Federal Capture Intelligence

Top NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) contractors (NAICS 541715)

Contract actions: October 1, 2021 – October 13, 2026 Updated October 14, 2026 National Aeronautics and Space Administration agency guide NAICS 541715 · Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Latest 12 months
$5.5B
Net obligations · Down $295.2M vs. $5.8B preceding
Prime contractors
429
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 nanotechnology and biotechnology) under NAICS 541715. 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, and potential recompete research leads.

Contract obligation trends for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Federal records show $29.0B in net obligations across 5,552 awards in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from Oct 1, 2021 through Oct 13, 2026. This market accounts for 38.3% of $75.8B in agency-wide net prime contract obligations over the period shown. Latest 12-month net obligations decreased 5.1% from $5.8B to $5.5B. 17 prime contractors accounted for at least 80% of positive obligations in that latest period.

Fiscal-year activity

FY27 is year-to-date through Oct 13, 2026; earlier years show complete fiscal-year totals.

FY27 year-to-date: $29.9M versus $114K through the same date in FY26 (+26043.9%).
Net obligations · complete fiscal yearNet obligations · FY27 YTDContract actions
View fiscal-year data table
Fiscal yearNet obligationsContract actionsCoverage
FY2022$5.2B5,605Complete
FY2023$6.5B5,139Complete
FY2024$5.8B5,049Complete
FY2025$5.9B6,534Complete
FY2026$5.5B5,057Complete

Market at a glance

All reported prime contract awards
All-period net obligations
$29.0B
5,552 awards · 1,380 prime contractors
Latest 12-month movement
−5.1%
$5.5B vs. $5.8B
Leading eight prime share
68.2%
Share held by the eight leading prime contractors in the latest 12 months
View agency share, denominators, and set-aside reporting
Agency context
38.3% of $75.8B in agency-wide net obligations.
Set-aside share when reported
79.0% of 3,748 awards with reported set-aside status.
Set-aside reporting
2,962 set aside · 786 no set-aside · 1,804 not reported

What changed in the last 12 months?

Oct 14, 2025–Oct 13, 2026, compared with Oct 14, 2024–Oct 13, 2025.

Competitive shifts

BLUE ORIGIN WASHINGTON, LLC lost the most market share
13.4%→0.0%−13.4 percentage points
The contractor now ranks #187 by positive obligations, based on 3 reported actions.
BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC was the largest newly observed contractor
$483.1MLatest 12-month obligations
First observed in this market on Dec 8, 2025, the contractor now ranks #3 by positive obligations across 14 reported actions.
THE TRUSTEES OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY climbed the most in the contractor rankings
#111→#25Up 86 places
The contractor accounts for 0.61% of positive obligations across 7 reported actions.
KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC had the largest increase in reported obligations
$38.1M→$193.4M+$155.3M
The contractor now ranks #5 by positive obligations and accounts for 3.5% of positive obligations, based on 94 reported actions.

Buyer demand

Reported obligations through NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER decreased
$1.9B→$1.7B−$249.8M
Latest-period activity spans 163 awards across 49 prime contractors.
Reported obligations through NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER increased
$140.8M→$289.1M+$148.3M
Latest-period activity spans 85 awards across 28 prime contractors.
View 1 additional material change

Award activity

How these findings are calculated

Findings are selected from matched-period changes in obligations, share, rank, funding offices, concentration, reported set-asides, material award actions, and agency-peer outliers. Related signals are combined, and only material evidence-backed changes are shown. Review the full methodology.

Federal contract obligations by funding office

See how positive obligations were attributed across funding offices in the 12 months ending Oct 13, 2026.

35.9% of positive obligations were attributed to NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE -- JPL. That represents $2.0B, down $177.3M from the preceding 12 months.

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

  1. NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE -- JPL35.9% · $2.0B · down $177.3M
  2. NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER30.1% · $1.7B · down $249.8M
  3. NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER16.1% · $887.5M · down $39.8M
  4. NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER5.3% · $289.1M · up $148.3M
  5. NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER5.2% · $284.2M · down $83.6M
  6. All other reported offices7.5% 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 MANAGEMENT OFFICE -- JPL

    #1Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $2.0B

    35.9% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$177.3M

    1 active prime contractor · 357 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 8.2% from $2.2B to $2.0B. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 37.1% to 35.9%, a change of −1.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 1,149 actions across 357 awards. The preceding period contained 1 active prime contractor and 459 awards.

  2. Reported funding office

    NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

    #2Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $1.7B

    30.1% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$249.8M

    49 active prime contractors · 163 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 13.1% from $1.9B to $1.7B. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 32.8% to 30.1%, a change of −2.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 561 actions across 163 awards and 7 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 51 active prime contractors and 144 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  3. Reported funding office

    NASA GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

    #3Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $887.5M

    16.1% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$39.8M

    55 active prime contractors · 80 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 4.3% from $927.3M to $887.5M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 16.0% to 16.1%, a change of +0.1 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 364 actions across 80 awards and 8 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 58 active prime contractors and 82 awards.

  4. Reported funding office

    NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTER

    #4Up 1 from #5

    Latest 12 months

    $289.1M

    5.3% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$148.3M

    28 active prime contractors · 85 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 105.4% from $140.8M to $289.1M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 2.4% to 5.3%, a change of +2.8 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 308 actions across 85 awards and 8 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 23 active prime contractors and 52 awards.

    Leading award-level changes

  5. Reported funding office

    NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER

    #5Down 1 from #4

    Latest 12 months

    $284.2M

    5.2% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$83.6M

    559 active prime contractors · 979 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 22.7% from $367.9M to $284.2M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 6.3% to 5.2%, a change of −1.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 1,653 actions across 979 awards and 116 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 638 active prime contractors and 1,222 awards.

  6. Reported funding office

    NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER

    #6Up 1 from #7

    Latest 12 months

    $179.9M

    3.3% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$104.7M

    32 active prime contractors · 115 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 139.1% from $75.2M to $179.9M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.3% to 3.3%, a change of +2.0 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 362 actions across 115 awards and 8 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 32 active prime contractors and 116 awards.

  7. Reported funding office

    NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER

    #7Down 1 from #6

    Latest 12 months

    $112.7M

    2.0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$28.3M

    22 active prime contractors · 58 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 33.5% from $84.5M to $112.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 1.4% to 2.0%, a change of +0.6 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 205 actions across 58 awards and 3 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 25 active prime contractors and 56 awards.

  8. Reported funding office

    NASA ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CNTR

    #8Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $56.3M

    1.0% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    +$7.9M

    7 active prime contractors · 14 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations increased 16.4% from $48.3M to $56.3M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.83% to 1.0%, a change of +0.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 65 actions across 14 awards. The preceding period contained 10 active prime contractors and 21 awards.

  9. Reported funding office

    NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER

    #9Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $31.7M

    0.57% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$13.0M

    23 active prime contractors · 105 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 29.0% from $44.7M to $31.7M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.77% to 0.57%, a change of −0.2 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 242 actions across 105 awards and 2 newly active prime contractors. The preceding period contained 26 active prime contractors and 129 awards.

  10. Reported funding office

    NASA HEADQUARTERS

    #10Rank unchanged

    Latest 12 months

    $25.3M

    0.46% of positive obligations

    Versus preceding 12 months

    −$17.9M

    4 active prime contractors · 68 awards

    View office comparison and evidence

    Reported obligations decreased 41.5% from $43.2M to $25.3M. The office’s share of positive obligations moved from 0.74% to 0.46%, a change of −0.3 percentage points.

    The latest period contains 121 actions across 68 awards. The preceding period contained 13 active prime contractors and 90 awards.

Contract types, competition, and procurement methods

From Oct 14, 2025 through Oct 13, 2026, 1,162 awards had positive obligations totaling $5.5B. Sss was the leading reported procedure, accounting for 37.5% of positive obligations. Awards with a reported parent IDV accounted for 55.7%.

Leading award type
55.7%
Delivery Order
Leading reported procedure
37.5%
Sss
Reported parent IDV
55.7%
of positive obligations had a reported parent IDV
Median reported offers
500
563 of 1,162 awards reported offers

Buying method changes

Compared with Oct 14, 2024–Oct 13, 2025. Based on 1,162 current awards and 1,397 preceding awards with positive net obligations.

Leading reported procedure
Sss
Previously Only One Source · 49.3% preceding vs 37.5% current
Median positive award obligations
$350K
Up from $219K 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 541715 peer median, parent-IDV obligation share is 12.4 percentage points lower, reported full-and-open obligation share is 8.1 percentage points lower, delivery-order obligation share is 12.4 percentage points lower, and median positive award obligations are 41.4% higher.

MeasureThis marketPeer medianDifference
Parent-IDV obligation share55.7%68.2%-12.4 pts
Reported full-and-open obligation share2.2%10.3%-8.1 pts
Delivery-order obligation share55.7%68.2%-12.4 pts
Median positive award obligations$350K$247K+41.4%
Peer cohort and comparison limits

The peer median gives each of the 9 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)626$3.1B55.7%
Definitive Contract(D)460$2.4B44.0%
Purchase Order(B)76$15.6M0.28%

Reported parent-award types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
IDC(B)620$2.9B52.2%
GWAC(A)3$190.3M3.4%
BOA(D)3$4.8M0.090%
Not reported536$2.4B44.3%

Single- or multiple-award parent structure

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Single Award(S)602$2.9B51.5%
Multiple Award(M)24$233.6M4.2%
Not reported536$2.4B44.3%

Solicitation procedures

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Sss(ONLY ONE SOURCE)242$2.1B37.5%
Np(NEGOTIATED PROPOSAL/QUOTE)371$1.8B32.8%
Only One Source(SSS)231$654.0M11.8%
as(ALTERNATIVE SOURCES)3$484.4M8.8%
Mafo(SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY)21$233.4M4.2%
Negotiated Proposal/Quote(NP)181$141.6M2.6%
Other reported values113$131.0M2.4%

Extent competed

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
C(NOT COMPETED)242$2.1B37.5%
D(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES)335$1.4B24.5%
A(FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION)80$1.2B22.5%
Not Competed(C)217$648.7M11.7%
Full and Open Competition(A)50$122.2M2.2%
Full and Open Competition After Exclusion of Sources(D)152$64.6M1.2%
Other reported values86$20.6M0.37%

Fair-opportunity and limited-source reporting

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Fair Opportunity Given(FAIR)10$196.3M3.5%
Follow-on Action Following Competitive Initial Action(FOO)6$16.6M0.30%
Other Statutory Authority(OSA)3$11.1M0.20%
Competitive Set Aside(CSA)3$6.4M0.12%
Only One Source - Other(ONE)1$3.2M0.060%
Minimum Guarantee(MG)1$25K0%
Not reported1,138$5.3B95.8%

Other-than-full-and-open reasons

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Mobilization, Essential R&d (FAR 6.302-3)(MES)404$2.6B46.7%
Only One Source-Other (FAR 6.302-1 Other)(ONE)56$124.9M2.3%
Follow-on Contract (FAR 6.302-1(A)(2)(Ii/Iii))(FOC)3$13.1M0.24%
Unique Source (FAR 6.302-1(B)(1))(UNQ)2$9.1M0.16%
SAP Non-Competition (FAR 13)(SP2)63$9.0M0.16%
National Security (FAR 6.302-6)(NS)4$4.0M0.070%
Other reported values17$6.5M0.12%
Not reported613$2.8B50.3%

Contract pricing types

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
U(COST PLUS FIXED FEE)306$2.6B47.5%
J(FIRM FIXED PRICE)333$1.0B18.4%
R(COST PLUS AWARD FEE)7$727.9M13.2%
Cost Plus Fixed Fee(U)221$658.9M11.9%
S(COST NO FEE)29$265.2M4.8%
Firm Fixed Price(J)235$145.6M2.6%
Other reported values31$87.2M1.6%

Product or Service Codes

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
Space R&d Services; Space Flight, Research and Supporting Activities; Applied Research(AR12)283$1.5B27.8%
R&d- Space: Science/Applications (Applied Research/Exploratory Development)(AR22)129$1.1B20.4%
Space R&d Services; Space Flight, Research and Supporting Activities; Basic Research(AR11)125$910.5M16.4%
Support- Professional: Engineering/Technical(R425)24$545.8M9.9%
R&d- Space: Flight (Applied Research/Exploratory Development)(AR32)1$191.4M3.5%
Medical- Other(Q999)3$190.3M3.4%
Other reported values597$1.0B18.6%

Awarding subagencies

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
National Aeronautics and Space Administration(8000)1,162$5.5B100.0%

Awarding offices

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
NASA Management Office -- Jpl(80NM00)264$2.0B35.8%
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center(80MSFC)115$1.7B30.0%
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center(80GSFC)57$889.0M16.1%
NASA Shared Services Center(80NSSC)416$290.7M5.3%
NASA Johnson Space Center(80JSC0)69$289.3M5.2%
NASA Glenn Research Center(80GRC0)84$180.3M3.3%
Other reported values157$243.1M4.4%

Reported parent IDVs

Reported valueAwardsPositive obligationsShare
80NM0018D0004(8000)264$2.0B35.8%
80MSFC20D0004(8000)50$487.4M8.8%
80JSC025D0068(8000)3$190.3M3.4%
80GSFC19D0011(8000)90$111.6M2.0%
80GRC024DA003(8000)2$75.7M1.4%
80GRC020D0003(8000)40$30.2M0.54%
80MSFC21DA007(8000)18$28.2M0.51%
80ARC025D0003(8000)7$19.6M0.35%
Other reported values152$158.8M2.9%
Not reported536$2.4B44.3%

Offers, award size, and timing

Median reported offers
500 median
563 reported · 599 not reported
Positive award obligations
$350K median
$170K–$1.4M middle 50%
Reported performance period
729 days (~24 months) median
1,162 reported · 0 not reported

Calculations group latest-period actions by award, retain awards with positive net obligations for share denominators, and use each award's latest reported USAspending procurement fields as of Oct 13, 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
17 of 429prime contractors account for at least 80% of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Largest prime contractor
35.9%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading four prime contractors
57.4%of positive obligations in the last 12 months
Leading eight prime contractors
68.2%of positive obligations in the last 12 months

Based on $5.5B in positive obligations during the 12 months ending Oct 13, 2026. Individual shares and movement appear in the searchable rankings below. Movement compares with Oct 14, 2024–Oct 13, 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

    $2.0B

    35.9%

    Dollar movement

    −$177.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    357 awards

    1,149 actions

    Historical and award details for CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $2.2B → $2.0B
    −8.2%
    Share: prior → latest
    37.1% → 35.9%
    −1.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $11.7B
    40.2% of all-period positive obligations · 733 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 4, 2021
    through Oct 8, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported357459
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  2. #2

    Last 12mo obligations

    $486.6M

    8.8%

    Dollar movement

    +$102.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    68 awards

    172 actions

    Historical and award details for THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $383.9M → $486.6M
    +26.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    6.6% → 8.8%
    +2.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $2.0B
    7.0% of all-period positive obligations · 115 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 18, 2021
    through Sep 30, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported6860
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  3. #3

    Last 12mo obligations

    $483.1M

    8.8%

    Dollar movement

    +$483.1M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    14 actions

    Historical and award details for BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $483.1M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 8.8%
    +8.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $483.1M
    1.7% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Dec 8, 2025
    through Sep 22, 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.

  4. #4

    Last 12mo obligations

    $218.1M

    4.0%

    Dollar movement

    −$27.5M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    16 actions

    Historical and award details for AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $245.6M → $218.1M
    −11.2%
    Share: prior → latest
    4.2% → 4.0%
    −0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $1.2B
    4.1% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 15, 2021
    through Sep 18, 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

    $193.4M

    3.5%

    Dollar movement

    +$155.3M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    7 awards

    94 actions

    Historical and award details for KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $38.1M → $193.4M
    +407.9%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.66% → 3.5%
    +2.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $292.3M
    1.0% of all-period positive obligations · 11 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 13, 2021
    through Sep 28, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported73
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  6. #6

    Last 12mo obligations

    $191.7M

    3.5%

    Dollar movement

    −$28.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    20 actions

    Historical and award details for SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $220.5M → $191.7M
    −13.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    3.8% → 3.5%
    −0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $2.8B
    9.6% of all-period positive obligations · 5 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 14, 2021
    through Aug 21, 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.

  7. #7

    Last 12mo obligations

    $111.2M

    2.0%

    Dollar movement

    −$2.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    143 awards

    313 actions

    Historical and award details for THE AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $114.0M → $111.2M
    −2.5%
    Share: prior → latest
    2.0% → 2.0%
    +0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $523.3M
    1.8% of all-period positive obligations · 315 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 6, 2021
    through Oct 9, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported143141
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  8. #8

    Last 12mo obligations

    $102.2M

    1.9%

    Dollar movement

    +$42.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    6 awards

    20 actions

    Historical and award details for CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $59.4M → $102.2M
    +72.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.0% → 1.9%
    +0.8 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $301.5M
    1.0% of all-period positive obligations · 7 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 1, 2021
    through Sep 10, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside66
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  9. #9

    Last 12mo obligations

    $89.0M

    1.6%

    Dollar movement

    +$1.2M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    7 actions

    Historical and award details for RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $87.8M → $89.0M
    +1.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.5% → 1.6%
    +0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $227.0M
    0.78% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Jun 27, 2024
    through Jun 30, 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.

  10. #10

    Last 12mo obligations

    $86.1M

    1.6%

    Dollar movement

    +$25.8M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    17 actions

    Historical and award details for COLUMBUS TECHNOLOGIES AND SERVICES, INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $60.3M → $86.1M
    +42.8%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.0% → 1.6%
    +0.5 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $146.3M
    0.50% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Jan 8, 2025
    through Sep 25, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside11
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported00
    Reported small business11
    All-period set-aside types
    • 1 · Total small business
  11. #11

    Last 12mo obligations

    $85.9M

    1.6%

    Dollar movement

    +$66.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    4 awards

    16 actions

    Historical and award details for NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $19.3M → $85.9M
    +346.1%
    Share: prior → latest
    0.33% → 1.6%
    +1.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $125.7M
    0.43% of all-period positive obligations · 8 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 15, 2021
    through Sep 9, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside00
    Reported no set-aside45
    Not reported00
    Reported small business00
    All-period set-aside types

    None reported.

  12. #12

    Last 12mo obligations

    $76.5M

    1.4%

    Dollar movement

    +$12.0M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    29 actions

    Historical and award details for RSI-QUANTITECH JV LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $64.4M → $76.5M
    +18.7%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.1% → 1.4%
    +0.3 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $268.2M
    0.92% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Nov 4, 2022
    through Sep 18, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside11
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported00
    Reported small business11
    All-period set-aside types
    • 2 · 8(a) competed
  13. #13

    Last 12mo obligations

    $75.7M

    1.4%

    Dollar movement

    +$75.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    2 awards

    2 actions

    Historical and award details for SIERRA LOBO INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $0 → $75.7M
    Not comparable
    Share: prior → latest
    0% → 1.4%
    +1.4 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $75.7M
    0.26% of all-period positive obligations · 3 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Oct 14, 2021
    through Aug 28, 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
    • 1 · Total small business
  14. #14

    Last 12mo obligations

    $74.9M

    1.4%

    Dollar movement

    −$8.9M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    16 actions

    Historical and award details for ADNET SYSTEMS INC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $83.9M → $74.9M
    −10.7%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.4% → 1.4%
    −0.1 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $283.1M
    0.97% of all-period positive obligations · 2 awards
    Recorded activity
    Since Jan 4, 2023
    through Sep 17, 2026

    Award reporting

    Latest and prior 12-month award reporting
    Reported award evidenceLatestPrior
    Reported set-aside11
    Reported no set-aside00
    Not reported00
    Reported small business11
    All-period set-aside types
    • 2 · Total small business
  15. #15

    Last 12mo obligations

    $70.0M

    1.3%

    Dollar movement

    −$13.7M

    vs. prior 12 months

    Last 12mo awards

    1 award

    20 actions

    Historical and award details for SPACE NETWORK SOLUTIONS LLC
    Obligations: prior → latest
    $83.7M → $70.0M
    −16.4%
    Share: prior → latest
    1.4% → 1.3%
    −0.2 percentage points
    All-period obligations
    $298.1M
    1.0% of all-period positive obligations · 1 award
    Recorded activity
    Since Apr 18, 2023
    through Sep 22, 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.

Potential federal contract recompetes

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

NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

HELIOSWARM PROGRAM SUPPORT

The reported potential end date moved later 3 times in the latest 12 months.

Performance period

97.6%

As of Oct 13, 2026Potential end Oct 31, 2026

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$90.1M current$90.1M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Oct 1, 2024.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Oct 31, 2026.

$90.1M is obligated against $90.1M in current reported award value (100.0%).

Reported potential end dates: Oct 31, 2025 → Feb 13, 2026 → Mar 20, 2026 → Apr 30, 2026 → Oct 31, 2026.

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

PIID 80ARC024CA007

AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC.

ENGINEERING SERVICES AND SCIENCE CAPABILITY AUGMENTATION (ESSCA)

$2.00B is obligated on an award with a reported potential end date of May 31, 2027.

Performance period

93.4%

As of Oct 13, 2026Potential end May 31, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$2.3B current$2.3B potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Dec 1, 2017.

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

$2.0B is obligated against $2.3B in current reported award value (88.3%).

Reported potential end dates: Nov 30, 2025 → Nov 30, 2023 → Nov 30, 2025 → Nov 30, 2023 → Nov 30, 2025 → Nov 30, 2026 → May 31, 2027.

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

PIID 80MSFC18C0011

SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS CONTRACT IS TO ACQUIRE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SERVICES THAT CONCEIVES, DEVELOPS AND APPLIES SPACE, FIELD-DEPLOYED (I.E. AIRBORNE AND IN SITU) AND LABORATORY BASED TECHNOLOGIES AND OBSERVATIONS OF THE EARTH SYSTEMS.

The reported potential end date moved later 3 times in the latest 12 months.

Performance period

93.4%

As of Oct 13, 2026Potential end Mar 31, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$613.9M current$613.9M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Apr 1, 2020.

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

$493.3M is obligated against $613.9M in current reported award value (80.4%).

Reported potential end dates: Mar 30, 2025 → Sep 30, 2025 → Nov 30, 2025 → Sep 30, 2025 → Oct 31, 2025 → Nov 30, 2025 → Sep 30, 2026 → Mar 31, 2027.

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

PIID 80GSFC20C0044

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

JPL CONTRIBUTION TO ENVISION 42-711260

The reported potential end date moved later 4 times in the latest 12 months.

Performance period

95.9%

As of Oct 13, 2026Potential end Jan 31, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$134.0M current$134.0M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Sep 23, 2019.

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

$127.1M is obligated against $134.0M in current reported award value (94.9%).

Reported potential end dates: Mar 30, 2024 → Jun 30, 2024 → Nov 30, 2025 → Dec 28, 2025 → Mar 29, 2026 → Jun 28, 2026 → Sep 27, 2026 → Jan 31, 2027.

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

PIID 80NM0019F0090

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

TO PROVIDE A HIGH HERITAGE SPACECRAFT BUS AND A WIDE FIELD ULTRAVIOLET TELESCOPE TO CONDUCT A DEEP IMAGING SURVEY OF THE WHOLE SKY IN TWO BANDS OF ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT TO PROVIDE NEW INSIGHTS INTO GALAXY EVOLUTION AND THE LIFECYCLE OF STARS.

The reported potential end date is Feb 7, 2027. Current award value is 100.0% of reported potential value ($107.0M of $107.0M).

Performance period

91.8%

As of Oct 13, 2026Potential end Feb 7, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

100.0%

$107.0M current$107.0M potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts Mar 21, 2023.

No later potential end date is reported; current and potential end dates are both Feb 7, 2027.

$107.0M is obligated against $107.0M in current reported award value (100.0%).

Reported potential end dates: Feb 28, 2025 → Apr 11, 2025 → May 30, 2025 → Jun 30, 2025 → Jul 31, 2025 → Oct 31, 2025 → Dec 31, 2026 → Feb 7, 2027.

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

PIID 80GSFC23CA028

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

WORK REQUIRED FOR THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURE, TEST, LAUNCH, DEMONSTRATION, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT OF THE HUMAN LANDING SYSTEM (HLS) INTEGRATED LANDER.

$3.21B is obligated on an award with a reported potential end date of December 6, 2027.

Performance period

84.8%

As of Oct 13, 2026Potential end Dec 6, 2027

Current award value as a share of potential value

90.8%

$4.3B current$4.7B potential
Supporting data

Reported performance starts May 13, 2020.

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

$3.2B is obligated against $4.3B in current reported award value (75.1%).

Reported potential end dates: May 31, 2025 → Feb 28, 2025 → Jul 27, 2025 → Nov 15, 2027 → Dec 6, 2027.

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

PIID 80MSFC20C0034

These are research leads, not confirmed recompetes. USAspending records through Oct 13, 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

+$250.0M

BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC

NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

RAPID DDTE AND DEMONSTRATION OF SUSTAINABLE HUMAN LANDING SYSTEM INTEGRATED LANDER.

Why it stands out

No activity for this contractor was reported in this market during the preceding 12 months.

The modification placed the contractor #3 in this market by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$2.2B
Share of 12-month positive obligations
4.5%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#3 · 8.8% share
Newly active in this market; no actions were reported in the preceding 12 months
Funding office
#2 · 30.1% attributed share
$249.8M net decline despite this positive action
Related:Largest newly observed contractorUnusually large action
PIID 80MSFC23CA014 · Mod P00045
Modification

This action

+$150.0M

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC

NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

DRAGONFLY EXTENDED PHASE B MISSION UNDER 80MSFC20D0004 AEROSPACE RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT (ARDES) II.

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $150.0M while office-attributed obligations fell $249.8M overall.

Award net obligations
$1.3B
Share of 12-month positive obligations
2.7%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#2 · 8.8% share
up 1 rank · +2.2 percentage points · $102.7M net increase; action exceeded it by $47.3M
Funding office
#2 · 30.1% attributed share
$249.8M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 80MSFC22F0048 · Mod P00041
Modification

This action

+$53.6M

NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION

NASA AMES RESEARCH CENTER

HELIOSWARM PROGRAM SUPPORT

Why it stands out

The contractor climbed 21 positions in this market.

It now ranks #11 by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$90.1M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
0.97%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#11 · 1.6% share
up 21 ranks · +1.2 percentage points · $66.7M net increase; action accounted for 80.5%
Funding office
#7 · 2.0% attributed share
down 1 rank · +0.6 percentage points · $28.3M net increase; action exceeded it by $25.4M
PIID 80ARC024CA007 · Mod P00021
Modification

This action

+$150.0M

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

NASA MARSHALL SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

WORK REQUIRED FOR THE DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURE, TEST, LAUNCH, DEMONSTRATION, AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT OF THE HUMAN LANDING SYSTEM (HLS) INTEGRATED LANDER.

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $150.0M while office-attributed obligations fell $249.8M overall.

Award net obligations
$3.2B
Share of 12-month positive obligations
2.7%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#6 · 3.5% share
$28.8M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#2 · 30.1% attributed share
$249.8M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 80MSFC20C0034 · Mod P00082
Modification

This action

+$134.3M

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

NASA MANAGEMENT OFFICE -- JPL

NEAR EARTH OBJECT SURVEYOR (NEO SURVEYOR) PROJECT (71-107722)

Why it stands out

This award grew while spending attributed to its office declined.

The modification added $134.3M while office-attributed obligations fell $177.3M overall.

Award net obligations
$887.4M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
2.4%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#1 · 35.9% share
$177.5M net decline despite this positive action
Funding office
#1 · 35.9% attributed share
$177.3M net decline despite this positive action
PIID 80NM0020F0054 · Mod P00045
Base award

This action

+$38.5M

SIERRA LOBO INC

NASA GLENN RESEARCH CENTER

SPACE REACTOR-1 FREEDOM NUCLEAR POWER MODULE POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM DO-14-305

Why it stands out

No activity for this contractor was reported in this market during the preceding 12 months.

The base action placed the contractor #13 in this market by positive obligations over the latest 12 months.

Award net obligations
$38.5M
Share of 12-month positive obligations
0.70%
Supporting data
Prime contractor
#13 · 1.4% share
Newly active in this market; no actions were reported in the preceding 12 months
Funding office
#6 · 3.3% attributed share
up 1 rank · +2.0 percentage points · $104.7M net increase; action accounted for 36.8%
PIID 80GRC026FA019
View recent award activity by date (10)
  1. ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYDeobligation · PIID 80MSFC26C0002
    Action−$2.0M
    Award net obligations$10.2M
  2. FIREFLY AEROSPACE INC.Base award · PIID 80NSSC27P0009
    Action+$77K
    Award net obligations$77K
  3. CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYModification · PIID 80NM0018F0616
    Action+$10.3M
    Award net obligations$1.3B
  4. CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYModification · PIID 80NM0018F0607
    Action+$5.7M
    Award net obligations$312.8M
  5. NANORACKS, LLCBase award · PIID 80JSC027F0007
    Action+$2.0M
    Award net obligations$2.0M
  6. CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYModification · PIID 80NM0018F0603
    Action+$1.3M
    Award net obligations$198.2M
  7. CREARE LLCModification · PIID 80NSSC23CA010
    Action+$375K
    Award net obligations$1.1M
  8. CU AEROSPACE L.L.C.Base award · PIID 80NSSC27C0022
    Action+$250K
    Award net obligations$250K
  9. ACONITYUS, INC.Base award · PIID 80NSSC27P0033
    Action+$196K
    Award net obligations$196K
  10. AMENTUM SERVICES, INC.Deobligation · PIID 80ARC025FA009
    Action−$13K
    Award net obligations$12.8M

NASA NAICS 541715 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 nanotechnology and biotechnology) contractors?

In the 12 months through October 13, 2026, CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC, and BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC were the leading NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) prime contractors by positive obligations.

  1. #1

    CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

    $1,978,569,663 in positive obligations

  2. #2

    THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC

    $486,623,853 in positive obligations

  3. #3

    BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC

    $483,060,306 in positive obligations

Rankings use reported USAspending award data.

Did NASA contract obligations decrease under NAICS 541715?

Yes. Measured by net prime contract obligations, reported NASA activity in the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) market decreased 5.1% from $5,807,128,884 in the preceding 12 months to $5,511,956,487 in the 12 months through October 13, 2026.

Latest 12 months
$5,511,956,487
Net prime contract obligations
Preceding 12 months
$5,807,128,884
Net prime contract obligations
Change
−5.1%
Between matched 12-month periods

Reported contract actions, not outlays or a forecast.

What recent NASA contract award activity was reported under NAICS 541715?

Recent NASA contract award activity reported in the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) market included actions for BLUE ORIGIN MANUFACTURING, LLC, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY APPLIED PHYSICS LABORATORY LLC, and NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION during the 12 months through October 13, 2026.

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

Which procurement methods were reported for NASA contracts under NAICS 541715?

From October 14, 2025 through October 13, 2026, NASA reported 1,162 positive-obligation awards for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) under NAICS 541715. The leading award type was delivery order. The leading reported procedure was sss.

Positive-obligation awards
1,162
Leading reported procedure
Sss
37.5% of positive obligations
Leading award type
Delivery Order
55.7% of positive obligations
Full and open
2.2%
of positive obligations
Reported parent IDV
55.7%
of positive obligations

Percentages use positive obligations as the denominator.

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

6 NASA research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) awards may warrant recompete research based on reported potential-end dates, including awards held by NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION, AMENTUM TECHNOLOGY, INC., and SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS, INC.

Research leads, not confirmed recompetes. Dates may change through later modifications.

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Related market research

Complete market indexes:

Same NAICS at other agencies:

Nearby NAICS at this agency:

Markets sharing leading prime records:

Leading-prime vehicle memberships:

Company memberships do not establish award-channel use.

Reported obligations include contract actions from October 1, 2021 through October 13, 2026. Set-aside and business-size fields reflect award records, not a contractor's current eligibility.

Review data methodology