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NAICS Code· 541720

Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and analyses in cognitive development, sociology, psychology, language, behavior, economic, and other social science and humanities research. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--Show more

NAICS 541720 – Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities encompasses applied and foundational research aimed at understanding human behavior, societal structures, cultural dynamics, and policy impacts. This sector supports evidence-based policymaking through qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including survey design, ethnographic analysis, program evaluation, economic modeling, and behavioral experimentation.

125
Active Contracts
$351.5M
Total Obligations (12mo)
390
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
197
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
-84.1%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 541720.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 541720 – Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities encompasses applied and foundational research aimed at understanding human behavior, societal structures, cultural dynamics, and policy impacts. This sector supports evidence-based policymaking through qualitative and quan...

NAICS 541720 – Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities encompasses applied and foundational research aimed at understanding human behavior, societal structures, cultural dynamics, and policy impacts. This sector supports evidence-based policymaking through qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including survey design, ethnographic analysis, program evaluation, economic modeling, and behavioral experimentation. Contractors in this space deliver research outputs that inform public health initiatives, educational reforms, economic development strategies, and national security policy frameworks. The work often intersects with data analytics, stakeholder engagement, and longitudinal study design, making it critical to agencies seeking to measure program efficacy and anticipate societal trends. Top contractors in this space include Deloitte Consulting LLP, VSGI LLC, TrueMark Systems Corp., K. Parks Consulting, Inc., and AECOM Technical Services, Inc., reflecting a mix of large primes with robust social science divisions and specialized small businesses offering niche expertise in survey research, policy analysis, and behavioral insights. The competitive landscape is characterized by firms that combine academic rigor with agile contract execution, often leveraging interdisciplinary teams of sociologists, economists, psychologists, and data analysts. Primary buyers include the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Department of Education, and Department of the Interior. These agencies fund research to evaluate social programs, assess workforce development outcomes, understand public attitudes, and support demographic and cultural studies critical to mission planning and resource allocation. The market is highly fragmented yet opportunity-dense, with demand driven by congressional mandates, interagency collaborations, and the growing emphasis on data-driven governance. Contractors with proven capabilities in IRB-compliant research, mixed-methods design, and federal grant compliance are best positioned to compete. Emerging trends include increased integration of AI-assisted qualitative analysis and longitudinal data tracking, creating new avenues for firms with expertise in ethical data stewardship and human-centered research methodologies.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 541720, ranked by dollars won.

Ranked by total awards
CompanyTotal AwardsContracts
THE RAND CORPORATION$63.1M26
THE MITRE CORPORATION$37.1M11
TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY Boston MA 02118 USA$27.1M1
FORS MARSH GROUP LLC$27.0M18
THE LEWIN GROUP, INC.$18.9M2
AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES$17.5M4
MATHEMATICA INC.$14.0M4
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK$13.5M7
NATIONAL OPINION RESEARCH CENTER$12.2M3
NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.$10.4M13

Top Agencies

Federal agencies directing the most contract spending toward NAICS 541720.

Department Of Defense144 awards$92.9M
Department Of Health And Human Services23 awards$69.7M
Rpo East (36C24E)4 awards$40.6M
Department Of Commerce11 awards$37.1M
Department Of Education36 awards$33.6M
General Services Administration18 awards$28.9M
Department Of Labor3 awards$12.2M
Department Of Homeland Security11 awards$10.4M
Department Of Veterans Affairs31 awards$8.8M
Department Of Transportation19 awards$5.9M

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

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NAICS 541720 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 541720 covers Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and analyses in cognitive development, sociology, psychology, language, behavior, economic, and other social science and humanities research. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

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AN11--Kaiser Permanente R&D Statistical Expertise EHR EvaluationThe Department of Veterans Affairs, through its Network Contract Office 20, is conducting market research via a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified service providers capable of delivering statistical expertise in measurement error and missing data analysis to support the evaluation of the Veterans Health Administration’s immersive virtual reality program. The intended contract is a firm-fixed price R&D services agreement with a base year and two option years, set to begin September 15, 2026, and primarily performed remotely with in-person meetings at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System in Seattle, WA. The agency seeks to engage Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute to leverage the specialized skills of Dr. Pamela Shaw, a leading biostatistician with extensive experience in electronic health records analysis, study design, and statistical methods for mitigating bias in observational data. Her role will include developing and reviewing study protocols aligned with STRATOS/STROBE guidelines, validating EHR outcome definitions, guiding prospective data collection to supplement incomplete patient-reported outcomes, conducting code reviews for analytic reproducibility, and co-authoring technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. The work spans three fiscal years and requires rigorous methodological oversight to ensure accurate assessment of VR therapy impact, including patient health outcomes, healthcare utilization, and cost implications. The contract imposes stringent information security, privacy, and records management obligations consistent with federal regulations and VA directives, including compliance with FISMA, HIPAA, the Privacy Act of 1974, and NIST standards. Contractors must implement VA-approved encryption, conduct annual security control assessments, adhere to strict data handling procedures, and immediately report any security incidents or breaches involving sensitive personal information. Failure to comply may result in liquidated damages of $42 per affected individual to cover credit monitoring and identity theft protection services. Contractors and their personnel must complete mandatory cybersecurity and privacy training, sign the Contractor Rules of Behavior, and obtain necessary clearances before accessing VA systems. All deliverables become U.S. Government property with unlimited rights, and no records created under the contract may be retained, sold, or disseminated without authorization. Only authorized Kaiser Permanente service providers may respond, and interested parties must submit company details, socioeconomic status certifications via SBA, and a courtesy quote by the July 20, 2026 deadline to inform potential set-aside determinations under NAICS code 541720. Participation in this sources sought notice carries no obligation for the government to issue a solicitation or award a contract.
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Global Digital Threat LabThe Global Digital Threat Lab solicitation, issued by the Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, seeks innovative solutions to counter authoritarian efforts to suppress online freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information through the use of surveillance technologies, commercial spyware, and artificial intelligence-enabled cyberattacks. Applicants must design comprehensive projects that address the root causes and consequences of digital repression globally, with a focus on developing strategies to protect dissenting voices and promote open digital spaces. The solicitation requires a detailed proposal narrative not exceeding fifteen pages, anchored by a concise problem statement, a clearly defined project goal, measurable outcomes, and SMART objectives supported by actionable activities and a proven methodology that draws on past lessons. All proposals must include a one-page timeline detailing project phases, evaluation efforts, and closeout activities, alongside a budget structured using the official FY25 Multi-Year Award template, with cost categories including personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, and contractual expenses. Applicants must be legally registered entities with a Unique Entity Identifier from SAM.gov and are required to submit the SF-424 series forms—SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B, and, if applicable, SF-LLL—along with a one-page cover page and executive summary that integrates research-backed justifications and quantifiable results. Key personnel, limited to three to five individuals, must be described in a two-page bio document highlighting relevant expertise in digital rights, cybersecurity, or policy advocacy. While foreign public entities may substitute certifications with an official letter waiving U.S. law compliance, all sub-recipients and contractors must also be validated through SAM.gov and remain free from exclusions. Proposals must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or MyGrants by the August 13, 2026 deadline, and must comply with 2 CFR 200 for federal assistance, with English as the official language of all documentation. The program emphasizes measurable impact on at-risk populations, the development of adaptive countermeasures to emerging digital threats, and the promotion of international norms supporting free expression in the digital sphere.
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Effects of International Parental Child Abduction on Abducted Children and Left-Behind ParentsThe Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor within the Department of State is seeking to fund a single research study through a cooperative agreement to examine the multifaceted impacts of international parental child abduction on abducted children and their left-behind parents in the United States. The study aims to uncover both immediate and lasting effects across psychological, developmental, economic, social, legal, and governmental systems, with the goal of mapping the full scope of harm and disruption caused by these abductions. It will analyze how families navigate child welfare, law enforcement, and legal frameworks, and assess how such events alter long-term outcomes for children and caregivers alike. The research will also identify critical gaps in existing support structures, including access to mental health services, financial aid, legal representation, and community resources tailored to families affected by international parental child abduction. Based on this analysis, the study must produce actionable, evidence-based recommendations to improve policy, program design, and service delivery for affected individuals and communities in the United States. The solicitation, issued under DFOP0018453 and posted on July 14, 2026, has a deadline for responses on September 10, 2026, and is open to entities capable of conducting rigorous, multidisciplinary research with direct relevance to U.S. families and federal service systems.
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BPA Call Order Exceeding $20,000 Synopsis Requisition 1174715The USDA Forest Service is issuing a synopsis to notify interested parties of its intent to award a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) Call Order exceeding $20,000 for archaeological and cultural heritage services under the BPA series numbered 12444222A0011-12444222A0017, 12444222A0018-12444222A0024, and 12444222A0026. This procurement is specifically for heritage survey work at the Bogus Ridge Mena-Oden RD location within the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas. The solicitation is restricted to the thirteen pre-approved contractors currently authorized under the existing BPA series and does not constitute a competitive request for proposals; no new submissions will be accepted or evaluated. The requirement is set aside entirely for small businesses under the SBA Total Small Business Set-Aside provision, with the NAICS code 541720. The posting date is July 13, 2026, with a response deadline of July 22, 2026, and the award will be processed through the Office of the USDA Forest Service in Atlanta, Georgia, with performance taking place in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas.
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NAICS: 541720
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BPA Call Order Exceeding $20,000 Synopsis Requisition # 1175194The USDA Forest Service is issuing a special notice for a BPA Call Order exceeding $20,000 under the Land Management Integrated Resources Blanket Purchase Agreement (LMIR BPA) to procure archaeological survey services for the Ouachita National Forest’s Mena/Oden Ranger District in Arkansas. This action is mandated by USDA Acquisition Regulation to publicly disclose intent to award a call order against the existing national LMIR BPA, which is available to all federal agencies and includes a broad range of professional and natural resource services. The requirement is restricted to the 36 pre-approved companies currently on the LMIR BPA, with the request for proposals being sent directly via email to those entities; no public submissions are being solicited at this stage. The procurement is structured as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 541720, ensuring eligibility only for small businesses registered on the BPA. The call order will be competitively awarded among the qualified BPA holders, with the technical point of contact being Christopher Hamilton and the contracting officer being Amelia Davila-Garcia. Responses are due by July 28, 2026, and the notice was posted on SAM.gov on July 13, 2026, under solicitation number 12443926Q0169. Companies not currently on the LMIR BPA cannot respond to this call order but may apply for inclusion during the annual onboarding window from October 1 to October 31, using solicitation number 12363N23Q4023 on SAM.gov or by contacting the LMIR BPA team for instructions. Performance will occur in Mena, Arkansas, with the office located in Atlanta, Georgia.
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NAICS: 541720
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BPA Call Order Exceeding $20,000 Synopsis Requisition 1174160The USDA Forest Service is preparing to award a BPA Call Order exceeding $20,000 for archaeological and cultural heritage services under the existing multiple-award BPA series spanning contracts 12444222A0011 through 12444222A0024 and 12444222A0026. This action pertains specifically to a Heritage Survey covering 874 acres at the Polk Creek site within the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, near Caddo-Wobble Road. The solicitation is restricted to the thirteen pre-approved contractors currently holding the BPA, and no new proposals are being sought; this notice serves only as a formal synopsis of intent to award under simplified procedures per USDA policy. The requirement is set aside entirely for small businesses as defined by the SBA, with the NAICS code 541720 applied to classify the nature of the services. The call order will be issued against the established BPA without competitive re-proposal, and no evaluations or feedback will be provided to vendors in response to this notice. The action is managed by the Csa East 1 Usda-Fs office based in Atlanta, Georgia, with performance taking place at Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, 71901. The synopsis was posted on July 13, 2026, with a response deadline of July 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. No point of contact is listed for inquiries, and the procurement does not constitute a solicitation for new bids or an open competition. Participation is limited exclusively to the existing BPA holders who meet the eligibility criteria for this specific task under the small business set-aside classification.
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NAICS: 541720
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R702--Study for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Outcomes of Military Exposures EpidemiologyThe Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a contractor to conduct a longitudinal study on the long-term health outcomes of Post-9/11 Veterans through the Health Outcomes of Military Exposures Epidemiology Program. This three-year effort, running from August 3, 2026, to August 2, 2029, will follow up on two previously established cohorts of veterans—those who deployed after 9/11 and those who served during the same period but did not deploy—and will expand the sample to include service members with service after June 2015. The contractor will manage a large-scale survey cycle involving a pilot study of 100 individuals and a primary data collection effort targeting up to 109,000 veterans through web and computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) methods. All services are performed at the contractor’s location with weekly virtual meetings held with VA’s HOME program. The work includes not only data collection but also complex statistical analyses using SAS, SPSS, or SQL software, resulting in white papers, technical reports, and three specialized methods and techniques papers. The contractor must also develop accessible educational and informational materials—fact sheets, websites, smartphone apps, and brochures—that are 508 compliant, available in both English and Spanish, and written at an 8th grade reading level using plain language. The contract is structured as a Firm Fixed Price, with performance divided into four line items covering project management, data collection and reporting, and educational materials development, each spanning 36 months. Payment will be made monthly in arrears via electronic funds transfer, with strict invoicing requirements including TIN, contract number, line item details, and shipping documentation. The contractor is subject to multiple Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses including those on commercial services, labor standards, security prohibitions, and DEI discrimination, with deviations applied for certain clauses such as the Service Contract Labor Standards and Security Prohibitions. A Business Associate Agreement under VA Handbook 1605.05 is mandatory due to the handling of protected health information, and the contractor must comply with VA-specific requirements for personnel vetting, safeguarding controlled unclassified information, and reporting data breaches with potential liquidated damages. Compliance with laws regarding procurement integrity, kickbacks, contracting hours, and trafficking in persons is required, along with detailed project deliverables including a Project Management Plan, Quality Control Plan, and Risk Management Register. The source selection is based on a comparative evaluation without numerical ratings or
245-NETWORK Contract Office 5 (36C245)

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