Federal Capture Intelligence

Top NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) contractors (NAICS 541712)

Contract actions: October 1, 2021 – September 10, 2026 Updated September 11, 2026 National Aeronautics and Space Administration agency guide NAICS 541712 · Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Latest 12 months
$815.9M
Net obligations · Down $196.5M vs. $1.0B preceding
Prime contractors
26
With positive obligations in the latest 12 months

Research the NASA federal contracting market for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) under NAICS 541712. 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 Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Federal records show $5.9B in net obligations across 1,251 awards in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from Oct 1, 2021 through Sep 10, 2026. This market accounts for 8.1% of $73.3B in agency-wide net prime contract obligations over the period shown. Latest 12-month net obligations decreased 19.4% from $1.0B to $815.9M. 3 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: $701.9M versus $834.4M through the same date in FY25 (−15.9%).
Net obligations · complete fiscal yearNet obligations · FY26 YTDContract actions
View fiscal-year data table
Fiscal yearNet obligationsContract actionsCoverage
FY2022$1.9B1,830Complete
FY2023$1.4B1,319Complete
FY2024$940.1M1,042Complete
FY2025$948.5M731Complete
FY2026$701.9M384YTD through Sep 10, 2026

Market at a glance

All reported prime contract awards
All-period net obligations
$5.9B
1,251 awards · 167 prime contractors
Latest 12-month movement
−19.4%
$815.9M vs. $1.0B
Leading eight prime share
95.2%
Share held by the eight leading prime contractors in the latest 12 months
View agency share, denominators, and set-aside reporting
Agency context
8.1% of $73.3B in agency-wide net obligations.
Set-aside share when reported
31.8% of 176 awards with reported set-aside status.
Set-aside reporting
56 set aside · 120 no set-aside · 1,075 not reported

What changed in the last 12 months?

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

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER decreased
$518.3M→$440.2M−$78.1M
Latest-period activity spans 24 awards across 7 prime contractors.

Competitive shifts

SIERRA LOBO INC climbed the most in the contractor rankings
#14→#5Up 9 places
The contractor accounts for 1.4% of positive obligations across 19 reported actions.
AXIENT LLC fell the most in the contractor rankings
#5→#17Down 12 places
The contractor accounts for 0.28% of positive obligations across 7 reported actions.
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION had the largest decline in reported obligations
$384.4M→$346.3M−$38.1M
The contractor now ranks #1 by positive obligations and accounts for 40.3% of positive obligations, based on 33 reported actions.
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY recorded the largest net deobligation
−$1.4M→−$37.6M−$36.2M
The contractor now is unranked by positive obligations, based on 8 reported actions.
AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, INC gained the most market share
31.4%→38.2%+6.8 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #2 by positive obligations, based on 23 reported actions.
View 4 additional material changes

Market structure

Top-five contractor share increased
86.9%→92.5%+5.6 percentage points
Contractors outside the top five now account for 7.5% of positive obligations.

Competitive shifts

ZIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC. had no reported activity in the latest 12 months
$8.3M→$0No latest-period activity
It previously ranked #11 by positive obligations, based on 72 reported actions.

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through NASA STENNIS SPACE CENTER increased
$5.8M→$12.5M+$6.7M
Latest-period activity spans 1 award across 1 prime contractor.
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.

51.3% of positive obligations were attributed to NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER. That represents $440.2M, down $78.1M from the preceding 12 months.

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

  1. NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER51.3% · $440.2M · down $78.1M
  2. NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER43.1% · $370.2M · down $6.7M
  3. NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER2.7% · $23.2M · down $51.0M
  4. NASA STENNIS SPACE CENTER1.4% · $12.5M · up $6.7M
  5. NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER0.78% · $6.7M · up $3.1M
  6. All other reported offices0.66% 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

    NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

    #1Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $440.2M

    51.3% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$78.1M

    7 active prime contractors · 24 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 15.1% from $518.3M to $440.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 51.0% to 51.3%, a change of +0.3 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 85 actions across 24 awards and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 10 active prime contractors and 38 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  2. Reported funding office

    NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

    #2Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $370.2M

    43.1% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$6.7M

    16 active prime contractors · 31 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 1.8% from $376.9M to $370.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 37.1% to 43.1%, a change of +6.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 193 actions across 31 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 19 active prime contractors and 48 awards.

  3. Reported funding office

    NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

    #3Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $23.2M

    2.7% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$51.0M

    16 active prime contractors · 25 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 68.8% from $74.1M to $23.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 7.3% to 2.7%, a change of −4.6 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 57 actions across 25 awards and 4 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 18 active prime contractors and 33 awards.

  4. Reported funding office

    NASA STENNIS SPACE CENTER

    #4Up 3 from #7

    Latest 12 months

    $12.5M

    1.4% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$6.7M

    1 active prime contractor · 1 award

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 115.1% from $5.8M to $12.5M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.57% to 1.4%, a change of +0.9 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 19 actions across 1 award. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 1 award.

    Leading award-level changes

  5. Reported funding office

    NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER

    #5Up 3 from #8

    Latest 12 months

    $6.7M

    0.78% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$3.1M

    7 active prime contractors · 19 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 86.5% from $3.6M to $6.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.36% to 0.78%, a change of +0.4 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 28 actions across 19 awards and 1 newly active prime contractor. The preceding period contained 12 active prime contractors and 47 awards.

  6. Reported funding office

    NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER

    #6Down 2 from #4

    Latest 12 months

    $5.7M

    0.67% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$12.7M

    5 active prime contractors · 8 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 69.0% from $18.4M to $5.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.8% to 0.67%, a change of −1.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 18 actions across 8 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 5 active prime contractors and 29 awards.

  7. Reported funding office

    NASA ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CNTR

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    $0

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$194K

    0 active prime contractors · 0 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $194K in net deobligations to $0 in net obligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 0%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 0 actions across 0 awards. The preceding period contained 3 active prime contractors and 30 awards.

  8. Reported funding office

    NASA KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    $0

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$1.6M

    0 active prime contractors · 0 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $1.6M in net deobligations to $0 in net obligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0% to 0%, a change of 0.0 percentage points.

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

  9. Reported funding office

    NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    −$1.7M

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$12.5M

    7 active prime contractors · 22 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations moved from $10.8M in net obligations to $1.7M in net deobligations. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.1% to 0%, a change of −1.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 23 actions across 22 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 7 active prime contractors and 40 awards.

  10. Reported funding office

    NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE -- JPL

    No positive-obligation rank

    Latest 12 months

    −$37.6M

    0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$36.2M

    1 active prime contractor · 7 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations widened from $1.4M to $37.6M 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 8 actions across 7 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 44 awards.

Contract types, competition, and procurement methods

From Sep 11, 2025 through Sep 10, 2026, 45 awards had positive obligations totaling $860.2M. Np was the leading reported procedure, accounting for 53.5% of positive obligations. Awards with a reported parent IDV accounted for 3.2%. Reported awards used contract vehicles such as OASIS SB, OASIS, and REMIS.

Leading award type
96.8%
Definitive Contract
Leading reported procedure
53.5%
Np
Reported parent IDV
3.2%
of positive obligations had a reported parent IDV
Median reported offers
3
24 of 45 awards reported offers

Observed contract vehicles

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

  • OASIS SB

    $12.5M

    1.4% of positive obligations · 1 matched award

  • OASIS

    $582K

    0.070% of positive obligations · 1 matched award

  • REMIS

    $146K

    0.020% of positive obligations · 2 matched awards

Buying method changes

Compared with Sep 11, 2024–Sep 10, 2025. Based on 45 current awards and 112 preceding awards with positive net obligations.

Reported full-and-open obligation share
2.7%
Down from 58.3% 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.

View buying-method details and data coverage

Award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Definitive Contract(D)19$832.4M96.8%
Delivery Order(C)12$20.6M2.4%
BPA Call(A)14$7.2M0.84%

Reported parent-award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
IDC(B)12$20.6M2.4%
BPA(E)14$7.2M0.84%
Not reported19$832.4M96.8%

Single- or multiple-award parent structure

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Multiple Award(M)5$20.4M2.4%
Single Award(S)21$7.4M0.86%
Not reported19$832.4M96.8%

Solicitation procedures

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Np(NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE)6$460.2M53.5%
Only One Source(SSS)4$328.1M38.1%
Negotiated Proposal/Quote(NP)10$26.2M3.0%
Mafo(SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY)10$22.9M2.7%
Sss(ONLY ONE SOURCE)2$15.9M1.9%
Subject to Multiple Award Fair Opportunity(MAFO)9$4.7M0.54%
Other reported values4$2.3M0.26%

Extent competed

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
A(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION)15$470.6M54.7%
Not Competed(C)5$328.1M38.1%
Full and Open Competition(A)16$23.5M2.7%
C(NOT COMPETED)2$15.9M1.9%
D(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES)1$12.5M1.4%
Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources(D)6$9.6M1.1%

Fair-opportunity and limited-source reporting

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Fair Opportunity Given(FAIR)3$19.8M2.3%
Competitive Set Aside(CSA)14$7.2M0.84%
Only One Source - Other(ONE)2$586K0.070%
Not reported26$832.6M96.8%

Other-than-full-and-open reasons

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Only One Source-Other (FAR 6.302-1 Other)(ONE)6$344.0M40.0%
Unique Source (FAR 6.302-1(B)(1))(UNQ)1$20K0%
National Security (FAR 6.302-6)(NS)1$15K0%
Not reported37$516.2M60.0%

Contract pricing types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
R(COST PLUS AWARD FEE)3$453.9M52.8%
Cost Plus Award Fee(R)1$328.0M38.1%
Cost Plus Fixed Fee(U)15$20.9M2.4%
U(COST PLUS FIXED FEE)5$17.9M2.1%
B(FIXED PRICE LEVEL OF EFFORT)1$12.5M1.4%
S(COST NO FEE)2$12.0M1.4%
Other reported values18$14.9M1.7%

Product or Service Codes

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
R&d- Space: Science/Applications (Basic Research)(AR21)3$350.9M40.8%
Space Vehicle Components(1675)1$328.0M38.1%
Support- Professional: Engineering/Technical(R425)17$110.9M12.9%
Rocket Engines and Components(2845)1$12.9M1.5%
Space R&d Svcs; Space Flight, Research & Supporting Activities; R&d Facilities & Maj Equip(AR15)1$12.5M1.4%
Space R&d Services; Space Flight, Research and Supporting Activities; R&d Administrative Expenses(AR14)2$11.2M1.3%
Other reported values20$33.8M3.9%

Awarding subagencies

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
National Aeronautics and Space Administration(8000)45$860.2M100.0%

Awarding offices

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
NASA Johnson Space Center(80JSC0)6$441.3M51.3%
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center(80MSFC)21$370.3M43.0%
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center(80GSFC)8$23.3M2.7%
NASA Stennis Space Center(80SSC0)1$12.5M1.4%
NASA Langley Research Center(80LARC)5$7.0M0.81%
NASA Glenn Research Center(80GRC0)4$5.7M0.66%

Reported parent IDVs

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
GS00Q14OADS616(4732)1$12.5M1.4%
NNM13AA35C(8000)1$7.2M0.84%
80MSFC25A0004(8000)14$7.2M0.84%
GS00Q14OADU405(4732)1$582K0.070%
NNJ15GU31B(8000)1$109K0.010%
80JSC017D0014(8000)1$104K0.010%
80JSC017D0008(8000)1$42K0%
NNC17BA15B(8000)1$20K0%
Other reported values5$30K0.0035%
Not reported19$832.4M96.8%

Exact vehicle-match evidence

Reported award data linked 5 awards to a specific catalog vehicle.

Offers, award size, and timing

Median reported offers
3 median
24 reported · 21 not reported
Positive award obligations
$346K median
$109K–$4.3M middle 50%
Reported performance period
1,824 days (~5.0 years) median
45 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
3 of 26prime contractors account for at least 80% of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Largest prime contractor
40.3%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading four prime contractors
91.1%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading eight prime contractors
95.2%of positive obligations in the last 12 months

Based on $858.4M 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

    $346.3M

    40.3%

    Dollar movement

    −$38.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    33 actions

    Historical and award details for NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $384.4M → $346.3M
    −9.9%
    Share: prior → latest
    37.8% → 40.3%
    +2.6 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $1.1B
    18.3% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since May 25, 2022
    through Aug 20, 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.

  2. #2

    Last 12mo obligations

    $328.0M

    38.2%

    Dollar movement

    +$8.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    23 actions

    Historical and award details for AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $319.4M → $328.0M
    +2.7%
    Share: prior → latest
    31.4% → 38.2%
    +6.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $1.6B
    27.5% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 5, 2021
    through Jul 31, 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.

  3. #3

    Last 12mo obligations

    $94.5M

    11.0%

    Dollar movement

    −$28.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    4 awards

    29 actions

    Historical and award details for KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $123.2M → $94.5M
    −23.3%
    Share: prior → latest
    12.1% → 11.0%
    −1.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $615.6M
    10.3% of all-period positive obligations · 8 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 12, 2021
    through Sep 3, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside44
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  4. #4

    Last 12mo obligations

    $12.9M

    1.5%

    Dollar movement

    −$5.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    19 actions

    Historical and award details for AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $18.4M → $12.9M
    −30.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.8% → 1.5%
    −0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $112.0M
    1.9% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 13, 2021
    through Sep 2, 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.

  5. #5

    Last 12mo obligations

    $12.5M

    1.4%

    Dollar movement

    +$6.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    19 actions

    Historical and award details for SIERRA LOBO INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $5.8M → $12.5M
    +115.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.57% → 1.4%
    +0.9 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $18.2M
    0.31% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 21, 2024
    through Aug 20, 2026

    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.

  6. #6

    Last 12mo obligations

    $8.3M

    0.97%

    Dollar movement

    −$1.4M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    7 actions

    Historical and award details for THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $9.7M → $8.3M
    −14.0%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.95% → 0.97%
    0.0 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $47.9M
    0.80% of all-period positive obligations · 8 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 18, 2021
    through Sep 4, 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.

  7. #7

    Last 12mo obligations

    $7.2M

    0.84%

    Dollar movement

    +$935K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    19 actions

    Historical and award details for TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $6.3M → $7.2M
    +14.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.62% → 0.84%
    +0.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $99.6M
    1.7% of all-period positive obligations · 7 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 7, 2021
    through Sep 2, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside10
    Not reported12
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  8. #8

    Last 12mo obligations

    $7.2M

    0.84%

    Dollar movement

    −$387K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    15 awards

    100 actions

    Historical and award details for CEPEDA SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE ANALYSIS, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $7.6M → $7.2M
    −5.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.74% → 0.84%
    +0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $32.5M
    0.54% of all-period positive obligations · 47 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 14, 2021
    through Aug 27, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported1524
    Reported small business1524
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  9. #9

    Last 12mo obligations

    $6.1M

    0.71%

    Dollar movement

    −$28.2M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    12 actions

    Historical and award details for SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $34.2M → $6.1M
    −82.3%
    Share: prior → latest
    3.4% → 0.71%
    −2.6 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $136.3M
    2.3% of all-period positive obligations · 11 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 7, 2021
    through Jun 4, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside22
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported00
    Reported small business22
    All-period set-aside types
    • 4 · Total small business
  10. #10

    Last 12mo obligations

    $5.7M

    0.66%

    Dollar movement

    −$3.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    11 actions

    Historical and award details for AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $8.6M → $5.7M
    −34.2%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.85% → 0.66%
    −0.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $80.4M
    1.4% of all-period positive obligations · 3 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 14, 2021
    through Jun 22, 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.

  11. #11

    Last 12mo obligations

    $5.0M

    0.59%

    Dollar movement

    −$673K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    6 actions

    Historical and award details for LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $5.7M → $5.0M
    −11.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.56% → 0.59%
    0.0 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $26.5M
    0.44% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 15, 2021
    through Aug 5, 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.

  12. #12

    Last 12mo obligations

    $5.0M

    0.58%

    Dollar movement

    −$3.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    7 actions

    Historical and award details for ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $8.4M → $5.0M
    −41.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.83% → 0.58%
    −0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $32.1M
    0.54% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 20, 2021
    through Jun 18, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside22
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  13. #13

    Last 12mo obligations

    $4.3M

    0.50%

    Dollar movement

    +$2.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    6 actions

    Historical and award details for SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.2M → $4.3M
    +95.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.22% → 0.50%
    +0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $12.5M
    0.21% of all-period positive obligations · 3 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 14, 2021
    through Aug 19, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside22
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  14. #14

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.7M

    0.43%

    Dollar movement

    −$5.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    6 actions

    Historical and award details for UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $8.7M → $3.7M
    −57.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.85% → 0.43%
    −0.4 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $35.6M
    0.60% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 15, 2021
    through Sep 4, 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.

  15. #15

    Last 12mo obligations

    $3.0M

    0.35%

    Dollar movement

    +$531K

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    5 awards

    8 actions

    Historical and award details for BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.5M → $3.0M
    +21.6%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.24% → 0.35%
    +0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $20.2M
    0.34% of all-period positive obligations · 8 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 19, 2021
    through Jun 24, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside11
    Not reported41
    Reported small business00
    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.

BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC.

IMAGING X-RAY POLARIMETRY EXPLORER (IXPE) PHASE A

The reported potential end date is Jan 31, 2027. Current award value is 100.0% of reported potential value ($118.3M of $118.3M).

Performance period

96.5%

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

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$118.3M current$118.3M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Oct 1, 2015.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Jan 31, 2027.

$117.7M is obligated against $118.3M in current reported award value (99.5%).

Reported potential end dates: Sep 30, 2023 → Jul 9, 2024 → Apr 1, 2026 → Jan 31, 2027.

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

PIID NNM15AA18C

AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.

NASA, THROUGH THE SPACE TECHNOLOGY MISSION DIRECTORATE (STMD), SEEKS TO DEMONSTRATE AN ADVANCED SOLAR ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM THAT WILL ENABLE FUTURE DEEP SPACE HUMAN AND ROBOTIC EXPLORATION.

$232.9M is obligated on an award with a reported potential end date of August 4, 2027.

Performance period

92.0%

As of Sep 10, 2026Potential end Aug 4, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$236.2M current$236.2M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts May 16, 2016.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Aug 4, 2027.

$232.9M is obligated against $236.2M in current reported award value (98.6%).

Reported potential end dates: Jul 31, 2024 → Apr 1, 2026 → Sep 4, 2026 → Aug 4, 2027.

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

PIID NNC16CA21C

LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION

THE PURPOSE OF THIS MODIFICATION IS TO ADD INCREMENTAL FUNDING THE INTERFACE REGION IMAGING SPECTROGRAPH (IRIS) IS A NASA SMALL EXPLORER MISSION THAT OBSERVES THE SUN'S CHROMOSPHERE AND TRANSITION REGION, ALSO KNOWN AS THE INTERFACE REGION. IRIS IS DESIGNED TO STUDY HOW ENERGY AND PLASMA MOVE WITHIN THIS REGION, WHICH HELPS US UNDERSTAND HOW THE SUN'S CORONA IS HEATED AND HOW SOLAR ACTIVITY IMPACTS EARTH'S SPACE ENVIRONMENT. THIS MISSION FILLS A CRUCIAL GAP IN OUR ABILITY TO ADVANCE SUN-EARTH CONNECTION STUDIES BY TRACING THE FLOW OF ENERGY AND PLASMA INTO THE CORONA AND HELIOSPHERE FOR WHICH NO SUITABLE OBSERVATIONS EXIST.

$194.1M is obligated on an award with a reported potential end date of September 30, 2027.

Performance period

94.1%

As of Sep 10, 2026Potential end Sep 30, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$198.8M current$198.8M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Oct 1, 2009.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Sep 30, 2027.

$194.1M is obligated against $198.8M in current reported award value (97.6%).

Reported potential end dates: Sep 30, 2023 → Sep 30, 2027.

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

PIID NNG09FA40C

TELEDYNE BROWN ENGINEERING, INC.

LAUNCH VEHICLE STAGE ADAPTOR

$208.7M is obligated on an award with a reported potential end date of September 30, 2027.

Performance period

92.3%

As of Sep 10, 2026Potential end Sep 30, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

97.7%

$227.6M current$232.9M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Feb 1, 2014.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Sep 30, 2027.

$208.7M is obligated against $227.6M in current reported award value (91.7%).

Reported potential end dates: Sep 22, 2024 → Dec 31, 2029 → Sep 30, 2027.

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

PIID NNM14AA89D

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.

Deobligation

This action

−$37.2M

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE -- JPL

DEEP SPACE NETWORK

Why it stands out

This award recorded a material contraction.

The action removed $37.2M. A deobligation does not by itself show lower requirement demand.

Award net obligations
$772.5M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
4.3%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
0% share
$36.2M net decline; action exceeded it by $996K
Funding office
0% attributed share
$36.2M net decline; action exceeded it by $996K
Related:Largest net deobligation
PIID NNN13D820T · Mod 93
Modification

This action

+$63.2M

AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, INC

NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

RS-25 PRODUCTION RESTART TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE CONTRACTOR IN SUPPORT OF PROVIDING TWENTY-FOUR RS-25 ENGINES MODIFIED AS NECESSARY FOR THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT UNDER THE SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $63.2M while office-attributed obligations fell $6.7M overall.

Award net obligations
$3.4B
Share of 12-month positive obligations
7.4%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#2 · 38.2% share
+6.8 percentage points · $8.7M net increase; action exceeded it by $54.5M
Funding office
#2 · 43.1% attributed share
$6.7M net decline despite this positive action
Related:Largest share gain
PIID NNM16AA02C · Mod 171
Modification

This action

+$80.0M

NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

INCREMENTALLY FUND $80,000,000 IN PURCHASE ORDER 4600028677 FOR PHASE 6 BASE. THIS DOES NOT CHANGE THE VALUE OF THE CONTRACT. CLAUSE CONTRACT FUNDING (NFS 1852.232-81) (JUN 1990) (ONLY APPLICABLE TO PHASE 6 CPAF) IS UPDATED ACCORDINGLY.

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $80.0M while office-attributed obligations fell $78.1M overall.

Award net obligations
$1.7B
Share of 12-month positive obligations
9.3%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#1 · 40.3% share
$38.1M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#1 · 51.3% attributed share
$78.1M net decline despite this positive action
PIID NNH15CN76C · Mod P00150
Modification

This action

+$43.9M

KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC

NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

MISSION SYSTEMS OPERATIONS CONTRACT (MSOC)

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $43.9M while office-attributed obligations fell $78.1M overall.

Award net obligations
$1.1B
Share of 12-month positive obligations
5.1%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#3 · 11.0% share
$28.7M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#1 · 51.3% attributed share
$78.1M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 80JSC017C0006 · Mod P00182
Modification

This action

+$3.6M

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER

TROPOSPHERIC EMISSIONS: MONITORING OF POLLUTION - THE TEMPO INVESTIGATION WAS SELECTED UNDER THE NASA SECOND STAND ALONE MISSIONS OF OPPORTUNITY NOTICE ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM ELEMENT APPENDIX J, NNH12ZDA006O-EVI1

Why it stands out

The contractor climbed 12 positions in this market.

It now ranks #13 by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$31.9M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
0.42%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#13 · 0.50% share
up 12 ranks · +0.3 percentage points · $2.1M net increase; action exceeded it by $1.5M
Funding office
#5 · 0.78% attributed share
up 3 ranks · +0.4 percentage points · $3.1M net increase; action exceeded it by $450K
PIID NNL13AA09C · Mod P00064
Modification

This action

+$4.0M

SIERRA LOBO INC

NASA STENNIS SPACE CENTER

TEST OPERATIONS CONTRACT COVERS TEST OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR TEST CUSTOMERS, AS WELL AS THE OPERATION AND TECHNICAL SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE INDUSTRIAL WATER, HIGH PRESSURE GAS, AND CRYO PROPELLANT STORAGE SUPPORT AREAS.

Why it stands out

The contractor climbed 9 positions in this market.

It now ranks #5 by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$18.4M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
0.46%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#5 · 1.4% share
up 9 ranks · +0.9 percentage points · $6.7M net increase; action accounted for 59.8%
Funding office
#4 · 1.4% attributed share
up 3 ranks · +0.9 percentage points · $6.7M net increase; action accounted for 59.8%
Related:Largest rank gainFunding office gain
PIID 80SSC025FA004 · Mod P00014
View recent award activity by date (10)
  1. THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADOModification · PIID NNH10CC04C
    Action+$1.4M
    Award net obligations$118.6M
  2. UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONAModification · PIID NNM10AA11C
    Action+$61K
    Award net obligations$134.0M
  3. NANORACKS, LLCDeobligation · PIID 80JSC022F0247
    Action−$172K
    Award net obligations$77K
  4. KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLCDeobligation · PIID 80JSC017C0006
    Action>−$1
    Award net obligations$1.1B
  5. THE AEROSPACE CORPORATIONDeobligation · PIID NNG12VN22T
    Action−$5
    Award net obligations$3.6M
  6. CEPEDA SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE ANALYSIS, INC.Modification · PIID 80MSFC25F0033
    Action+$54K
    Award net obligations$345K
  7. SIERRA SPACE CORPDeobligation · PIID 80JSC021F0074
    Action−$217K
    Award net obligations$8.3M
  8. CEPEDA SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE ANALYSIS, INC.Modification · PIID 80MSFC26F0021
    Action+$75K
    Award net obligations$173K
  9. CEPEDA SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE ANALYSIS, INC.Modification · PIID 80MSFC25F0035
    Action+$8K
    Award net obligations$1.3M
  10. NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATIONModification · PIID NNH15CN76C
    Action+$33.0M
    Award net obligations$1.7B

NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) market FAQs

Answers based on reported federal contract data.

Who are the top NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) contractors?

In the 12 months through September 10, 2026, NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION, AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, INC, and KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC were the leading NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) prime contractors by positive obligations.

  1. #1

    NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

    $346,260,927 in positive obligations

  2. #2

    AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, INC

    $328,030,445 in positive obligations

  3. #3

    KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC

    $94,519,671 in positive obligations

Rankings use reported USAspending award data.

Did NASA contract obligations decrease under NAICS 541712?

Yes. Measured by net prime contract obligations, reported NASA activity in the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) market decreased 19.4% from $1,012,462,271 in the preceding 12 months to $815,931,826 in the 12 months through September 10, 2026.

Latest 12 months
$815,931,826
Net prime contract obligations
Preceding 12 months
$1,012,462,271
Net prime contract obligations
Change
−19.4%
Between matched 12-month periods

Reported contract actions, not outlays or a forecast.

What recent NASA contract award activity was reported under NAICS 541712?

Recent NASA contract award activity reported in the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) market included actions for CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, AEROJET ROCKETDYNE OF DE, INC, and NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION 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 NASA contracts under NAICS 541712?

From September 11, 2025 through September 10, 2026, NASA reported 45 positive-obligation awards for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) under NAICS 541712. The leading award type was definitive contract. The leading reported procedure was np.

Positive-obligation awards
45
Leading reported procedure
Np
53.5% of positive obligations
Leading award type
Definitive Contract
96.8% of positive obligations
Full and open
2.7%
of positive obligations
Reported parent IDV
3.2%
of positive obligations
Observed vehicles
OASIS SB, OASIS, and REMIS
Exact matches from reported parent PIIDs

Percentages use positive obligations as the denominator.

Which NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) awards may warrant recompete research?

4 NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except biotechnology) awards may warrant recompete research based on reported potential-end dates, including awards held by BAE SYSTEMS SPACE & MISSION SYSTEMS INC., AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC., and LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION.

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