Federal Capture Intelligence

Top DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities contractors (NAICS 541720)

Contract actions: October 1, 2021 – September 10, 2026 Updated September 11, 2026 Department of Defense agency guide NAICS 541720 · Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Latest 12 months
$131.1M
Net obligations · Down $163.8M vs. $294.9M preceding
Prime contractors
71
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 1,158 awards in Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Department of Defense from Oct 1, 2021 through Sep 10, 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 55.6% from $294.9M to $131.1M. 6 prime contractors accounted for at least 80% of positive obligations in that latest period.

Fiscal-year activity

FY26 is year-to-date through Sep 10, 2026; earlier years show complete fiscal-year totals.

FY26 year-to-date: $98.4M versus $264.8M through the same date in FY25 (−62.8%).
Net obligations · complete fiscal yearNet obligations · FY26 YTDContract actions
View fiscal-year data table
Fiscal yearNet obligationsContract actionsCoverage
FY2022$359.7M690Complete
FY2023$278.2M646Complete
FY2024$295.3M590Complete
FY2025$297.4M597Complete
FY2026$98.4M309YTD through Sep 10, 2026

Market at a glance

All reported prime contract awards
All-period net obligations
$1.3B
1,158 awards · 229 prime contractors
Latest 12-month movement
−55.6%
$131.1M vs. $294.9M
Leading eight prime share
83.9%
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 · 737 not reported

What changed in the last 12 months?

Sep 11, 2025–Sep 10, 2026, compared with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025.

Competitive shifts

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP lost the most market share
26.8%→0.9%−25.9 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #14 by positive obligations, based on 4 reported actions.
NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC. climbed the most in the contractor rankings
#26→#4Up 22 places
The contractor accounts for 5.5% of positive obligations across 10 reported actions.
THE RAND CORPORATION gained the most market share
17.5%→31.6%+14.1 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #1 by positive obligations, based on 25 reported actions.

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) decreased
$53.3M→$1.7M−$51.6M
Latest-period activity spans 2 awards across 1 prime contractor.
Reported obligations through DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY increased
$90K→$13.0M+$12.9M
Latest-period activity spans 8 awards across 1 prime contractor.

Award activity

View 2 additional material changes

Competitive shifts

AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC had no reported activity in the latest 12 months
$7.2M→$0No latest-period activity
It previously ranked #6 by positive obligations, based on 3 reported actions.
7 contractors were first observed in this market during the latest 12 months
$1.3MLatest 12-month obligations
Contractor-level obligations and first-observed dates appear below. “First observed” applies only to this market and the period shown.
View 7 contractors
ContractorLatest 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 Sep 10, 2026.

25.8% of positive obligations were attributed to AFSAA. That represents $34.1M, down $4.6M from the preceding 12 months.

Latest 12-month share of positive obligations; the gray segment represents all other reported offices.

  1. AFSAA25.8% · $34.1M · down $4.6M
  2. DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (HQ0804)10.0% · $13.2M · down $25.9M
  3. DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (H98210)9.8% · $13.0M · up $12.9M
  4. DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY7.2% · $9.5M · up $8.7M
  5. W2R9 ENDIST ST LOUIS CW6.6% · $8.7M · up $7.6M
  6. All other reported offices40.6% 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.

  1. Reported funding office

    AFSAA

    #1Up 2 from #3

    Latest 12 months

    $34.1M

    25.8% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$4.6M

    1 active prime contractor · 3 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 11.9% from $38.7M to $34.1M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 13.1% to 25.8%, a change of +12.7 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 7 actions across 3 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 6 awards.

  2. Reported funding office

    DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (HQ0804)

    #2Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $13.2M

    10.0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$25.9M

    2 active prime contractors · 29 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 66.2% from $39.1M to $13.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 13.3% to 10.0%, a change of −3.3 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 43 actions across 29 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 30 awards.

  3. Reported funding office

    DEFENSE HUMAN RESOURCES ACTIVITY (H98210)

    #3Up 70 from #73

    Latest 12 months

    $13.0M

    9.8% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$12.9M

    1 active prime contractor · 8 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 14263.5% from $90K to $13.0M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.030% to 9.8%, a change of +9.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 9 actions across 8 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 4 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  4. Reported funding office

    DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY

    #4Up 36 from #40

    Latest 12 months

    $9.5M

    7.2% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$8.7M

    3 active prime contractors · 6 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 1089.4% from $795K to $9.5M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.27% to 7.2%, a change of +6.9 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 9 actions across 6 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 3 awards.

  5. Reported funding office

    W2R9 ENDIST ST LOUIS CW

    #5Up 23 from #28

    Latest 12 months

    $8.7M

    6.6% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$7.6M

    8 active prime contractors · 21 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 667.9% from $1.1M to $8.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.38% to 6.6%, a change of +6.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 26 actions across 21 awards and 6 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 5 active prime contractors and 7 awards.

  6. Reported funding office

    DCSO RICHMOND DIVISION #1

    #6Up 8 from #14

    Latest 12 months

    $5.1M

    3.9% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$30K

    1 active prime contractor · 1 award

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 0.6% from $5.2M to $5.1M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.8% to 3.9%, a change of +2.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 2 actions across 1 award. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.

  7. Reported funding office

    OFFICE OF NET ASSESSMENT

    #7Down 1 from #6

    Latest 12 months

    $3.9M

    3.0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$8.4M

    21 active prime contractors · 44 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 68.0% from $12.3M to $3.9M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 4.2% to 3.0%, a change of −1.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 49 actions across 44 awards and 8 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 25 active prime contractors and 63 awards.

  8. Reported funding office

    OUSD(AT & L)

    #8Up 11 from #19

    Latest 12 months

    $3.7M

    2.8% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$354K

    2 active prime contractors · 2 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 10.6% from $3.3M to $3.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.1% to 2.8%, a change of +1.7 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 3 actions across 2 awards and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 2 awards.

  9. Reported funding office

    DEF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

    #9New to the positive-obligation ranking

    Latest 12 months

    $3.7M

    2.8% 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 2.8%, a change of +2.8 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.

  10. Reported funding office

    SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION&

    #10Down 2 from #8

    Latest 12 months

    $3.5M

    2.6% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$4.8M

    2 active prime contractors · 2 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 58.2% from $8.3M to $3.5M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 2.8% to 2.6%, a change of −0.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 5 actions across 2 awards. The preceding period contained 2 active prime contractors and 3 awards.

  11. Reported funding office

    NAVAL INFORMATION WARFARE SYSTEMS

    #11Up 31 from #42

    Latest 12 months

    $3.3M

    2.5% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$2.5M

    1 active prime contractor · 4 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 345.0% from $733K to $3.3M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.25% to 2.5%, a change of +2.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 5 actions across 4 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.

  12. Reported funding office

    OSD OUSD(I)

    #13Down 6 from #7

    Latest 12 months

    $2.4M

    1.8% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$9.0M

    1 active prime contractor · 3 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 79.1% from $11.3M to $2.4M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 3.8% to 1.8%, a change of −2.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 3 actions across 3 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 4 awards.

  13. Reported funding office

    MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) (HQ0853)

    #15Down 14 from #1

    Latest 12 months

    $1.7M

    1.3% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$51.6M

    1 active prime contractor · 2 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 96.8% from $53.3M to $1.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 18.1% to 1.3%, a change of −16.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 2 actions across 2 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 6 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  14. Reported funding office

    F1AF1T SAF CDM

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 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 5.8% to 0%, a change of −5.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.

  15. Reported funding office

    MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY (MDA) (HQ0147)

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    −$500K

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$16.0M

    1 active prime contractor · 1 award

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $15.5M in net obligations to $500K in net deobligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 5.3% to 0%, a change of −5.3 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 2 actions across 1 award. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 2 awards.

Contract types, competition, and procurement methods

From Sep 11, 2025 through Sep 10, 2026, 164 awards had positive obligations totaling $132.7M. Only One Source was the leading reported procedure, accounting for 55.6% of positive obligations. Awards with a reported parent IDV accounted for 82.1%. Reported awards used contract vehicles such as OASIS.

Leading award type
82.1%
Delivery Order
Leading reported procedure
55.6%
Only One Source
Reported parent IDV
82.1%
of positive obligations had a reported parent IDV
Median reported offers
1
84 of 164 awards reported offers

Observed contract vehicles

Only exact reported parent-PIID matches are shown; missing parent IDs are not inferred.

  • OASIS

    $3.1M

    2.3% of positive obligations · 1 matched award

Buying method changes

Compared with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025. Based on 164 current awards and 215 preceding awards with positive net obligations.

Only One Source obligation share
55.6%
Down from 70.0% 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 20.7 percentage points higher, reported full-and-open obligation share is 4.2 percentage points lower, delivery-order obligation share is 50.9 percentage points higher, and median positive award obligations are 95.1% higher.

MeasureThis marketPeer medianDifference
Parent-IDV obligation share82.1%61.4%+20.7 pts
Reported full-and-open obligation share24.9%29.1%-4.2 pts
Delivery-order obligation share82.1%31.2%+50.9 pts
Median positive award obligations$300K$154K+95.1%
Peer cohort and comparison limits

The peer median gives each of the 6 eligible agency markets equal weight. The included agency markets are:

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 valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Delivery Order(C)100$109.0M82.1%
Definitive Contract(D)48$22.3M16.8%
Purchase Order(B)16$1.5M1.1%

Reported parent-award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
IDC(B)100$109.0M82.1%
Not reported64$23.7M17.9%

Single- or multiple-award parent structure

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Single Award(S)79$101.7M76.7%
Multiple Award(M)21$7.3M5.5%
Not reported64$23.7M17.9%

Solicitation procedures

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Only One Source(SSS)48$73.8M55.6%
Negotiated Proposal/Quote(NP)59$32.5M24.5%
Np(NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE)8$10.0M7.5%
Simplified Acquisition(SP1)22$8.0M6.0%
Subject to Multiple Award Fair Opportunity(MAFO)18$4.1M3.1%
Mafo(SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY)3$3.2M2.4%
Other reported values6$1.1M0.83%

Extent competed

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Not Competed(C)40$71.4M53.8%
Full and Open Competition(A)59$33.0M24.9%
A(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION)9$13.1M9.8%
Competed Under SAP(F)8$6.6M5.0%
Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources(D)22$4.6M3.5%
Not Available for Competition(B)8$2.4M1.8%
Other reported values18$1.5M1.2%

Fair-opportunity and limited-source reporting

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Fair Opportunity Given(FAIR)18$7.3M5.5%
Minimum Guarantee(MG)3$8K0.010%
Not reported143$125.4M94.5%

Other-than-full-and-open reasons

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Mobilization, Essential R&d (FAR 6.302-3)(MES)25$60.8M45.8%
Only One Source-Other (FAR 6.302-1 Other)(ONE)15$10.6M8.0%
Authorized by Statute (FAR 6.302-5(A)(2)(I))(OTH)8$2.4M1.8%
SAP Non-Competition (FAR 13)(SP2)14$1.4M1.1%
Not reported102$57.5M43.3%

Contract pricing types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Firm Fixed Price(J)111$48.1M36.3%
Cost No Fee(S)15$43.3M32.6%
Cost Plus Fixed Fee(U)23$27.5M20.7%
J(FIRM FIXED PRICE)12$12.8M9.7%
Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment(K)1$389K0.29%
U(COST PLUS FIXED FEE)1$370K0.28%
Other reported values1$236K0.18%

Product or Service Codes

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Special Studies/Analysis- Other(B599)33$64.4M48.5%
General Science and Technology R&d Services; General Science and Technology; Basic Research(AJ11)11$18.5M13.9%
Special Studies/Analysis- Archeological/Paleontological(B503)35$13.2M10.0%
Special Studies/Analysis- Data (Other Than Scientific)(B506)23$7.0M5.3%
General Science and Technology R&d Services; General Science and Technology; Applied Research(AJ12)9$5.5M4.1%
Housekeeping- Custodial Janitorial(S201)2$5.2M3.9%
Other reported values51$18.9M14.3%

Awarding subagencies

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Department of the Air Force(5700)22$46.4M35.0%
Federal Acquisition Service(4732)20$26.5M20.0%
Washington Headquarters Services(97F5)32$14.7M11.1%
Department of the Army(2100)49$13.4M10.1%
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency(97AE)2$9.2M6.9%
Defense Logistics Agency(97AS)1$5.1M3.9%
Other reported values38$17.3M13.0%

Awarding offices

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Fa7014 Afdw Pk(FA7014)16$44.1M33.2%
GSA Fas Aas Region 9(47QFPA)20$26.5M20.0%
Washington Headquarters Services(HQ0034)32$14.7M11.1%
Def Advanced Research Projects Agcy(HR0011)2$9.2M6.9%
W07v Endist St Louis(W912P9)17$8.9M6.7%
Dcso Richmond Division #1(SP4703)1$5.1M3.9%
Other reported values76$24.2M18.2%

Reported parent IDVs

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
FA701422D0001(9700)13$41.8M31.5%
47QFPA23D0001(4732)19$23.4M17.7%
HQ003424D0003(9700)11$18.5M14.0%
W912P924D0013(9700)3$6.1M4.6%
DOCSB134114CQ0010(1341)6$4.9M3.7%
H9821020D0003(9700)6$3.5M2.6%
GS00Q14OADU213(4732)1$3.1M2.3%
HQ014712D0001(9700)1$1.3M0.98%
Other reported values40$6.4M4.8%
Not reported64$23.7M17.9%

Exact vehicle-match evidence

Reported award data linked 1 award to a specific catalog vehicle.

Offers, award size, and timing

Median reported offers
1 median
84 reported · 80 not reported
Positive award obligations
$300K median
$110K–$609K middle 50%
Reported performance period
364 days (~12 months) median
164 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 Sep 10, 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
6 of 71prime contractors account for at least 80% of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Largest prime contractor
31.6%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading four prime contractors
72.8%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading eight prime contractors
83.9%of positive obligations in the last 12 months

Based on $132.1M in positive obligations during the 12 months ending Sep 10, 2026. Individual shares and movement appear in the searchable rankings below. Movement compares with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 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.

15 leading contractors
  1. #1

    Last 12mo obligations

    $41.8M

    31.6%

    Dollar movement

    −$10.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    16 awards

    25 actions

    Historical and award details for THE RAND CORPORATION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $51.8M → $41.8M
    −19.3%
    Share: prior → latest
    17.5% → 31.6%
    +14.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $240.2M
    18.0% 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported1630
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  2. #2

    Last 12mo obligations

    $27.3M

    20.7%

    Dollar movement

    −$7.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    37 awards

    51 actions

    Historical and award details for FORS MARSH GROUP LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $34.8M → $27.3M
    −21.6%
    Share: prior → latest
    11.8% → 20.7%
    +8.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $146.1M
    11.0% of all-period positive obligations · 183 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Dec 16, 2021
    through Sep 2, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside24
    Not reported3531
    Reported small business11
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  3. #3

    Last 12mo obligations

    $19.8M

    15.0%

    Dollar movement

    −$36.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    16 awards

    25 actions

    Historical and award details for UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $55.9M → $19.8M
    −64.5%
    Share: prior → latest
    18.9% → 15.0%
    −3.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $84.8M
    6.4% 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside11
    Not reported1514
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  4. #4

    Last 12mo obligations

    $7.3M

    5.5%

    Dollar movement

    +$6.3M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    9 awards

    10 actions

    Historical and award details for NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $1.0M → $7.3M
    +611.6%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.35% → 5.5%
    +5.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $10.9M
    0.82% of all-period positive obligations · 22 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Mar 29, 2022
    through Apr 14, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported92
    Reported small business92
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  5. #5

    Last 12mo obligations

    $5.1M

    3.9%

    Dollar movement

    −$30K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    2 actions

    Historical and award details for SOAR 365
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $5.2M → $5.1M
    −0.6%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.8% → 3.9%
    +2.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $24.8M
    1.9% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 6, 2021
    through Jan 7, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside11
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  6. #6

    Last 12mo obligations

    $4.9M

    3.7%

    Dollar movement

    +$2.6M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    6 awards

    9 actions

    Historical and award details for THE MITRE CORPORATION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.3M → $4.9M
    +111.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.79% → 3.7%
    +2.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $10.0M
    0.75% of all-period positive obligations · 15 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jun 9, 2022
    through Sep 3, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported64
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  7. #7

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.1M

    2.4%

    Dollar movement

    −$3.4M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    3 actions

    Historical and award details for NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $6.5M → $3.1M
    −52.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    2.2% → 2.4%
    +0.1 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported12
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  8. #8

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.5M

    1.1%

    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% → 1.1%
    +1.1 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside11
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  9. #9

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.5M

    1.1%

    Dollar movement

    +$125K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    13 awards

    18 actions

    Historical and award details for STRATEVARIOUS INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $1.4M → $1.5M
    +9.2%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.46% → 1.1%
    +0.7 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $8.9M
    0.67% 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside1316
    Not reported00
    Reported small business916
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  10. #10

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.5M

    1.1%

    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% → 1.1%
    +1.1 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside10
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported00
    Reported small business10
    All-period set-aside types
    • 1 · 8(a) sole source
  11. #11

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.4M

    1.1%

    Dollar movement

    −$348K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    6 awards

    6 actions

    Historical and award details for BARON PUBLIC AFFAIRS LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $1.8M → $1.4M
    −19.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.60% → 1.1%
    +0.5 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $8.7M
    0.65% of all-period positive obligations · 13 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Feb 17, 2022
    through Mar 12, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside67
    Not reported00
    Reported small business45
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  12. #12

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.3M

    0.99%

    Dollar movement

    −$1.3M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    6 awards

    7 actions

    Historical and award details for ICF INCORPORATED, L.L.C.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.6M → $1.3M
    −50.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.90% → 0.99%
    +0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $9.7M
    0.73% 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside610
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  13. #13

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.2M

    0.91%

    Dollar movement

    −$2.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    6 awards

    7 actions

    Historical and award details for TELEMUS GROUP LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $3.3M → $1.2M
    −63.6%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.1% → 0.91%
    −0.2 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside65
    Not reported00
    Reported small business65
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  14. #14

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.2M

    0.91%

    Dollar movement

    −$78.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    4 actions

    Historical and award details for LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $79.2M → $1.2M
    −98.5%
    Share: prior → latest
    26.8% → 0.91%
    −25.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $576.0M
    43.2% 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported27
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  15. #15

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.0M

    0.78%

    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% → 0.78%
    +0.5 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $3.3M
    0.25% 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 evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside22
    Not reported00
    Reported small business22
    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.

THE RAND CORPORATION

PROJECT AIR FORCE (PAF) - FY26 CORE RESEARCH PROJECTS - 72 STAFF-YEAR OF TECHNICAL EFFORTS

The reported potential end date is Sep 30, 2026. Current award value is 100.0% of reported potential value ($33.0M of $33.0M).

Performance period

94.5%

As of Sep 10, 2026Potential end Sep 30, 2026

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$33.0M current$33.0M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Oct 1, 2025.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Sep 30, 2026.

$33.0M is obligated against $33.0M in current reported award value (100.0%).

Obligations are compared with current reported award value, not treated as a contract ceiling.

PIID FA701425F0325

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

SECURING EXPERIMENTAL QUANTUM COMPUTING USAGE IN RESEARCH ENVIRONMENTS (SEQCURE) QUANTUM COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT QUANTUM COMPUTER AND QIST RESEARCH (PHASE 2)

$27.1M is obligated on an award with a reported potential end date of March 31, 2027.

Performance period

75.5%

As of Sep 10, 2026Potential end Mar 31, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$27.1M current$27.1M potential
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.

PIID FA714625F0001

These are research leads, not confirmed recompetes. USAspending records through Sep 10, 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.

Modification

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

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $13.9M while office-attributed obligations fell $4.6M overall.

Award net obligations
$33.0M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
10.6%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#1 · 31.6% share
$10.0M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#1 · 25.8% attributed share
$4.6M net decline despite this positive action
Related:Unusually large action
PIID FA701425F0325 · Mod P00003
Base award

This action

+$5.3M

NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.

W2R9 ENDIST ST LOUIS CW

VETERANS CURATION PROGRAM VCP FLAGSHIP FY26 TASK ORDER

Why it stands out

The contractor climbed 22 positions in this market.

It now ranks #4 by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$5.4M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
4.0%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#4 · 5.5% share
up 22 ranks · +5.2 percentage points · $6.3M net increase; action accounted for 84.9%
Funding office
#5 · 6.6% attributed share
up 23 ranks · +6.2 percentage points · $7.6M net increase; action accounted for 70.6%
Related:Largest rank gain
PIID W912P925FA073
Base award

This action

+$4.7M

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

A new award added obligations despite weaker contractor activity.

The action represented 3.5% of the market’s latest 12-month positive obligations while the contractor’s obligations fell $36.1M overall.

Award net obligations
$8.7M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
3.5%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#3 · 15.0% share
$36.1M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#4 · 7.2% attributed share
up 36 ranks · +6.9 percentage points · $8.7M net increase; action accounted for 53.7%
PIID HR001126FE003
Modification

This action

+$5.4M

SOAR 365

DCSO RICHMOND DIVISION #1

CUSTODIAL, JANITORIAL, RECYCLE SERVICES AT DSCR

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $5.4M while office-attributed obligations fell $30K overall.

Award net obligations
$24.8M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
4.0%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#5 · 3.9% share
$30K net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#6 · 3.9% attributed share
$30K net decline despite this positive action
PIID SP470321C0018 · Mod P00028
Modification

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 $4.8M overall.

Award net obligations
$20.9M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
2.4%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#7 · 2.4% share
$3.4M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#10 · 2.6% attributed share
$4.8M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 47QFPA22F0098 · Mod P00015
Modification

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 $51.6M overall.

Award net obligations
$430.6M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
1.4%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#14 · 0.91% share
$78.0M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#15 · 1.3% attributed share
$51.6M net decline despite this positive action
PIID HQ085321F0004 · Mod P00085
View recent award activity by date (10)
  1. THE MITRE CORPORATIONBase award · PIID 1333ND26FNB770121
    Action+$370K
    Award net obligations$370K
  2. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0039
    Action+$2.3M
    Award net obligations$2.3M
  3. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0034
    Action+$1.4M
    Award net obligations$1.4M
  4. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0033
    Action+$1.2M
    Award net obligations$1.2M
  5. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0030
    Action+$3.3M
    Award net obligations$3.3M
  6. NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTERModification · PIID 47QFPA22F0098
    Action+$3.2M
    Award net obligations$20.9M
  7. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0028
    Action+$995K
    Award net obligations$995K
  8. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0027
    Action+$1.1M
    Award net obligations$1.1M
  9. PERATON INC.Deobligation · PIID 47QFPA23F0045
    Action−$2K
    Award net obligations$354K
  10. FORS MARSH GROUP LLCBase award · PIID 47QFPA26F0024
    Action+$476K
    Award net obligations$476K

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 September 10, 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. #1

    THE RAND CORPORATION

    $41,765,065 in positive obligations

  2. #2

    FORS MARSH GROUP LLC

    $27,311,469 in positive obligations

  3. #3

    UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

    $19,843,763 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 55.6% from $294,876,932 in the preceding 12 months to $131,061,801 in the 12 months through September 10, 2026.

Latest 12 months
$131,061,801
Net prime contract obligations
Preceding 12 months
$294,876,932
Net prime contract obligations
Change
−55.6%
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, NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC., and UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK during the 12 months through September 10, 2026.

Action obligations are transaction-level amounts, not current award-level obligations.

Which procurement methods were reported for DoD contracts under NAICS 541720?

From September 11, 2025 through September 10, 2026, DoD reported 164 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
164
Leading reported procedure
Only One Source
55.6% of positive obligations
Leading award type
Delivery Order
82.1% of positive obligations
Full and open
24.9%
of positive obligations
Reported parent IDV
82.1%
of positive obligations
Observed vehicles
OASIS
Exact matches from reported parent PIIDs

Percentages use positive obligations as the denominator.

Which DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities awards may warrant recompete research?

2 DoD research and development in the social sciences and humanities awards may warrant recompete research based on reported potential-end dates, including awards held by THE RAND CORPORATION and UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK.

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 September 10, 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