What does National Science Foundation do?

The National Science Foundation focuses on advancing scientific discovery and engineering innovation across a vast spectrum of technical disciplines. Its core mission centers on funding and developing cutting-edge research in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, with strategic priorities currently emphasizing quantum information technologies, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Key initiatives include the development of secure machine-to-machine communication, edge computing, directed energy, and biological technologies, as well as specialized research into agroforestry and wireless technologies. Procurement patterns indicate a heavy reliance on professional research and development services, particularly for the physical and life sciences. The agency frequently procures computer systems design, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance computing services to support its technical initiatives. Additionally, the agency acquires specialized hardware, including imaging instrumentation, electromedical apparatus, and surgical instruments, to facilitate laboratory and field research. The agency primarily targets vendors within the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences and Computer Systems Design services NAICS categories. There is a strong preference for Small Business Administration set-asides, indicating a strategic commitment to engaging small businesses for both high-level scientific research and technical support services. The National Science Foundation operates as an independent agency. Its procurement structure is characterized by a diverse range of solicitations that span from highly specialized scientific instrumentation and pharmaceutical preparation to broad computing infrastructure and telecommunications services.

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.

What contracts does National Science Foundation award?

National Science Foundation awards government contracts across various categories. Browse contract opportunities from this agency.

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.

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 1 different set-aside program, including Total Small Business Set-Aside (SBIR/STTR mandate, < 500 employees). These programs reserve a portion of contracts for qualifying businesses. View the set-aside breakdown on the agency overview.

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Federal Agency· NSF

National Science Foundation

Federal Government Agency

The National Science Foundation focuses on advancing scientific discovery and engineering innovation across a vast spectrum of technical disciplines. Its core mission centers on funding and developing cutting-edge research in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, with strategic priorities currently emphasizing quantum information technologies, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

National Science Foundation

Federal Government Agency

Leadership and vacancies

Recent National Science Foundation Contracts

NSF 26-510 | Robotics — Robotic Applications

NSF 26-510 | Artificial Intelligence

NSF 26-510 | Agricultural Technologies — Polyculture Systems

NSF 26-510 | Advanced Materials

NSF 26-510 | Energy Technologies — Energy Production and Power Generation

NSF 26-510 | Power Management — Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems

NSF 26-510 | Wireless Technologies — Other Wireless Technologies

NSF 26-510 | Digital Health

NSF 26-510 | Cloud and High-Performance Computing — Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

NSF 26-510 | Advanced Manufacturing — Other Manufacturing Technologies

Search all National Science Foundation contracts

Search all National Science Foundation contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does National Science Foundation do?

What contracts does National Science Foundation award?

How do I do business with National Science Foundation?

Who are the top contractors for National Science Foundation?

What set-aside programs does National Science Foundation use?

Recently Posted by National Science Foundation

Get AI-powered intelligence on National Science Foundation procurement

Recently Posted by National Science Foundation

Leadership and vacancies

Recent National Science Foundation Contracts

NSF 26-510 | Robotics — Robotic Applications

NSF 26-510 | Artificial Intelligence

NSF 26-510 | Agricultural Technologies — Polyculture Systems

NSF 26-510 | Advanced Materials

NSF 26-510 | Energy Technologies — Energy Production and Power Generation

NSF 26-510 | Power Management — Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems

NSF 26-510 | Wireless Technologies — Other Wireless Technologies

NSF 26-510 | Digital Health

NSF 26-510 | Cloud and High-Performance Computing — Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

NSF 26-510 | Advanced Manufacturing — Other Manufacturing Technologies

Search all National Science Foundation contracts

Search all National Science Foundation contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What does National Science Foundation do?

What contracts does National Science Foundation award?

How do I do business with National Science Foundation?

Who are the top contractors for National Science Foundation?

What set-aside programs does National Science Foundation use?