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NAICS Code· 541720

NAICS 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.

217
Active Contracts
$303.9M
Total Obligations (12mo)
374
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
189
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
3
Median Bidders per Award
-79.7%
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$59.7M27
THE MITRE CORPORATION$37.1M11
FORS MARSH GROUP LLC$21.8M17
THE LEWIN GROUP, INC.$18.9M3
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK$17.1M6
AMERICAN INSTITUTES FOR RESEARCH IN THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES$13.6M4
WESTAT, INC.$10.5M5
MATHEMATICA INC.$10.3M2
NEW SOUTH ASSOCIATES, INC.$9.9M11
DELOITTE CONSULTING LLP$6.7M2

Top Agencies

Federal agencies directing the most contract spending toward NAICS 541720.

Department Of Defense123 awards$86.7M
Department Of Health And Human Services37 awards$70.6M
Department Of Commerce11 awards$37.1M
Department Of Education34 awards$29.0M
General Services Administration19 awards$26.1M
Department Of Homeland Security12 awards$9.9M
Department Of Veterans Affairs35 awards$9.2M
Department Of Transportation20 awards$7.8M
National Aeronautics And Space Administration (nasa)6 awards$4.6M
Department Of Commerce (doc)10 awards$4.6M

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 541720, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Moderate Competition

Median 3-5 bidders per reported award. · 36,272 reported awards

Median Bidders

3

Per reported award, all-time

Single-Bid Awards

24%

Share of reported awards with one bidder

10+ Bidder Awards

5%

Share of reported awards with 10+ bidders

Reported Awards

0

92% of 39,494 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
541720This Code
Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Moderate Competition324%
36,27292% of 39,494
54172NAICS Industry
Moderate Competition324%
36,27292% of 39,494
5417Industry Group
Scientific Research and Development Services
Fewer Bidders240%
282,50484% of 338,034
541Subsector
Fewer Bidders249%
2,915,44885% of 3,412,306
54Sector
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Fewer Bidders249%
2,915,44885% of 3,412,306

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 Social Sciences and Humanities, 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

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

Offices of Certified Public Accountants

This U.S. industry comprises establishments of accountants that are certified to audit the accountin...
541211Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

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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--

Recently Posted in Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities

NAICS: 541720
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Addressing Institutional Child Abuse
Solicitation # HHS-OMAS-NOI-26-7571MN26Q00084
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services intends to award a sole-source, firm-fixed-price contract to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study of youth residential programs. The scope of work includes examining the prevalence and causes of child abuse, neglect, and deaths within settings such as therapeutic boarding schools, residential treatment centers, and group homes. The study aims to identify gaps in oversight and data collection, evaluate regulatory practices, and analyze funding sources to expand community-based alternatives. The total period of performance is 108 months, beginning with a 36-month baseline study followed by three optional 24-month tasks. This structure ensures an initial report is issued within three years, with recurring reports every two years for a total of ten years. The project is designed to improve accountability and safeguards for youth in residential care, with a statutory authority expiration date in September 2036.
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NAICS: 541720
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K-12 Schools Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Implementation and State Policy Evaluation Guidance
Solicitation # 70US0926Q70092872
The United States Secret Service intends to award a sole source purchase order to the University of Connecticut to develop research-based guidance for Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) in K-12 schools. The project involves providing recommendations for BTAM implementation and evaluating state policies by leveraging existing research, the National Threat Assessment Center's work, and implementation science. The final deliverable will be a draft practice guide designed to help school and district teams initiate, sustain, and scale BTAM programs. This acquisition is being handled under FAR 13 Simplified Procedures for Noncommercial Acquisitions and is valued below the simplified acquisition threshold. The anticipated award date is September 15, 2026, and the effort falls under NAICS code 541720. This notice serves as a presolicitation for informational purposes and is not a request for competitive bids.
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NAICS: 541720
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Selective Neuroplasticity Intervention Development (Track B: Foundational Science)The Selective Neuroplasticity Intervention Development subcontract, issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under the Department of Defense, focuses on foundational science to enable spatially precise induction of adaptive neuroplasticity within targeted neural systems. The primary objective of this effort is to establish a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms while maintaining high levels of experimental rigor. This opportunity is categorized under NAICS code 541720. It was posted on August 28, 2026, with a response deadline set for October 9, 2026.
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NAICS: 541720
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Report on Semiconductor Sector Services in Australia
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The U.S. Embassy Canberra is seeking a contractor to assess how a crisis in the Taiwan Strait could disrupt Australia’s access to semiconductors and to propose actionable measures to strengthen the resilience of its supply chain. The work will involve conducting tabletop exercises, performing comparative analyses of regional supply chain structures, and engaging directly with industry stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for mitigation. The contractor is expected to deliver a comprehensive report outlining the potential impacts and offering strategic recommendations tailored to Australia’s critical infrastructure and economic interests. The solicitation, numbered 19AS2026Q0030, was posted on August 4, 2026, with a response deadline of September 8, 2026. It falls under NAICS code 541720 for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. The contract is not subject to any set-aside provisions and is open to all eligible offerors. Performance will be based in Canberra, Australia, while the contracting office is located in Washington, D.C. Primary point of contact is Malenereynee Carr, reachable via email or phone, with additional support provided by the GSO Procurement Team. Detailed deliverables and performance standards are outlined in the Statement of Work, Section 1, Block 20.
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NAICS: 541720
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EdUSA AI & Quantum Technologies Initiative in Australia
Solicitation # 19AS2026Q0032
The U.S. Embassy Canberra, under the Department of State, is seeking a contractor for the EdUSA AI and Quantum Technologies Initiative in Australia under solicitation number 19AS2026Q0032. The primary objective of this program is to strengthen bilateral STEM collaboration and promote the United States as a premier destination for advanced study in AUKUS-aligned emerging technologies. The selected contractor will be responsible for designing and delivering an education program that includes ten sessions of quantum technology courses for both students and teachers, as well as a culminating symposium. This solicitation was posted on August 28, 2026, with a response deadline of September 8, 2026. The work will be performed in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, and falls under NAICS code 541720. The procurement process includes a pre-quotation conference and specific evaluation criteria as outlined in the request for quotations. While an amendment A0001 was issued, it did not extend the closing date of the solicitation. Primary contact for this initiative is Malenereynee Carr.
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NAICS: 541720
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External Evaluation Services - RFP 16849
Solicitation # RFP-127344
Horizon Behavioral Health is seeking proposals from qualified independent evaluators to provide comprehensive evaluation services for its SAMHSA Community Programs for Outreach and Intervention with Youth and Young Adults at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis grant. The selected partner will be responsible for supporting implementation, performance measurement, continuous quality improvement, and federal reporting, as well as assessing process, fidelity, and outcomes over a four-year project period. This solicitation, identified as RFP-127344, was posted on August 28, 2026, with a response deadline of September 15, 2026. The services will be performed in Lynchburg, Virginia, and interested parties should coordinate with the point of contact, Elizabeth Smith, regarding their submissions.
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NAICS: 541720
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Engagement Support for Native American Culture Beneficial Uses Project
Solicitation # 26-031-110
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NAICS: 541720
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RFP No. 26-2995-8LOC for Community Corrections & Recovery Court Recidivism Study
Solicitation # RFP-127340
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NAICS: 541720
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Consultant Services for a 5-Year Evaluation of the Library Services and Technology Act Grant Program
Solicitation # DOS-RFP-26/27-035
The Florida Department of State, through its Division of Library and Information Services, is soliciting consultant services to conduct a comprehensive five-year evaluation of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Program. The contract requires the selection of a vendor to deliver four key milestones: research and data analysis of LSTA projects due by August 31, 2026; a statewide needs assessment of Florida’s libraries through surveys, focus groups, and interviews due by October 31, 2026; an initial draft of the five-year evaluation due by November 30, 2026; and the final comprehensive evaluation due by January 31, 2027. The work must be performed entirely within Florida and requires a single point of contact, rigorous project management, and documentation of all task completions. The engagement is structured as a fixed-price contract with no cost overruns permitted; pricing for each deliverable is capped at 30% of the total award, though the overall contract value is not specified. Proposals must be submitted in three distinct sections—administrative, technical, and price—following precise formatting and submission rules, including hard copies, sealed pricing envelopes, and electronic PDFs on CD or USB drive. The evaluation process is points-based, awarding a maximum of 104 points across six weighted factors: methodology (18 points), consulting experience with state agencies (18 points), project plan and schedule (18 points), prior project samples (22 points), price (10 points), and team qualifications (18 points). Responsiveness to the Statement of Work (Attachment B) is a mandatory pass/fail gate; failure to meet these technical requirements disqualifies a proposal. Compliance with numerous Florida statutes and administrative codes is required, including adherence to E-Verify for all new hires, prohibition of coercion in labor practices, and full transparency under Florida’s Public Records Law. Contractors must register with the Florida Department of State, certify they are not debarred, maintain a drug-free workplace, submit conflict of interest disclosures, and provide proof of business legitimacy and tax registration. All deliverables are subject to a 1% daily deduction for late submission, and the state’s payment obligation is contingent upon legislative appropriations. The contract includes provisions for termination for cause, convenience, public records noncompliance, or E-Verify violations, and all materials, including packaging, become state property. Proposals must be submitted via sealed physical or courier delivery by August
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NAICS: 541720
Awarded
Federal
Archaeological Curation Services (FY26/27), Southwestern Division
Solicitation # W912P926FA182
W07V Endist St Louis

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NAICS: 541720
New
Federal
Wayne National Forest, Phase 1 Heritage/Archeology Surveys
Solicitation # 12444726Q0075
Solicitation 12444726Q0075 is a firm-fixed-price request for quotations for Phase I heritage and cultural resources inventory survey services on approximately 1,000 acres of the Wayne National Forest in Ohio. This total small business set-aside falls under NAICS code 541720, Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, with a size standard of 28 million dollars. The primary objective is to locate and identify cultural resources over 50 years old across 34 discrete survey units in the Athens and Marietta Units and the Ironton Ranger District to ensure compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 and the Archaeological Resource Protection Act. The contractor is responsible for conducting background research, performing field surveys, analyzing artifacts, and preparing draft and final reports in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archeology and Ohio Historic Preservation Office guidelines. Key personnel, specifically the Principal Investigator and Field Director, must meet professional qualification standards. Award will be based on the best value, evaluating technical approach, experience with at least two similar projects exceeding 10,000 dollars, and pricing. Deliverables include a final survey report submitted within 45 calendar days of receiving draft comments. All work must comply with the Service Contract Act and the applicable forestry wage determinations for Ohio.
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NAICS: 541720
New
Federal
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE MANDATORY CENTER OF EXPERTISE FOR THE CURATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL COLLECTIONS (MCX CMAC)
Solicitation # W912P926Q1003
The Department of Defense, through the W07V Endist St Louis office, has issued solicitation W912P926Q1003 for the Mandatory Center of Expertise for the Curation and Management of Archaeological Collections at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. This requirement falls under NAICS code 541720 and is managed by the primary point of contact, Angie Grimes. The solicitation was posted on August 27, 2026, with a response deadline of September 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Interested parties can find further details and submission guidelines through the provided government portals.
W07V Endist St Louis

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