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NAICS Code· 541712

NAICS 541712: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)

NAICS 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) encompasses a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry and technical innovation focused on advancing knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental science, and non-biotech life sciences. This sector supports federal missions through fundamental and applied R&D, including prototype development, laboratory testing, computational modeling, sensor design, and systems validation. Contractors in this space deliver specialized technical services to solve complex challenges in defense systems, space exploration, energy infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, often under contract to agencies requiring high-precision, evidence-based solutions. It is a critical enabler of technological superiority and regulatory compliance across the federal landscape. Top contractors in this NAICS include Deloitte Consulting LLP, AECOM Technical Services, Inc., and Merrill Corporation, representing a mix of large primes with deep engineering and scientific capabilities and firms offering specialized R&D program management, data analytics, and technical documentation services. These organizations typically operate through multidisciplinary teams of Ph.D.-level scientists, systems engineers, and compliance experts, competing for complex, long-term task orders requiring security clearances and advanced technical certifications. The Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Department of Homeland Security are the primary federal buyers, funding projects ranging from advanced materials for hypersonics and radiation-hardened electronics to environmental remediation technologies and public health surveillance systems. These agencies prioritize R&D that bridges laboratory innovation with operational deployment. The competitive landscape is highly technical and credential-intensive, favoring firms with proven track records in government-funded labs, university partnerships, and ISO/AS9100-compliant processes. Opportunities are concentrated in areas requiring dual-use technologies, such as autonomous systems, energy resilience, and sensor fusion, with increasing demand for agile, iterative R&D approaches aligned with modern acquisition frameworks.Show more

NAICS 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) encompasses a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry and technical innovation focused on advancing knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental science, and non-biotech life sciences. This sector supports federal missions through fundamental and applied R&D, including prototype development, laboratory testing, computational modeling, sensor design, and systems validation.

8
Active Contracts
$731.4M
Total Obligations (12mo)
832
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
439
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
2
Median Bidders per Award
-81.5%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 541712.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) encompasses a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry and technical innovation focused on advancing knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical and electrical engineering, e...

NAICS 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) encompasses a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry and technical innovation focused on advancing knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental science, and non-biotech life sciences. This sector supports federal missions through fundamental and applied R&D, including prototype development, laboratory testing, computational modeling, sensor design, and systems validation. Contractors in this space deliver specialized technical services to solve complex challenges in defense systems, space exploration, energy infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, often under contract to agencies requiring high-precision, evidence-based solutions. It is a critical enabler of technological superiority and regulatory compliance across the federal landscape. Top contractors in this NAICS include Deloitte Consulting LLP, AECOM Technical Services, Inc., and Merrill Corporation, representing a mix of large primes with deep engineering and scientific capabilities and firms offering specialized R&D program management, data analytics, and technical documentation services. These organizations typically operate through multidisciplinary teams of Ph.D.-level scientists, systems engineers, and compliance experts, competing for complex, long-term task orders requiring security clearances and advanced technical certifications. The Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Department of Homeland Security are the primary federal buyers, funding projects ranging from advanced materials for hypersonics and radiation-hardened electronics to environmental remediation technologies and public health surveillance systems. These agencies prioritize R&D that bridges laboratory innovation with operational deployment. The competitive landscape is highly technical and credential-intensive, favoring firms with proven track records in government-funded labs, university partnerships, and ISO/AS9100-compliant processes. Opportunities are concentrated in areas requiring dual-use technologies, such as autonomous systems, energy resilience, and sensor fusion, with increasing demand for agile, iterative R&D approaches aligned with modern acquisition frameworks.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 541712, ranked by dollars won.

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 541712, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Fewer Bidders

Median under 3 bidders per reported award. · 85,638 reported awards

Median Bidders

2

Per reported award, all-time

Single-Bid Awards

41%

Share of reported awards with one bidder

10+ Bidder Awards

26%

Share of reported awards with 10+ bidders

Reported Awards

0

81% of 105,548 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
541712This Code
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Fewer Bidders241%
85,63881% of 105,548
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 (except Biotechnology), by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Research and Development in Nanotechnology

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541713Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

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541714Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

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

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541715Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

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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

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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 541712 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 541712 covers Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). NAICS 541712 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology) encompasses a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry and technical innovation focused on advancing knowledge in physics, chemistry, materials science, mechanical and electrical engineering, environmental science, and non-biotech life sciences. This sector supports federal missions through fundamental and applied R&D, including prototype development, laboratory testing, computational modeling, sensor design, and systems validation. Contractors in this space deliver specialized technical services to solve complex challenges in defense systems, space exploration, energy infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, often under contract to agencies requiring high-precision, evidence-based solutions. It is a critical enabler of technological superiority and regulatory compliance across the federal landscape. Top contractors in this NAICS include Deloitte Consulting LLP, AECOM Technical Services, Inc., and Merrill Corporation, representing a mix of large primes with deep engineering and scientific capabilities and firms offering specialized R&D program management, data analytics, and technical documentation services. These organizations typically operate through multidisciplinary teams of Ph.D.-level scientists, systems engineers, and compliance experts, competing for complex, long-term task orders requiring security clearances and advanced technical certifications. The Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Department of Homeland Security are the primary federal buyers, funding projects ranging from advanced materials for hypersonics and radiation-hardened electronics to environmental remediation technologies and public health surveillance systems. These agencies prioritize R&D that bridges laboratory innovation with operational deployment. The competitive landscape is highly technical and credential-intensive, favoring firms with proven track records in government-funded labs, university partnerships, and ISO/AS9100-compliant processes. Opportunities are concentrated in areas requiring dual-use technologies, such as autonomous systems, energy resilience, and sensor fusion, with increasing demand for agile, iterative R&D approaches aligned with modern acquisition frameworks.

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

NAICS: 541712
Closed
DIBBS
CAM ASSEMBLY, LOWER,
Solicitation # SPE7M4-26-T-299C
Solicitation SPE7M4-26-T-299C, issued by the Department of Defense Fluid Handling Division, is for the procurement of 21 units of a Lower Cam Assembly (NSN 1710-01-478-1569). The requirement specifies a delivery schedule of 590 days after the date of award, with a need ship date of June 18, 2026, and an original required delivery date of February 10, 2029. Delivery is designated as FOB Destination to DLA Distribution San Diego. The item is classified as a critical application item, with references to The Boeing Company and Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc. The contract mandates strict adherence to quality and packaging standards, including MIL-STD-129 for marking and labeling, ASTM D3951 for packaging, and RP001 for palletization. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination, utilizing sampling methods per MIL-STD-1916 or ASQ H1331, with a requirement for zero non-conformances in the sample lot. Special requirements include the mandatory use of U.S.-flag vessels for ocean transportation and rigorous disclosure and labeling protocols for hazardous or radioactive materials. Administrative compliance requires the use of the Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) system for invoicing and payment. The contractor must also meet cybersecurity standards, including CMMC Level 2 self-assessment and safeguarding of covered defense information per DFARS 252.204-7012. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) by August 14, 2026.
FLUID HANDLING DIVISION

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

24 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 541712
Closed
DIBBS
ADAPTER SET, GROUND
Solicitation # SPE8EF-26-T-1474
The contract is for the procurement of 14 units of an ADAPTER SET, GROUND, identified by NSN 1730-01-479-1307, under solicitation SPE8EF-26-T-1474, with a response deadline of August 5, 2026. This is a total small business set-aside under FAR 19.5, classified under NAICS code 541712, and managed by the Defense Logistics Agency’s Construction & Equipment Manu & Con office. Delivery is required 167 days after order placement at the DDSP New Cumberland Facility in New Cumberland, PA, with FOB origin terms meaning title and risk transfer to the government upon shipment. The item is subject to export control under either ITAR or EAR, mandating strict compliance with DFARS 252.225-7048; only DLA-approved contractors with JCP certification, completed training, and authorized access may handle the technical data, which includes prohibition on disclosure to foreign persons whether domestic or abroad. Packaging and labeling must adhere to RP001 DLA requirements, superseding ASTM D3951, with all shipments marked per MIL-STD-129 and U.S. military property identified using MIL-STD-130N with Data Matrix barcodes. Hazardous materials, if applicable, must be labeled per 29 CFR 1910.1200, with pre-award label and MSDS submissions required. The contract incorporates numerous FAR and DFARS clauses including 252.204-7012 for safeguarding covered defense information, 252.240-7997 for NIST SP 800-171 assessment requirements, and 252.204-7018 prohibiting acquisition of covered telecommunications equipment, reflecting CMMC Level 2 certification expectations tied to third-party assessment organizations. Payment must be processed via WAWF using electronic invoices and receiving reports, with accelerated payments to small business subcontractors required. Inspection and acceptance occur at destination, with the contractor responsible for full compliance with all specifications and documentation. All offerors must hold a valid UEI, certify their small business status, and disclose any participation in joint ventures under socioeconomic programs or use of covered defense telecommunications equipment under clause 252.204-7016.
CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT MANU & CON

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

about 1 month ago
View Details
NAICS: 541712
Closed
DIBBS
CAM ASSEMBLY, LOWER,
Solicitation # SPE7M4-26-T-280F
This contract pertains to the procurement of a CAM ASSEMBLY, LOWER, identified by NSN 1710-01-478-1569 and part number 74A430615-1001, sourced from approved suppliers including The Boeing Company and Safran Landing Systems Canada Inc. The requirement is for 21 units, each priced at $21.00, totaling $441.00, with delivery scheduled in 590 days from the contract award, FOB origin, and inspection and acceptance occurring at the destination. The item is designated as a critical application item, and all technical and quality specifications are governed by the DLA Master List of Technical and Quality Requirements, which supersede other standards such as ASTM D3951. Packaging must comply with MIL-STD-129 and RP001 DLA Packaging Requirements, and palletization must adhere to specified DLA guidelines. Sampling and inspection follow MIL-STD-1916 or an equivalent zero-based plan, with critical attributes requiring a verification level of VII or AQL of 0.1, and non-conformances must result in zero acceptance unless otherwise stated. The contract is subject to stringent cybersecurity requirements under CMMC Level 2 Self-Assessment and includes provisions for Covered Defense Information, ensuring compliance with federal data protection mandates. All packaging and labeling must conform to mandated procedures, and the unit of issue is an individual unit (EA). The delivery destination is DLA Distribution San Diego, with a need ship date of June 18, 2026, though the original required delivery date is February 10, 2029. The solicitation, issued under SPE7M4-26-T-280F, is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541712, and was posted on July 23, 2026, with responses due by August 3, 2026. The primary point of contact for inquiries is Rory O’Reilly of the Fluid Handling Division, Department of Defense. All contractual obligations are governed by DLA procedures, including transportation instructions referenced in DLAD Proc Notes C19 and C20, and compliance with applicable federal acquisition regulations.
FLUID HANDLING DIVISION

POSTED

about 2 months ago

CLOSED

about 1 month ago
View Details
NAICS: 541712
Closed
Federal
Engineering, Professional, and Administrative Support Services (EPASS) Request for Information (RFI) for Open Market Capability Assessment, IDIQ, NAICS Code: 541712, Estimated Period of Performance: 1 May 2028-30 April 2033.
Solicitation # EPASSRFI8JULY2026
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is seeking market information through a Request for Information to assess the capabilities of small businesses in providing Advisory and Assistance Services across multiple geographically dispersed directorates, including Hanscom AFB, Hill AFB, and Langley AFB. This RFI targets NAICS code 541712 and is intended as a market research tool under a total small business set-aside, with no intent to award a contract based on responses. All submissions are considered non-binding, non-proprietary government property, and responders must clearly mark any sensitive information. No funding has been appropriated, and responses will not be compensated. The anticipated period of performance for any future contract would span from May 1, 2028, to April 30, 2033, supporting a portfolio exceeding $2.5 billion in weapons and business systems requiring diverse technical, engineering, logistics, cybersecurity, financial, and program management expertise. Responses are due by July 20, 2026, and must be submitted through the designated SAM.gov portal. Primary point of contact is Rachel Layre, with Richard Caruso available for secondary inquiries, both reachable via official Air Force email and phone numbers at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. Participation in this RFI is entirely voluntary and does not affect eligibility for future solicitations. The government may reach out to respondents for additional clarification to better understand the small business landscape and ensure future procurement strategies are well-informed. All interested small businesses are encouraged to respond even if they are not currently prepared for full contract engagement, as this effort informs the development of an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle and potential future Request for Proposals.
FA8721 Aflcmc Pze Cm

POSTED

about 2 months ago

CLOSED

about 2 months ago
View Details

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