Federal NAICS Codes

NAICS 541715: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Explore obligations, trends, recent awards, and incumbent contractors for NAICS 541715.

NAICS 541715 federal market metrics

Total obligations
$1.1T
Total awards
71,626 awards
Active obligations
$174.3B
Size standard
1,000 employees

What this NAICS covers

NAICS 541715 covers research and experimental development in physical, engineering, and life sciences excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology, including laboratory experiments, analytical studies, prototype testing, modeling, and technical reporting of scientific findings.

Federal opportunities under 541715 typically involve producing technical evidence and prototypes that advance agency science objectives, executing experimental protocols, delivering validated data and reports, and supporting technical transition or policy decisions through documented research results.

FY2025 snapshot

Obligations
$16.1B
Awards
7,738
Average award
$2.1M
Change from FY2024
-34.4%

Recent awards

Search contractors

$344,756

RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE

National Institutes of Health

PIID
75N98026F00002
PSC
AN11 - HEALTH R&D SERVICES; HEALTH CARE SERVICES; BASIC RESEARCH

$650,000

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

Federal Highway Administration

PIID
693JJ326F00113N
PSC
AJ14 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

$165,500

LINDAHL REED, INC.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

PIID
1305M226F0256
PSC
R499 - SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER

$1,960,606

RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE

National Institutes of Health

PIID
75N98026F00001
PSC
AN11 - HEALTH R&D SERVICES; HEALTH CARE SERVICES; BASIC RESEARCH

$500,000

ENSCO INC

Federal Railroad Administration

PIID
693JJ626F00020N
PSC
AS11 - TRANSPORTATION R&D SERVICES; SURFACE TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC TRANSIT, AND RAIL; BASIC RESEARCH

$13,570

OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY

Department of Veterans Affairs

PIID
36C24E26N0206
PSC
AJ11 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; BASIC RESEARCH

$6,437,500

THE MITRE CORPORATION

Office of Procurement Operations

PIID
70RSAT26FR0000018
PSC
AJ11 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; BASIC RESEARCH

FAQ

What work fits NAICS 541715?
  • Laboratory experiments and controlled testing to validate physical or engineering hypotheses and generate peer-reviewable data sets.
  • Prototype development and bench-scale testing of sensor technologies, measurement systems, or mechanical concepts to demonstrate feasibility.
  • Field research campaigns collecting environmental or biological observations tied to hypothesis testing and statistical analysis.
  • Development of analytical models and simulations with validation activities and formal research reports documenting methods and results.
When is NAICS 541715 a weak fit?
  • Applied engineering for system deployment: procurement focused on system installation, commissioning, and operational sustainment without hypothesis-driven research activities.
  • Routine analytical laboratory services: performed for operational or regulatory monitoring without experimental design, novel methods, or research objectives.
  • Nanotechnology or biotechnology R&D: projects requiring specialized nano- or bio-domain facilities, biosafety measures, and domain expertise excluded from this classification.
What solicitation language points to NAICS 541715?
  • Statement of work specifies research objectives, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and delivery of datasets, technical reports, and methods documentation.
  • Evaluation criteria prioritize scientific methodology, prior research outputs, prototype demonstrations, and publication or peer-review experience.
  • Labor categories requested include principal investigators, research scientists, and lab technicians with documented research project experience and data analysis skills.

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