (UARC) SUPPORT SERVICES
Why it stands out
This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.
The modification added $4.0M while office-attributed obligations fell $645K overall.
- Award net obligations
- $8.7M
- Share of 12-month positive obligations
- 4.0%
Supporting data
- Prime contractor
- #3 · 8.3% share
- $52.4M net decline despite this positive action
- Funding office
- #4 · 4.8% attributed share
- $645K net decline despite this positive action
This action
+$3.2M
NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER
SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION&
MODIFICATION P00015 EXERCISES OPTION YEAR 4 FOR THE CONTRACT. THE DURATION OF THIS OPTION PERIOD WILL BE FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2026, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 28, 2027.
Why it stands out
This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.
The modification added $3.2M while office-attributed obligations fell $3.8M overall.
- Award net obligations
- $20.9M
- Share of 12-month positive obligations
- 3.2%
Supporting data
- Prime contractor
- #6 · 3.1% share
- $1.9M net decline despite this positive action
- Funding office
- #6 · 3.2% attributed share
- $3.8M net decline despite this positive action
This action
+$3.3M
FORS MARSH GROUP LLC
DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY
ANALYTICS TASK ORDER 33 - FY26 YOUTH POLL PHASE II PARTIAL PHASE I
Why it stands out
A new award added obligations despite weaker contractor activity.
The action represented 3.3% of the market’s latest 12-month positive obligations while the contractor’s obligations fell $9.3M overall.
- Award net obligations
- $3.3M
- Share of 12-month positive obligations
- 3.3%
Supporting data
- Prime contractor
- #2 · 27.3% share
- $9.3M net decline despite this positive action
- Funding office
- #2 · 17.1% attributed share
- up 69 ranks · +17.0 percentage points · $17.0M net increase; action accounted for 19.4%
This action
+$1.8M
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA)
OMNI TASK ORDER FUNDING
Why it stands out
This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.
The modification added $1.8M while office-attributed obligations fell $52.2M overall.
- Award net obligations
- $430.6M
- Share of 12-month positive obligations
- 1.8%
Supporting data
- Prime contractor
- #7 · 1.7% share
- $77.5M net decline despite this positive action
- Funding office
- #10 · 1.7% attributed share
- $52.2M net decline despite this positive action
View recent award activity by date (10)
- Action+$68KAward net obligations$714K
- Action+$568KAward net obligations$568K
- Action+$524KAward net obligations$524K
- Action+$1.9MAward net obligations$1.9M
- Action+$602KAward net obligations$602K
- Action+$3.2MAward net obligations$3.2M
- Action+$1.6MAward net obligations$1.6M
- Action+$1000KAward net obligations$1000K
- Action+$382KAward net obligations$382K
- Action+$218KAward net obligations$218K
DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities market FAQs
Answers based on reported federal contract data.
Who are the top DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities contractors?
In the 12 months through October 23, 2026, THE RAND CORPORATION, FORS MARSH GROUP LLC, and UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK were the leading DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities prime contractors by positive obligations.
- #1
$38,613,697 in positive obligations
- #2
$27,360,051 in positive obligations
- #3
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
$8,266,751 in positive obligations
Rankings use reported USAspending award data.
Did DoD contract obligations decrease in the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market?
Yes. Measured by net prime contract obligations, reported DoD activity in the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market decreased 66.5% from $295,577,100 in the preceding 12 months to $98,882,620 in the 12 months through October 23, 2026.
- Latest 12 months
- $98,882,620
- Net prime contract obligations
- Preceding 12 months
- $295,577,100
- Net prime contract obligations
- Change
- −66.5%
- Between matched 12-month periods
Reported contract actions, not outlays or a forecast.
What recent DoD contract award activity was reported under NAICS 541720?
Recent DoD contract award activity reported in the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market included actions for THE RAND CORPORATION, CHEROKEE INSIGHTS LLC, and UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK during the 12 months through October 23, 2026.
-
THE RAND CORPORATION · PIID FA701425F0325
Modification P00003 · March 30, 2026 · Action obligation: +$13,939,632
-
CHEROKEE INSIGHTS LLC · PIID FA800326C0005
Base award · March 25, 2026 · Action obligation: +$1,457,076
-
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · PIID HR001126FE003
Modification P00002 · April 14, 2026 · Action obligation: +$4,044,212
-
NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER · PIID 47QFPA22F0098
Modification P00015 · August 25, 2026 · Action obligation: +$3,197,875
-
FORS MARSH GROUP LLC · PIID 47QFPA26F0030
Base award · August 28, 2026 · Action obligation: +$3,295,695
-
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP · PIID HQ085321F0004
Modification P00085 · October 30, 2025 · Action obligation: +$1,800,000
Action obligations are transaction-level amounts, not current award-level obligations.
Which procurement methods were reported for DoD contracts under NAICS 541720?
From October 24, 2025 through October 23, 2026, DoD reported 123 positive-obligation awards for research and development in the social sciences and humanities under NAICS 541720. The leading award type was delivery order. The leading reported procedure was only one source.
- Positive-obligation awards
- 123
- Leading reported procedure
- Only One Source
- 52.4% of positive obligations
- Leading award type
- Delivery Order
- 87.6% of positive obligations
- Full and open
- 22.2%
- of positive obligations
- Reported parent IDV
- 87.6%
- of positive obligations
Percentages use positive obligations as the denominator.
Which DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities awards may warrant recompete research?
Based on its reported potential-end date, the DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities award held by UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK may warrant recompete research.
-
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · PIID FA714625F0001
Potential end: March 31, 2027
Research leads, not confirmed recompetes. Dates may change through later modifications.
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Related market research
Complete market indexes:
Same NAICS at other agencies:
Nearby NAICS at this agency:
Markets sharing leading prime records:
Leading-prime vehicle memberships:
Company memberships do not establish award-channel use.Reported obligations include contract actions from October 1, 2021 through October 23, 2026. Set-aside and business-size fields reflect award records, not a contractor's current eligibility. Public Department of Defense award records are generally delayed by 90 days.
Review data methodology