Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities — NAICS 541720
Browse federal contract opportunities classified under NAICS code 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities). Find active solicitations on SAM.gov, understand size standards, and discover set-aside opportunities for your business.
About NAICS 541720
Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities. This industry falls under the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector (NAICS codes beginning with 54).
Federal agencies use NAICS code 541720 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 social sciences and humanities space should include this code in their SAM.gov registration and capability statements to ensure they appear in relevant searches.
How to Use NAICS 541720 in Federal Contracting
To compete for federal contracts under NAICS 541720, 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 social sciences and humanities 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 541720. Set up your profile with your NAICS codes and certifications to receive personalized contract alerts.
NAICS 541720 Market Intelligence
Based on 3 years of federal award data from USAspending.gov, the research and development in the social sciences and humanities market has seen 2,721 contract awards totaling $3.3B in value. The median contract size is $248K, with approximately 76 new awards per month.
Total Awards (3yr)
2,721
Total Value
$3.3B
Median Contract
$248K
Competitors
572
Contract value distribution
962 small business awards ($325.5M total value,$135K median)
572 companies compete for NAICS 541720 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 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), 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 541720.
Recent NAICS 541720 Opportunities
View all →The Department of Education is procuring research and development services under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB program for the year 2026. The key requirements include innovative projects that address educational challenges and demonstrate potential for commercialization.
The Department of Defense is seeking research and development proposals through a Broad Agency Announcement. This opportunity is aimed at advancing technology and capabilities in various defense-related areas, with a focus on innovative solutions that meet specific military needs.
The Department of Defense is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement for the Defense Logistics Agency to solicit proposals for innovative research and development projects. The announcement invites submissions from various organizations to address specific challenges and enhance logistics capabilities, with a focus on advanced technologies and solutions.
The Department of Education is procuring innovative research and development projects under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IA program for 2026. This initiative aims to support small businesses in developing new technologies and solutions that address educational challenges. Key requirements include the submission of proposals that demonstrate the potential for commercialization and impact in the education sector.
The Department of Education is procuring research and development services through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II program for 2026. This initiative aims to support small businesses in developing innovative solutions that address educational challenges. Key requirements include the demonstration of technological innovation and the potential for commercialization.
The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division is procuring research and development services to advance training systems technology for the U.S. Navy, requiring innovative solutions in simulation, modeling, and human-systems integration with a focus on operational readiness and scalability.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is procuring historical documentation and data related to the Detroit River Inland Waterway to support long-term infrastructure planning and environmental assessments, requiring comprehensive archival research and verification of 25 years of operational, hydrographic, and regulatory records.
The U.S. Maritime Administration is commissioning a study to analyze the economic impact of the International Maritime Organization's Net Zero Framework, focusing on its policy mechanisms and economic consequences for the United States. The study will evaluate various aspects such as global GHG pricing proposals, emissions trading systems, and technology mandates, while quantifying impacts and providing recommendations to mitigate economic burdens. Proposals are due by June 3, 2026, and must be submitted via email to specified contacts.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration is commissioning a study to analyze the economic impacts of the International Maritime Organization’s Net Zero Framework on U.S. shipping, trade, and energy markets, evaluating policy mechanisms such as GHG pricing, emissions trading, fuel mandates, and compliance regimes to quantify cost effects on U.S. flagged vessels, import/export competitiveness, and regional industries while recommending policy safeguards and analytical metrics for U.S. negotiators.
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