Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology): NAICS 541715
Browse federal contract opportunities classified under NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)). Find active solicitations on SAM.gov, understand size standards, and discover set-aside opportunities for your business.
About NAICS 541715
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). This industry falls under the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector (NAICS codes beginning with 54).
Federal agencies use NAICS code 541715 when posting contract opportunities on SAM.gov to classify the type of work being solicited. Businesses that operate in the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) space should include this code in their SAM.gov registration and capability statements to ensure they appear in relevant searches.
How to Use NAICS 541715 in Federal Contracting
To compete for federal contracts under NAICS 541715, your business should be registered in SAM.gov with this NAICS code listed in your entity profile. When agencies post solicitations for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) work, they reference this code to determine the applicable small business size standard and any set-aside eligibility.
If you hold certifications such as 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or WOSB, you may be eligible for set-aside contracts under this NAICS code. These set-asides limit competition to certified small businesses, giving you a significant advantage in winning federal work.
FedOverwatch monitors SAM.gov daily and can automatically match you with new opportunities under NAICS 541715. Set up your profile with your NAICS codes and certifications to receive personalized contract alerts.
NAICS 541715 Market Intelligence
Based on 3 years of federal award data from USAspending.gov, the research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology) market has seen 69,716 contract awards totaling $119.5B in value. The median contract size is $367K, with approximately 1,937 new awards per month.
Total Awards (3yr)
69,716
Total Value
$119.5B
Median Contract
$367K
Competitors
6,518
Contract value distribution
30,623 small business awards ($27.3B total value,$271K median)
6,518 companies compete for NAICS 541715 contracts
See who's winning, their award values, and where you fit in the market
Explore CompetitorsSize Standards
The SBA establishes size standards for each NAICS code to define what qualifies as a "small business" for federal contracting purposes. For NAICS 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)), the size standard is based on either average annual receipts or number of employees, depending on the specific industry. Meeting the size standard for your primary NAICS code is required to qualify for small business set-aside contracts.
Visit the SBA Size Standards Table to find the current threshold for NAICS 541715.
Recent NAICS 541715 Opportunities
View all →The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is sponsoring a Proposers Day for the Protein ENGineering (PENG) program. This event aims to inform potential proposers about the program's objectives and encourage collaboration among organizations with relevant expertise. The Proposers Day will take place on August 10, 2026, in Arlington, VA, and will also be available via webcast.
The Department of Defense is procuring continued development and refinement of the Cost Analysis Data Operating Model (CADOM) to ensure service continuity before awarding a follow-on contract. This effort includes the integration, testing, and development of data pipelines and associated architectures over a maximum period of six months. The procurement is RDT&E-funded and does not involve operations and maintenance of mature services.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is seeking information from potential sources for the follow-on procurement of Evaluations, Assessments, and Support Services (EASS) to support the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Langley Research Center. Key requirements include conducting evaluations and assessments of missions and programs, staffing a large number of evaluation panel positions, and providing support services for analyses associated with these evaluations. The procurement aims to engage small businesses and other socioeconomic categories to foster competition and meet the agency's needs.
The Department of Health and Human Services is procuring research related to immune mechanisms of protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis through the IMPAc-TB initiative. This includes the solicitation of proposals to advance understanding in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Amendments have been issued to address questions from potential offerors regarding the solicitation.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the development of compact cold-atom devices and ultra-high Q microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and photonics devices utilizing microscale ultra-high-vacuum systems. This initiative aims to advance research in the physical, engineering, and life sciences, excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology.
The Department of Defense is procuring research and development engineering services through a multiple-award contract exclusively for eligible educational institutions. The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific will issue a Request for Proposals to university faculty and staff, with a focus on supporting various programs and projects over a five-year period. The work will primarily take place at contractor university facilities, with some tasks possibly at government locations.
The Department of Defense is procuring annual preventative maintenance and load testing support for the Combat Maneuver Lab (CML) systems, which include audiovisual, lighting, rigging, and security camera systems. The contractor will perform maintenance tasks and specialized load testing to ensure compliance with industry standards at the DEVCOM Soldier Center in Natick, MA. This contract will span five years with an estimated total value of $50,000.
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