Key takeaways
- NAICS 541715 covers research and experimental development in the physical, engineering and life sciences.
- The SBA size standard is 1,000 employees.
- Federal agencies awarded $48.41B in this code in FY 2025, and small businesses won $11.16B, or 23.1%.
NAICS 541715 at a glance
| Fact | 541715 |
|---|---|
| NAICS code | 541715 |
| Title | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) |
| SBA size standard | 1,000 employees |
| Exception | For aircraft, aircraft parts and space vehicles: 1,250 to 1,500 employees |
| Proposed standard (Aug. 2026) | See proposed rule (not in effect) |
| Federal awards, FY 2025 | $48.41B |
| Small-business awards, FY 2025 | $11.16B (23.1%) |
| Rank by small-business dollars | 4 of the top 15 codes |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau NAICS manual; SBA Table of Small Business Size Standards, 13 CFR 121.201; GovSpend analysis of FPDS data, May 27, 2026. Confirm any size determination with the SBA size tool.
What NAICS 541715 covers
This industry comprises businesses primarily engaged in research and experimental development in the physical, engineering and life sciences.
Size standard for 541715
A company qualifies as small under NAICS 541715 if its average employment is 1,000 employees or fewer, counting affiliates. Exceptions for aircraft, aircraft parts and space vehicles: 1,250 to 1,500 employees.
In August 2026, the SBA proposed new size standards that may affect this code. The proposal is not in effect. See our SBA size standards guide.
Federal spending in 541715
Federal agencies awarded $48.41B in contracts under NAICS 541715 in fiscal 2025, and $11.16B, or 23.1%, went to small businesses. That ranks 541715 No. 4 among NAICS codes by small-business dollars, according to GovSpend's analysis of FPDS data. See the full ranking of top NAICS codes for government contracts.
How to win contracts in 541715
- List the code in SAM.gov. Add 541715 to your registration if it describes work you do, and choose a primary code for your main business; see our SAM registration guide.
- Search by code. Filter SAM.gov contract opportunities and agency procurement forecasts by 541715 to find recurring buyers.
- Study past awards. Look at which agencies, contract vehicles and incumbents dominate the code before you pursue it.
- Target the right agencies. Our federal agency guides cover budgets, buying components and forecasts for 23 agencies.
- Look beyond federal. States, cities, counties and school districts buy the same services; see our state government guides.
How KSG helps
Kensington Sales Group's SDRs book meetings with public agencies across Federal, SLED, K-12 & Higher Ed, Healthcare, Tribal, Special Districts and Utilities. We find the program offices and buyers that spend in NAICS 541715 and get you in front of them before solicitations drop. See how our federal sales development works.