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Federal Contracting by NAICS Code · Professional Services

NAICS 541715: R&D in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotech and Biotech)

The largest single federal R&D NAICS — covering physical-sciences, engineering, and life-sciences research not otherwise classified. Used across virtually every federal research-buying agency for prototype development, experimental research, and engineering R&D.

📊 Based on 201 real federal solicitations tracked under this code

Sector

Professional Services

Typical award value

$500K - $500M+ per award

Set-aside activity

Yes

Federal agencies that buy under NAICS 541715

Department of DefenseNASADepartment of EnergyNIHNSFNOAA

These buyers award r&d in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotech and biotech) work under this code most often. Set up alerts on WinAContract to catch their solicitations early, then draft your response in GovCon.

Set-asides used under NAICS 541715

Small Business8(a)HUBZoneSDVOSBWOSB

Filtering opportunities by NAICS 541715 and your certification surfaces the bids where large primes are excluded. See our set-aside program guides for how each one works.

Common questions about NAICS 541715

Which federal agencies buy under NAICS 541715?

The agencies that most frequently post r&d in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotech and biotech) solicitations under NAICS 541715 include Department of Defense, NASA, Department of Energy, NIH, NSF, NOAA. Tracking these buyers on WinAContract and drafting responses in GovCon is the fastest way to build a pipeline under this code.

Is NAICS 541715 eligible for small-business set-asides?

Yes. Solicitations under NAICS 541715 commonly use Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB. If your firm holds a matching socioeconomic certification, you can compete on set-aside opportunities where large businesses are excluded — typically a far less crowded field.

What is the typical contract value for NAICS 541715?

Federal awards under NAICS 541715 typically range $500K - $500M+ per award. Actual values vary widely by agency, scope, and contract vehicle — for example, individual IDIQ task orders versus standalone definitive contracts.

What NAICS codes are related to 541715?

Closely related codes include 541713 (541713 · Research and Development in Nanotechnology), 541714 (541714 · Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)), 541330 (541330 · Engineering Services). Registering in SAM.gov under every code that fits your capabilities widens the set of opportunities you'll match.

Related NAICS codes

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Browse all NAICS contracting guides, look up any code with the free NAICS lookup tool, or read the federal contracting glossary.