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NAICS Code· 541710

NAICS 541710: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

NAICS Code 541710 encompasses scientific research and development services, covering a broad spectrum of applied and fundamental R&D activities conducted for government clients. This includes engineering research, physical and life sciences experimentation, prototype development, data analysis, modeling and simulation, and technical feasibility studies. These services are critical to advancing defense technologies, environmental monitoring systems, aerospace innovations, and national security capabilities. In the federal contracting landscape, this NAICS code serves as a foundational pillar for innovation-driven procurement, often supporting early-stage technology maturation before transition to production or operational systems. Contractors in this space typically operate as specialized science and engineering firms, blending deep technical expertise with agile project management to meet stringent federal compliance and deliverables. Kleinfelder Inc. stands as a leading contractor in this sector, delivering multidisciplinary R&D services across civil infrastructure, environmental science, and defense applications. The competitive landscape is dominated by mid-to-large primes with strong engineering credentials and established federal compliance frameworks, though niche small businesses with specialized laboratory or analytical capabilities also play a vital role in niche program support. The Department of Defense is the primary procuring agency, driving demand through research initiatives in advanced materials, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and battlefield analytics. Other defense and scientific agencies, including the Department of Energy and NASA, also rely heavily on this NAICS for mission-critical R&D that supports national security and technological superiority. The market is highly competitive, with success contingent on domain-specific expertise, past performance in technical programs, and ability to navigate complex federal acquisition regulations. Opportunities are concentrated in long-term, task-order-based contracts that reward technical depth and institutional knowledge, making sustained investment in personnel certifications and lab infrastructure a key differentiator for contractors.Show more

NAICS Code 541710 encompasses scientific research and development services, covering a broad spectrum of applied and fundamental R&D activities conducted for government clients. This includes engineering research, physical and life sciences experimentation, prototype development, data analysis, modeling and simulation, and technical feasibility studies.

5
Active Contracts
$364.1M
Total Obligations (12mo)
45
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
38
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
2
Median Bidders per Award
+157.8%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 541710.

AI Industry Description

NAICS Code 541710 encompasses scientific research and development services, covering a broad spectrum of applied and fundamental R&D activities conducted for government clients. This includes engineering research, physical and life sciences experimentation, prototype development, data analysis, mode...

NAICS Code 541710 encompasses scientific research and development services, covering a broad spectrum of applied and fundamental R&D activities conducted for government clients. This includes engineering research, physical and life sciences experimentation, prototype development, data analysis, modeling and simulation, and technical feasibility studies. These services are critical to advancing defense technologies, environmental monitoring systems, aerospace innovations, and national security capabilities. In the federal contracting landscape, this NAICS code serves as a foundational pillar for innovation-driven procurement, often supporting early-stage technology maturation before transition to production or operational systems. Contractors in this space typically operate as specialized science and engineering firms, blending deep technical expertise with agile project management to meet stringent federal compliance and deliverables. Kleinfelder Inc. stands as a leading contractor in this sector, delivering multidisciplinary R&D services across civil infrastructure, environmental science, and defense applications. The competitive landscape is dominated by mid-to-large primes with strong engineering credentials and established federal compliance frameworks, though niche small businesses with specialized laboratory or analytical capabilities also play a vital role in niche program support. The Department of Defense is the primary procuring agency, driving demand through research initiatives in advanced materials, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and battlefield analytics. Other defense and scientific agencies, including the Department of Energy and NASA, also rely heavily on this NAICS for mission-critical R&D that supports national security and technological superiority. The market is highly competitive, with success contingent on domain-specific expertise, past performance in technical programs, and ability to navigate complex federal acquisition regulations. Opportunities are concentrated in long-term, task-order-based contracts that reward technical depth and institutional knowledge, making sustained investment in personnel certifications and lab infrastructure a key differentiator for contractors.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 541710, ranked by dollars won.

Ranked by total awards
CompanyTotal AwardsContracts
ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT$94.1M1
NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION$67.9M2
OMITRON, INC.$65.9M3
DOME CONSTRUCTION CORP$37.8M1
HUDSONALPHA INSTITUTE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY$18.1M1
THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO$11.9M1
PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE$11.4M1
XL CONSTRUCTION CORP$9.9M1
DUKE UNIVERSITY$9.9M1
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY$8.1M1

Top Agencies

Federal agencies directing the most contract spending toward NAICS 541710.

Department Of Energy (doe)22 awards$227.7M
National Aeronautics And Space Administration (nasa)23 awards$136.4M
Department Of The Treasury1 award$0

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 541710, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Fewer Bidders

Median under 3 bidders per reported award. · 92,292 reported awards

Median Bidders

2

Per reported award, all-time

Single-Bid Awards

46%

Share of reported awards with one bidder

10+ Bidder Awards

17%

Share of reported awards with 10+ bidders

Reported Awards

0

92% of 100,796 total awards

How this code compares up the NAICS hierarchy. Parent cohorts pool every code under their prefix, so they are the steadier baseline when a 6-digit sample is thin.

Industry FamilyCompetitionMedian BiddersSingle-BidBidder MixReported Awards
541710This Code
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
Fewer Bidders246%
92,29292% of 100,796
54171NAICS Industry
Fewer Bidders242%
246,33582% of 298,788
5417Industry Group
Scientific Research and Development Services
Fewer Bidders240%
282,62484% of 338,309
541Subsector
Fewer Bidders249%
2,918,78285% of 3,416,794
54Sector
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Fewer Bidders249%
2,918,78285% of 3,416,794

Bidder counts reported on past federal awards in this NAICS (USAspending). An open opportunity has no bidders yet, so this is the historical norm for similar work, not a fact about this solicitation. Not all awards report bidder counts, and fewer bidders often means incumbent-held work rather than an easier win. Federal reporting of bidder counts fell from ~96% of awards (FY2016) to ~30% (FY2018 onward); the chart shows shares of reported awards, and washed-out stretches mark years with fewer than 30 of them.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Research and Development in Nanotechnology

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting nanotechnology research ...
541713Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting biotechnology (except na...
541714Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

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

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimenta...
541715Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and analyses in cogn...
541720Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Offices of Lawyers

This industry comprises offices of legal practitioners known as lawyers or attorneys (i.e., counselo...
541110Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Offices of Notaries

This industry comprises establishments (except offices of lawyers and attorneys) primarily engaged i...
541120Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

title Abstract and Settlement Offices

This U.S. industry comprises establishments (except offices of lawyers and attorneys) primarily enga...
541191Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

All Other Legal Services

This U.S. industry comprises establishments of legal practitioners (except offices of lawyers and at...
541199Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Explore contracts across multiple NAICS codes Browse all NAICS Codes

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NAICS 541710 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 541710 covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences. NAICS Code 541710 encompasses scientific research and development services, covering a broad spectrum of applied and fundamental R&D activities conducted for government clients. This includes engineering research, physical and life sciences experimentation, prototype development, data analysis, modeling and simulation, and technical feasibility studies. These services are critical to advancing defense technologies, environmental monitoring systems, aerospace innovations, and national security capabilities. In the federal contracting landscape, this NAICS code serves as a foundational pillar for innovation-driven procurement, often supporting early-stage technology maturation before transition to production or operational systems. Contractors in this space typically operate as specialized science and engineering firms, blending deep technical expertise with agile project management to meet stringent federal compliance and deliverables. Kleinfelder Inc. stands as a leading contractor in this sector, delivering multidisciplinary R&D services across civil infrastructure, environmental science, and defense applications. The competitive landscape is dominated by mid-to-large primes with strong engineering credentials and established federal compliance frameworks, though niche small businesses with specialized laboratory or analytical capabilities also play a vital role in niche program support. The Department of Defense is the primary procuring agency, driving demand through research initiatives in advanced materials, autonomous systems, electronic warfare, and battlefield analytics. Other defense and scientific agencies, including the Department of Energy and NASA, also rely heavily on this NAICS for mission-critical R&D that supports national security and technological superiority. The market is highly competitive, with success contingent on domain-specific expertise, past performance in technical programs, and ability to navigate complex federal acquisition regulations. Opportunities are concentrated in long-term, task-order-based contracts that reward technical depth and institutional knowledge, making sustained investment in personnel certifications and lab infrastructure a key differentiator for contractors.

Recently Posted in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences

NAICS: 541710
New
Grant
Clinical Research Coordination ServicesThis subcontract for Clinical Research Coordination Services supports the Department of Defense and the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity in managing clinical trial extensions for breast cancer research projects. The selected provider will be responsible for the day-to-day management of patient cohorts and the coordination of clinical sites, ensuring all activities adhere to IRB compliance and Good Clinical Practice certification. Key technical requirements include the use of Clinical Trial Management Systems and Electronic Data Capture software to deliver enrolled patient cohorts. The contractor must ensure strict adherence to SPIRIT and STROBE reporting guidelines and maintain up-to-date records within the National Clinical Trial registry. This opportunity falls under NAICS code 541710 and was posted on September 3, 2026, with a response deadline of November 18, 2026.
Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - Dhaca

POSTED

7 days ago

DEADLINE

in 2 months
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
Federal
IHNV Genotyping Specialist / Program Manager
Office Of Acquisiton Grants

POSTED

10 days ago

CLOSED

1 day ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
International
Research & Academic Publication SupportThe Correctional Service of Canada is seeking a subcontractor to provide research and academic publication support for initiatives within correctional psychiatric care. The scope of work encompasses the entire research lifecycle, including the development of study designs, comprehensive data analysis, the preparation of manuscripts, and the final publication of findings in peer-reviewed journals. This opportunity is categorized under NAICS code 541710 and is to be performed in Donnacona, Quebec. The solicitation was posted on August 12, 2026, with a response deadline set for September 1, 2026.
Correctional Service of Canada

POSTED

29 days ago

CLOSED

8 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
Federal
Preclinical Behavioral Pharmacology TestingThe contract is for preclinical behavioral pharmacology testing aimed at evaluating the abuse liability of drugs through standardized experiments in non-human animal models. It specifically involves conducting fixed-ratio dose-effect studies and behavioral economic demand curve analyses to measure how drug availability and cost influence consumption patterns, providing critical data on reinforcement and motivational properties. These experiments follow established protocols to generate reliable, reproducible outcomes that inform regulatory assessments of drug potential for misuse. This is a subcontract under an 8(a) Sole Source acquisition, designated for small disadvantaged businesses, with the North American Industry Classification System code 541710 indicating it falls under scientific research and development services. The solicitation was posted by the FDA Office of Acquisition Grant Services within the Department of Health and Human Services, with a response deadline of August 4, 2026. The work is expected to be performed under the authority of the contracting agency, though the specific location of performance is not detailed. The contract supports federal efforts to evaluate pharmaceutical safety and inform public health policy through rigorous preclinical behavioral science.
FDA Office Of Acq Grant Svcs

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

about 1 month ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
SLED
Dispute Resolution Advisor Services
California Department of Transportation

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

16 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Federal
Infrared and Pyrotechnic Countermeasures DevelopmentThe Infrared and Pyrotechnic Countermeasures Development subcontract, managed by the Department of Defense for NSWC Crane, focuses on creating advanced countermeasures to protect assets from infrared-guided threats. The scope of work involves researching pyrotechnic compositions, infrared emitter technology, and deployment mechanisms, requiring specialized expertise in chemical and material science, pyrotechnics, and infrared spectrum analysis. The successful contractor will be responsible for delivering countermeasure prototypes, detailed material specifications, and comprehensive test data. This opportunity falls under NAICS code 541710 and was posted on July 7, 2026, with a response deadline set for July 7, 2027.
Nswc Crane

POSTED

2 months ago

DEADLINE

in 10 months
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
Federal
Research and Development ServicesThis contract involves providing research and development services focused on scientific activities, including potential biomedical or public health-related R&D efforts aligned with BARDA and ASPR programs. The work is to be conducted under a subcontract agreement, supporting initiatives by the Department of Health and Human Services through its BARDA and ASPR divisions. The primary place of performance is located in Washington, DC, specifically in the 20024 zip code area. The solicitation for this contract was posted on June 11, 2026, with responses due by June 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The contract falls under the NAICS code 541710, which designates research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. While there is no specified set-aside status or organization type defined for this opportunity, it requires expertise in conducting advanced scientific research that supports public health preparedness and response activities. This contract represents a vital component in advancing government-funded innovation within critical health sectors.
Barda - Aspr / Daappo / Barda Dcma

POSTED

3 months ago

CLOSED

3 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Grant
Pediatric Outcome Area Subject Matter ExpertiseThis subcontract with the National Institutes of Health under the Department of Health and Human Services focuses on providing specialized scientific expertise in pediatric outcome areas for prime contractors involved in NIH ECHO program research. The selected provider will offer domain-specific guidance and assist in the formulation of research hypotheses utilizing ECHO longitudinal data, ultimately delivering expert consultation and contributions to peer-reviewed research. Qualified candidates must hold a PhD or MD in a relevant pediatric or health field and maintain access to specialized medical literature databases. The opportunity was posted on May 28, 2026, with a response deadline of December 2, 2026, and is classified under NAICS code 541710.
National Institutes Of Health

POSTED

3 months ago

DEADLINE

in 3 months
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
Federal
Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) SupportThis contract involves providing research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) support specifically focused on C6ISR technologies. The work includes prototyping, laboratory and field testing, performance evaluation, and preparing reports that comply with Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) standards. The subcontract is issued by the Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division under the Department of Defense and falls under the NAICS code 541710, which relates to research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract was posted on May 26, 2026, and responses are due by June 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The place of performance is associated with the zip code 20684, though specific city and state details are not provided. This opportunity does not specify any set-aside designation, and no additional contact information or organizational type is listed. The primary focus is supporting advanced technological development efforts to enhance Navy capabilities in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division

POSTED

4 months ago

CLOSED

3 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Closed
Federal
Astrobiology Research ServicesThe contract seeks research services in astrobiology with a focus on life detection, the origin of life, and biological adaptation to space environments. It is issued as a subcontract under NASA Headquarters and is classified under NAICS code 541710, which corresponds to research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The opportunity was posted on May 18, 2026, with a response deadline of August 11, 2026, at 3:59 AM Eastern Time. Performance is expected to take place in Washington, though the exact location or facility is not specified. The contract does not indicate any set-aside provisions for small businesses or other categories, and no point of contact details are provided in the public data. Interested parties must submit proposals through the SAM.gov portal prior to the deadline to be considered for award.
NASA Headquarters

POSTED

4 months ago

CLOSED

30 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Grant
Clinical Trial Management and CoordinationThis subcontract for Clinical Trial Management and Coordination supports the Department of Defense TBIPHRP projects by providing day-to-day management of clinical trials for prime contractors. The scope of work includes managing data and clinical coordinating centers, standardizing procedures across various research sites, and overseeing the secure transfer of data, specimens, and imaging products. These operations are executed using Clinical Trial Management Systems and strict secure data transfer protocols to ensure operational efficiency. The project requires strict adherence to FDA regulatory compliance, Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and IRB approvals. The primary deliverables consist of completed clinical trial data sets and all necessary regulatory filings. This effort is categorized under NAICS code 541710 and is managed through the Department of the Army USAMRRA.
Department Of The Army -- Usamraa

POSTED

4 months ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541710
Grant
Clinical Trial Management & CoordinationThis subcontract for Clinical Trial Management and Coordination supports Department of Defense breast cancer research projects under the Department of the Army. The selected provider will perform operational management for prime contractors, which includes coordinating investigators, managing study participants, and ensuring strict adherence to clinical trial protocols. Key responsibilities involve utilizing medical record management software and patient monitoring systems while maintaining full compliance with Good Clinical Practice and Institutional Review Board standards. The contract emphasizes the implementation of women and minority inclusion strategies to ensure diverse participant representation. Deliverables include comprehensive clinical trial data and detailed enrollment reports. This opportunity is categorized under NAICS code 541710, with a response deadline set for September 30, 2026.
Department Of The Army -- Usamraa

POSTED

4 months ago

DEADLINE

in 20 days
View Details

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