Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities
Size Standard: 750 employees
NAICS code 541720 covers Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities, addressing government needs for social science research and analysis. This industry includes establishments primarily engaged in conducting research in social sciences and humanities, including psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and related fields.
Government agencies rely heavily on social science research to inform policy decisions, evaluate program effectiveness, and understand social issues. This includes survey research, behavioral studies, policy analysis, program evaluation, and demographic research. Agencies across government fund social science research to support evidence-based policymaking.
Contractors under NAICS 541720 provide services including survey design and administration, statistical analysis, behavioral research, policy research, program evaluation, and social science methodology support. The government's increasing focus on evidence-based policy has expanded opportunities in this space.
The 750-employee size standard allows research organizations of various sizes to qualify as small businesses. Academic institutions, think tanks, and specialized research firms all compete for these contracts. Expertise in specific social science methodologies and past performance on similar research is critical.
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Department of Education
- Census Bureau
- Department of Labor
- Survey Research and Analysis
- Program Evaluation Studies
- Policy Research and Analysis
- Behavioral Research
- Statistical Analysis Services
These certifications can help you compete for set-aside contracts under NAICS 541720:
What research activities use NAICS code 541720?
NAICS 541720 covers social science and humanities research including psychology, sociology, economics, political science, survey research, policy analysis, and program evaluation.
What is the size standard for NAICS 541720?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 541720 is 750 employees, allowing research organizations of various sizes to qualify as small businesses.
How is NAICS 541720 different from 541715?
NAICS 541715 covers physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences research, while 541720 covers social sciences and humanities. 541720 includes survey research, behavioral studies, and policy research.
Which agencies fund the most NAICS 541720 research?
NSF and NIH fund substantial social science research. Census Bureau, Department of Education, Department of Labor, and other agencies also fund social science research to support their missions.
What qualifications help win NAICS 541720 contracts?
Advanced degrees in social sciences, published research, IRB experience, survey methodology expertise, statistical analysis capabilities, and prior federal research experience are valued.
Businesses below this threshold in average annual receipts qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts.
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