Federal Capture Intelligence

Top ED 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 Education agency guide NAICS 541720 · Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Latest 12 months
$182.7M
Net obligations · Up $51.4M vs. $131.3M preceding
Prime contractors
92
With positive obligations in the latest 12 months

Research the ED 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 Education

Federal records show $1.0B in net obligations across 465 awards in Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities at the Department of Education from Oct 1, 2021 through Sep 10, 2026. This market accounts for 8.5% of $12.4B in agency-wide net prime contract obligations over the period shown. Latest 12-month net obligations increased 39.2% from $131.3M to $182.7M. 7 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: $146.9M versus $98.0M through the same date in FY25 (+49.8%).
Net obligations · complete fiscal yearNet obligations · FY26 YTDContract actions
View fiscal-year data table
Fiscal yearNet obligationsContract actionsCoverage
FY2022$249.6M350Complete
FY2023$212.4M206Complete
FY2024$304.3M245Complete
FY2025$133.9M405Complete
FY2026$146.9M241YTD through Sep 10, 2026

Market at a glance

All reported prime contract awards
All-period net obligations
$1.0B
465 awards · 176 prime contractors
Latest 12-month movement
+39.2%
$182.7M vs. $131.3M
Leading eight prime share
82.7%
Share held by the eight leading prime contractors in the latest 12 months
View agency share, denominators, and set-aside reporting
Agency context
8.5% of $12.4B in agency-wide net obligations.
Set-aside share when reported
39.3% of 389 awards with reported set-aside status.
Set-aside reporting
153 set aside · 236 no set-aside · 76 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

EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE lost the most market share
40.41%→26.16%−14.3 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #2 by positive obligations, based on 25 reported actions.
ANLAR, LLC climbed the most in the contractor rankings
#47→#12Up 35 places
The contractor accounts for 0.87% of positive obligations across 2 reported actions.
NEW EDITIONS, INC. fell the most in the contractor rankings
#3→#22Down 19 places
The contractor accounts for 0.34% of positive obligations across 3 reported actions.
DECISION INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC was the largest newly observed contractor
$4.5MLatest 12-month obligations
First observed in this market on Sep 30, 2025, the contractor now ranks #6 by positive obligations across 4 reported actions.

Market structure

Top-five contractor share decreased
89.4%→76.6%−12.8 percentage points
Contractors outside the top five now account for 23.4% of positive obligations.

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES increased
$137.5M→$153.4M+$15.8M
Latest-period activity spans 163 awards across 99 prime contractors.
View 7 additional material changes

Award activity

WESTAT, INC. received an unusually large obligation action
$47.0MNov 13, 2025 action
Reported under PIID 91990025C0008 by INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES. Award net obligations after the action: $82.8M.
View supporting award

Competitive shifts

WESTAT, INC. had the largest increase in reported obligations
$48.8M→$62.7M+$13.9M
The contractor now ranks #1 by positive obligations and accounts for 33.7% of positive obligations, based on 24 reported actions.
5 contractors were first observed in this market during the latest 12 months
$7.7MLatest 12-month obligations
Contractor-level obligations and first-observed dates appear below. “First observed” applies only to this market and the period shown.
View 5 contractors
ContractorLatest 12 months
THE MANHATTAN STRATEGY GROUP LLC recorded the largest net deobligation
$3.0M→−$1.1M−$4.2M
The contractor now is unranked by positive obligations, based on 8 reported actions.

Market structure

Reported set-aside share increased
12.8%→26.0%+13.2 percentage points
Of 150 latest-period awards with reported set-aside status, 39 were reported as set-asides.

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through OFC OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDU decreased
$9.6M→$4.5M−$5.1M
Latest-period activity spans 3 awards across 3 prime contractors.
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.

83.8% of positive obligations were attributed to INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (910039). That represents $153.4M, up $15.8M from the preceding 12 months.

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

  1. INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (910039)83.8% · $153.4M · up $15.8M
  2. OFC OF PLAN, EVAL, AND POLICY DEV.4.9% · $9.0M · up $7.8M
  3. OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION4.8% · $8.8M · up $8.8M
  4. INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (919939)3.6% · $6.6M · up $28.5M
  5. OFC OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDU (910046)2.4% · $4.5M · down $5.1M
  6. All other reported offices0.43% 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

    INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (910039)

    #1Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $153.4M

    83.8% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$15.8M

    99 active prime contractors · 163 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 11.5% from $137.5M to $153.4M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 89.8% to 83.8%, a change of −6.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 277 actions across 163 awards and 29 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 84 active prime contractors and 183 awards.

  2. Reported funding office

    OFC OF PLAN, EVAL, AND POLICY DEV.

    #2Up 3 from #5

    Latest 12 months

    $9.0M

    4.9% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$7.8M

    4 active prime contractors · 5 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 617.2% from $1.3M to $9.0M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.82% to 4.9%, a change of +4.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 10 actions across 5 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 8 active prime contractors and 16 awards.

  3. Reported funding office

    OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

    #3New to the positive-obligation ranking

    Latest 12 months

    $8.8M

    4.8% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$8.8M

    4 active prime contractors · 5 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations rose from $0 to $8.8M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 4.8%, a change of +4.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 7 actions across 5 awards and 4 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 0 active prime contractors and 0 awards.

  4. Reported funding office

    INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES (919939)

    #4New to the positive-obligation ranking

    Latest 12 months

    $6.6M

    3.6% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$28.5M

    4 active prime contractors · 5 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $21.9M in net deobligations to $6.6M in net obligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 3.6%, a change of +3.6 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 7 actions across 5 awards and 3 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 6 active prime contractors and 8 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  5. Reported funding office

    OFC OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDU (910046)

    #5Down 3 from #2

    Latest 12 months

    $4.5M

    2.4% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$5.1M

    3 active prime contractors · 3 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 53.4% from $9.6M to $4.5M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 6.3% to 2.4%, a change of −3.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 4 actions across 3 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 4 active prime contractors and 6 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  6. Reported funding office

    OFC OF CAREER, TECH AND ADULT EDU.

    #6Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $791K

    0.43% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$125K

    2 active prime contractors · 2 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 18.8% from $666K to $791K. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.43% to 0.43%, a change of 0.0 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.

  7. Reported funding office

    OFFICE OF FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    $0

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$250K

    0 active prime contractors · 0 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 100.0% from $250K to $0. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.16% to 0%, a change of −0.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 0 actions across 0 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.

  8. Reported funding office

    CONTRACTS AND ACQUISTIONS MANAGEMEN

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    $0

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$1.4M

    1 active prime contractor · 1 award

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 100.0% from $1.4M to $0. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.93% to 0%, a change of −0.9 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 1 action across 1 award and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 8 active prime contractors and 12 awards.

  9. Reported funding office

    OFC OF SPECIAL EDU AND REHAB SVCS

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    $0

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$2.5M

    0 active prime contractors · 0 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 100.0% from $2.5M to $0. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.6% to 0%, a change of −1.6 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 0 actions across 0 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.

  10. Reported funding office

    OFC OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDU (919946)

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    −$276K

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$276K

    1 active prime contractor · 2 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $0 in net obligations to $276K in net deobligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 0%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 4 actions across 2 awards and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 0 active prime contractors and 0 awards.

Contract types, competition, and procurement methods

From Sep 11, 2025 through Sep 10, 2026, 114 awards had positive obligations totaling $195.3M. Negotiated Proposal/Quote was the leading reported procedure, accounting for 73.1% of positive obligations. Awards with a reported parent IDV accounted for 14.0%. Reported awards used contract vehicles such as PRESTO.

Leading award type
86.0%
Definitive Contract
Leading reported procedure
73.1%
Negotiated Proposal/Quote
Reported parent IDV
14.0%
of positive obligations had a reported parent IDV
Median reported offers
1
113 of 114 awards reported offers

Observed contract vehicles

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

  • PRESTO

    $25.3M

    13.0% of positive obligations · 14 matched awards

Buying method changes

Compared with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025. Based on 114 current awards and 97 preceding awards with positive net obligations.

Reported full-and-open obligation share
73.3%
Down from 92.4% 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 64.3 percentage points lower, reported full-and-open obligation share is 60.8 percentage points higher, delivery-order obligation share is 51.2 percentage points lower, and median positive award obligations are 62.8% higher.

MeasureThis marketPeer medianDifference
Parent-IDV obligation share14.0%78.3%-64.3 pts
Reported full-and-open obligation share73.3%12.4%+60.8 pts
Delivery-order obligation share14.0%65.2%-51.2 pts
Median positive award obligations$250K$154K+62.8%
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
Definitive Contract(D)98$167.9M86.0%
Delivery Order(C)16$27.4M14.0%

Reported parent-award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
IDC(B)16$27.4M14.0%
Not reported98$167.9M86.0%

Single- or multiple-award parent structure

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Multiple Award(M)15$27.0M13.8%
Single Award(S)1$366K0.19%
Not reported98$167.9M86.0%

Solicitation procedures

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Negotiated Proposal/Quote(NP)42$142.8M73.1%
Np(NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE)5$14.9M7.6%
Subject to Multiple Award Fair Opportunity(MAFO)9$14.2M7.3%
Mafo(SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY)6$12.8M6.5%
Only One Source(SSS)43$7.9M4.0%
Sss(ONLY ONE SOURCE)9$2.6M1.3%

Extent competed

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Full and Open Competition(A)25$143.1M73.3%
A(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION)11$27.7M14.2%
Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources(D)26$14.0M7.2%
Not Competed(C)43$7.9M4.0%
C(NOT COMPETED)9$2.6M1.3%

Fair-opportunity and limited-source reporting

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Fair Opportunity Given(FAIR)12$23.7M12.2%
Competitive Set Aside(CSA)3$3.3M1.7%
Not reported99$168.3M86.2%

Other-than-full-and-open reasons

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Only One Source-Other (FAR 6.302-1 Other)(ONE)51$9.4M4.8%
Unique Source (FAR 6.302-1(B)(1))(UNQ)1$1.1M0.57%
Not reported62$184.8M94.6%

Contract pricing types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Firm Fixed Price(J)85$155.4M79.5%
J(FIRM FIXED PRICE)15$15.4M7.9%
U(COST PLUS FIXED FEE)5$14.9M7.6%
Cost Plus Fixed Fee(U)9$9.6M4.9%

Product or Service Codes

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Special Studies/Analysis- Data (Other Than Scientific)(B506)8$120.9M61.9%
Support- Professional: Other(R499)13$32.6M16.7%
Education, Training, Employment, & Social Svcs R&d Svcs; Education Svcs R&d; Basic Research(AF11)28$16.1M8.2%
Support- Professional: Program Evaluation/Review/Development(R410)55$14.1M7.2%
Special Studies/Analysis- Educational(B542)9$11.0M5.6%
R&d- Education: Educational (Management/Support)(AF16)1$586K0.30%

Awarding subagencies

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Department of Education(9100)114$195.3M100.0%

Awarding offices

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Contracts and Acquistions Managemen(919900)114$195.3M100.0%

Reported parent IDVs

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
91990023D0006(9100)2$9.1M4.7%
91990023D0015(9100)2$4.5M2.3%
91990023D0050(9100)1$3.5M1.8%
91990023D0017(9100)1$2.7M1.4%
91990023D0046(9100)2$2.2M1.1%
91990022D0001(9100)1$1.7M0.88%
91990023D0007(9100)1$1.6M0.83%
91990023D0037(9100)1$640K0.33%
Other reported values5$1.4M0.70%
Not reported98$167.9M86.0%

Exact vehicle-match evidence

Reported award data linked 14 awards to a specific catalog vehicle.

Offers, award size, and timing

Median reported offers
1 median
113 reported · 1 not reported
Positive award obligations
$250K median
$179K–$1.0M middle 50%
Reported performance period
729 days (~24 months) median
114 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
7 of 92prime contractors account for at least 80% of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Largest prime contractor
33.7%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading four prime contractors
73.8%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading eight prime contractors
82.7%of positive obligations in the last 12 months

Based on $186.0M 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

    $62.7M

    33.7%

    Dollar movement

    +$13.9M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    12 awards

    24 actions

    Historical and award details for WESTAT, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $48.8M → $62.7M
    +28.5%
    Share: prior → latest
    33.6% → 33.7%
    +0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $341.2M
    32.6% of all-period positive obligations · 23 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 27, 2021
    through Aug 7, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside89
    Not reported43
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  2. #2

    Last 12mo obligations

    $48.7M

    26.2%

    Dollar movement

    −$10.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    7 awards

    25 actions

    Historical and award details for EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $58.7M → $48.7M
    −17.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    40.4% → 26.2%
    −14.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $232.5M
    22.2% of all-period positive obligations · 9 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 3, 2021
    through Jul 27, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside77
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  3. #3

    Last 12mo obligations

    $17.9M

    9.6%

    Dollar movement

    +$11.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    10 awards

    20 actions

    Historical and award details for AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $6.9M → $17.9M
    +158.9%
    Share: prior → latest
    4.8% → 9.6%
    +4.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $164.2M
    15.7% of all-period positive obligations · 44 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 27, 2021
    through Sep 2, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside410
    Not reported616
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  4. #4

    Last 12mo obligations

    $8.0M

    4.3%

    Dollar movement

    +$5.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    6 actions

    Historical and award details for NCS PEARSON INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.9M → $8.0M
    +178.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    2.0% → 4.3%
    +2.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $41.4M
    4.0% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 4, 2021
    through Jul 16, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside12
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  5. #5

    Last 12mo obligations

    $5.2M

    2.8%

    Dollar movement

    +$5.3M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    3 actions

    Historical and award details for SRI INTERNATIONAL
    Obligations: prior → latest
    −$35K → $5.2M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 2.8%
    +2.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $19.8M
    1.9% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Dec 21, 2021
    through Aug 14, 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

    $4.5M

    2.4%

    Dollar movement

    +$4.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    4 actions

    Historical and award details for DECISION INFORMATION RESOURCES, INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $4.5M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 2.4%
    +2.4 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $4.5M
    0.43% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Sep 30, 2025
    through Aug 12, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported20
    Reported small business20
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  7. #7

    Last 12mo obligations

    $4.3M

    2.3%

    Dollar movement

    +$3.2M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    4 actions

    Historical and award details for WESTED
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $1.1M → $4.3M
    +296.9%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.74% → 2.3%
    +1.6 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $20.0M
    1.9% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Dec 21, 2021
    through Aug 13, 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.

  8. #8

    Last 12mo obligations

    $2.6M

    1.4%

    Dollar movement

    +$3.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    6 awards

    8 actions

    Historical and award details for DEVELOPMENT SERVICES GROUP, INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    −$533K → $2.6M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 1.4%
    +1.4 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $3.1M
    0.30% of all-period positive obligations · 13 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 15, 2021
    through Aug 17, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside10
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported57
    Reported small business67
    All-period set-aside types
    • 1 · Total small business
  9. #9

    Last 12mo obligations

    $2.6M

    1.4%

    Dollar movement

    +$4.4M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    8 awards

    17 actions

    Historical and award details for MATHEMATICA INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    −$1.9M → $2.6M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 1.4%
    +1.4 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $34.6M
    3.3% of all-period positive obligations · 23 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 9, 2021
    through Aug 31, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside815
    Not reported03
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  10. #10

    Last 12mo obligations

    $2.2M

    1.2%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    4 awards

    6 actions

    Historical and award details for SANAMETRIX INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $415K → $2.2M
    +436.7%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.29% → 1.2%
    +0.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $9.6M
    0.92% of all-period positive obligations · 11 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 7, 2021
    through Aug 14, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside32
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported12
    Reported small business44
    All-period set-aside types
    • 8 · Total small business
  11. #11

    Last 12mo obligations

    $2.0M

    1.1%

    Dollar movement

    +$2.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    4 actions

    Historical and award details for CHARMTECH LABS LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $2.0M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 1.1%
    +1.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $4.5M
    0.43% of all-period positive obligations · 7 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Feb 16, 2022
    through Jul 14, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside20
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported00
    Reported small business20
    All-period set-aside types
    • 7 · Total small business
  12. #12

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.6M

    0.87%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    2 actions

    Historical and award details for ANLAR, LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $142K → $1.6M
    +1045.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.10% → 0.87%
    +0.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $2.1M
    0.20% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Feb 6, 2024
    through Dec 3, 2025

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported11
    Reported small business11
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  13. #13

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.1M

    0.60%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    2 actions

    Historical and award details for STICHTING I.E.A. SECRETARIAAT NEDERLAND
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $1.1M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 0.60%
    +0.6 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $1.1M
    0.11% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Sep 17, 2025
    through Aug 20, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside10
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  14. #14

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.0M

    0.54%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    2 actions

    Historical and award details for MAKEFULLY LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $1.0M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 0.54%
    +0.5 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $1.3M
    0.12% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since May 1, 2024
    through Jul 14, 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
    • 2 · Total small business
  15. #15

    Last 12mo obligations

    $1.0M

    0.54%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    2 actions

    Historical and award details for METAMORPHIX, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $1.0M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 0.54%
    +0.5 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $1.0M
    0.10% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Sep 12, 2025
    through Jul 14, 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 · Total small business

Potential federal contract recompetes

Investigate potential recompetes surfaced by near-term end dates, award value, and recent contract changes.

WESTAT, INC.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO REINSTATE THE EARLY CHILDHOOD LONGITUDINAL STUDY, KINDERGARTEN REQUIREMENT TO COMPLETE THE 2024 DATA RELEASE.

The reported potential end date is Feb 6, 2027. Current award value is 100.0% of reported potential value ($47.1M of $47.1M).

Performance period

95.0%

As of Sep 10, 2026Potential end Feb 6, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$47.1M current$47.1M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Jan 4, 2019.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Feb 6, 2027.

$47.1M is obligated against $47.1M in current reported award value (100.0%).

Reported potential end dates: Jan 3, 2029 → Feb 10, 2025 → Feb 6, 2027.

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

PIID 91990019C0002

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

+$47.0M

WESTAT, INC.

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

THIS AWARD FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS DATA COLLECTION SERVICES IS BEING MODIFIED TO EXERCISE CORE TASKS OPTION YEAR 1.

Why it stands out

One action equaled at least a quarter of the market’s latest 12-month positive obligations.

The $47.0M action represented 25.3% of the market’s positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$82.8M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
25.3%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#1 · 33.7% share
up 1 rank · +0.1 percentage points · $13.9M net increase; action exceeded it by $33.1M
Funding office
#1 · 83.8% attributed share
−6.0 percentage points · $15.8M net increase; action exceeded it by $31.2M
Related:Funding office gainUnusually large action
PIID 91990025C0008 · Mod P00005
Modification

This action

+$7.1M

NCS PEARSON INC

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

THIS AWARD FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS SCORING SERVICES IS BEING MODIFIED TO ADD FUNDING.

Why it stands out

The contractor climbed 2 positions in this market.

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

Award net obligations
$10.0M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
3.8%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#4 · 4.3% share
up 2 ranks · +2.3 percentage points · $5.1M net increase; action exceeded it by $2.0M
PIID 91990025C0005 · Mod P00004
Modification

This action

+$3.0M

SRI INTERNATIONAL

OFC OF PLAN, EVAL, AND POLICY DEV.

91990022C0008 THE RELS ARE CHARGED WITH THREE PRIMARY GOALS: CONDUCT APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT; DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT TRAINING, COACHING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES THAT EMPHASIZE BUILDING CAPACITY TO USE DATA AND INFORMATION TO DRIVE CHA

Why it stands out

The award grew alongside stronger contractor activity.

The modification added $3.0M while contractor obligations rose $5.3M overall.

Award net obligations
$19.8M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
1.6%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#5 · 2.8% share
+2.8 percentage points · $5.3M net increase; action accounted for 57.1%
Funding office
#2 · 4.9% attributed share
up 3 ranks · +4.1 percentage points · $7.8M net increase; action accounted for 38.6%
PIID 91990022C0008 · Mod P00011
Modification

This action

+$3.0M

WESTED

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

91990022C0009 NORTHWEST REL THE RELS ARE CHARGED WITH THREE PRIMARY GOALS: CONDUCT APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT; DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT TRAINING, COACHING, AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT ACTIVITIES THAT EMPHASIZE BUILDING CAPACITY TO USE DATA AND INFORMATIO

Why it stands out

The award grew alongside stronger contractor activity.

The modification added $3.0M while contractor obligations rose $3.2M overall.

Award net obligations
$20.0M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
1.6%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#7 · 2.3% share
up 1 rank · +1.6 percentage points · $3.2M net increase; action accounted for 93.7%
PIID 91990022C0009 · Mod P00012
Modification

This action

+$10.8M

EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

THIS AWARD FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT SERVICES IS BEING MODIFIED TO EXERCISE CORE TASKS OPTION YEAR 1.

Why it stands out

One action represented 5.8% of the market’s latest 12-month positive obligations.

At $10.8M, the action was large enough to materially affect the latest 12-month market picture.

Award net obligations
$45.7M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
5.8%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#2 · 26.2% share
$10.1M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 91990025C0006 · Mod P00004
Modification

This action

+$4.6M

AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES

THIS AWARD FOR THE NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTRACT IS BEING MODIFIED TO EXERCISE OPTION PERIOD 2.

Why it stands out

The award grew alongside stronger contractor activity.

The modification added $4.6M while contractor obligations rose $11.0M overall.

Award net obligations
$8.7M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
2.5%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#3 · 9.6% share
up 1 rank · +4.8 percentage points · $11.0M net increase; action accounted for 42.3%
Related:Largest share gain
PIID 91990025F0067 · Mod P00004
View recent award activity by date (10)
  1. AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCESModification · PIID 91990025F0083
    Action+$1.2M
    Award net obligations$2.5M
  2. RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTEDeobligation · PIID 91990024F0347
    Action−$2.2M
    Award net obligations$2.0M
  3. THE MANHATTAN STRATEGY GROUP LLCDeobligation · PIID 91990024F0345
    Action−$1.2M
    Award net obligations$791K
  4. NEW EDITIONS, INC.Modification · PIID 91990024F0372
    Action+$640K
    Award net obligations$2.0M
  5. MATHEMATICA INC.Deobligation · PIID 91990019C0066
    Action−$150K
    Award net obligations$6.8M
  6. MATHEMATICA INC.Deobligation · PIID 91990020C0001
    Action−$7K
    Award net obligations$8.4M
  7. AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCESModification · PIID 91990025F0067
    Action+$4.6M
    Award net obligations$8.7M
  8. SANAMETRIX INCModification · PIID 91990023F0334
    Action+$125K
    Award net obligations$722K
  9. WESTAT, INC.Modification · PIID 91990019C0002
    Action+$359K
    Award net obligations$47.1M
  10. THE MANHATTAN STRATEGY GROUP LLCDeobligation · PIID 91990024F0345
    Action−$338K
    Award net obligations$791K

ED research and development in the social sciences and humanities market FAQs

Answers based on reported federal contract data.

Who are the top ED research and development in the social sciences and humanities contractors?

In the 12 months through September 10, 2026, WESTAT, INC., EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE, and AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES were the leading ED research and development in the social sciences and humanities prime contractors by positive obligations.

  1. #1

    WESTAT, INC.

    $62,718,634 in positive obligations

  2. #2

    EDUCATIONAL TESTING SERVICE

    $48,656,628 in positive obligations

  3. #3

    AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

    $17,855,686 in positive obligations

Rankings use reported USAspending award data.

Did ED contract obligations increase in the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market?

Yes. Measured by net prime contract obligations, reported ED activity in the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market increased 39.2% from $131,280,699 in the preceding 12 months to $182,720,047 in the 12 months through September 10, 2026.

Latest 12 months
$182,720,047
Net prime contract obligations
Preceding 12 months
$131,280,699
Net prime contract obligations
Change
+39.2%
Between matched 12-month periods

Reported contract actions, not outlays or a forecast.

What recent ED contract award activity was reported under NAICS 541720?

Recent ED contract award activity reported in the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market included actions for WESTAT, INC., NCS PEARSON INC, and SRI INTERNATIONAL 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 ED contracts under NAICS 541720?

From September 11, 2025 through September 10, 2026, ED reported 114 positive-obligation awards for research and development in the social sciences and humanities under NAICS 541720. The leading award type was definitive contract. The leading reported procedure was negotiated proposal/quote.

Positive-obligation awards
114
Leading reported procedure
Negotiated Proposal/Quote
73.1% of positive obligations
Leading award type
Definitive Contract
86% of positive obligations
Full and open
73.3%
of positive obligations
Reported parent IDV
14%
of positive obligations
Observed vehicles
PRESTO
Exact matches from reported parent PIIDs

Percentages use positive obligations as the denominator.

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

Based on its reported potential-end date, the ED research and development in the social sciences and humanities award held by WESTAT, INC. may warrant recompete research.

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.

Review data methodology