What does National Science Foundation do?

The National Science Foundation focuses on advancing scientific research and technical innovation across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Its core mission emphasizes the development of physical, engineering, and life sciences, with strategic priorities currently centered on digital health, plant biotechnology, and secure computing. The agency is actively investing in cutting-edge technological initiatives, including homomorphic encryption, computation on encrypted data, and the development of secure and trusted communication and networking technologies. Procurement patterns indicate a heavy reliance on professional services, specifically research and development, administrative management consulting, and computer systems design. The agency frequently procures specialized technical services, including engineering and data processing, as well as professional development training and the acquisition of custom data extracts. The agency primarily targets NAICS categories related to scientific research and development, management consulting, and IT services. There is a strong preference for Small Business Administration set-asides, demonstrating a commitment to diversifying its vendor base through small business participation. The National Science Foundation operates as an independent agency within its own department. Its procurement structure utilizes a mix of solicitations and special notices, including sole-source justifications for highly specialized data requirements.

How do I find contracts from National Science Foundation?

You can find contracts from National Science Foundation on CLEATUS by visiting the agency's contracts tab. Search and filter by contract type, NAICS code, set-aside, and more. CLEATUS aggregates data from SAM.gov, FPDS, USASpending.gov, and state procurement systems.

How much does National Science Foundation spend on contracts?

In the last 12 months, National Science Foundation has obligated $18,739,871,232 across 13,274 contract awards to 1,999 contractors. The agency currently has 1,483 active contract opportunities.

What contracts does National Science Foundation award?

National Science Foundation has awarded 13,274 contracts in the last 12 months, totaling $18,739,871,232 in obligations across 1,999 contractors. Top procurement categories include FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICES, OTHER COMPUTER RELATED SERVICES, ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES. Browse all contracts .

How do I do business with National Science Foundation?

To do business with National Science Foundation, start by registering in SAM.gov and obtaining a UEI number. Then search for contract opportunities from this agency on CLEATUS. Review the agency's procurement history, identify relevant NAICS codes, and prepare competitive proposals. The contractors tab shows companies that have won contracts from this agency.

What is National Science Foundation's annual contract spend?

National Science Foundation has obligated $18,739,871,232 in contract awards over the last 12 months. This includes 13,274 contract actions to 1,999 unique contractors. The agency currently has 1,483 active contract opportunities.

What NAICS codes does National Science Foundation use?

National Science Foundation primarily uses the following NAICS codes: 561210 (FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICES), 541519 (OTHER COMPUTER RELATED SERVICES), 541611 (ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES), 541512 (COMPUTER SYSTEMS DESIGN SERVICES), 337127 (INSTITUTIONAL FURNITURE MANUFACTURING). These represent the most common industry classifications for contracts awarded by this agency in the last 12 months.

Who are the top contractors for National Science Foundation?

View the full list of contractors who have won awards from National Science Foundation in the contractors tab . You can filter by contract value, NAICS code, and set-aside type to find relevant competitors and potential teaming partners.

What set-aside programs does National Science Foundation use?

National Science Foundation uses 3 different set-aside programs, including Total Small Business Set-Aside (SBIR/STTR mandate, < 500 employees), 8(a) Sole Source (FAR 19.8), and Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). These programs reserve a portion of contracts for qualifying businesses. View the set-aside breakdown on the agency overview.

What are the sub-agencies of National Science Foundation?

National Science Foundation has 32 sub-agencies that award contracts independently. Each sub-agency has its own procurement activity, NAICS codes, and contractor relationships. View the full list on the agency overview.

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Federal Agency· 049

National Science Foundation

Federal Government Agency

The National Science Foundation focuses on advancing scientific research and technical innovation across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Its core mission emphasizes the development of physical, engineering, and life sciences, with strategic priorities currently centered on digital health, plant biotechnology, and secure computing.

National Science Foundation is a government agency with procurement activity across contracts, awards, and contractors. Over the last 12 months, National Science Foundation has obligated $18,739,871,232, issued 13,274 awards, and worked with 1,999 contractors. It currently has 1,483 open contract opportunities. Procurement is concentrated in FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICES, OTHER COMPUTER RELATED SERVICES, and ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES.

1.5K

Active Contracts

$18.7B

Total Obligations (12mo)

Top

Leadership and vacancies

Senate-confirmed and senior-executive posts at National Science Foundation and its sub-agencies, as published in the OPM Plum Book. These are leadership positions, not total employees.

Source: OPM Plum Book · Last confirmed 09/07/2026

Leadership posts

Filled

Vacant

63% of posts

Acting officials

Showing the 50 most senior of 62 posts

Posts of National Science Foundation

Expand				Status		Appointment	Pay grade	Salary	Location
No posts at National Science Foundation itself. Its sub-agencies are below.

		Status
National Science Board	25 posts	24 vacant
Directorate For Engineering	5 posts	1 vacant
Directorate For Geosciences	5 posts	1 vacant
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences	5 posts
Directorate For Stem Education	5 posts	1 vacant
Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships	5 posts	3 vacant

Showing the 50 most senior of 62 posts

Posts of National Science Foundation

Expand				Status		Appointment	Pay grade	Salary	Location
No posts at National Science Foundation itself. Its sub-agencies are below.

		Status
National Science Board	25 posts	24 vacant
Directorate For Engineering	5 posts	1 vacant
Directorate For Geosciences	5 posts	1 vacant
Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences	5 posts
Directorate For Stem Education	5 posts	1 vacant
Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships	5 posts	3 vacant

Top National Science Foundation Contractors

Companies with the highest total award amounts from this agency, ranked by contract value.

Company	Total Awards	Contracts
LEIDOS, INC.	$3.1B	1
UNIVERSITY CORPORATION FOR ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH	$3.0B	590
ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITIES FOR RESEARCH IN ASTRONOMY, INC.	$2.8B	86
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS	$2.6B	3,702
CORNELL UNIVERSITY	$2.5B	2,960
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN	$2.3B	3,362
WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION	$2.3B	1,467
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON	$2.3B	3,878
ASSOCIATED UNIVERSITIES INC	$2.2B	97
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, THE	$2.2B	3,340