PSC B506: Special Studies/Analysis – Data (Other Than Scientific)

B506 is the product and service code (PSC) federal agencies use for special studies/analysis – data (other than scientific), in the special studies – not r and d group. Here are the contracts open under it now, the NAICS codes it pairs with, and who buys and wins this work.

Open contracts now
1
Spending, FY2026
$285.1 million
Share to small businesses
32%

Open contracts with PSC B506, due soonest

Where B506 sits in the PSC Manual

  • Category: Service
  • Group B: Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D
  • Group B5: Special Studies – Not R and D
  • Code B506: Special Studies/Analysis – Data (Other Than Scientific)

NAICS codes used with PSC B506

The NAICS code on a contract sets the size standard for who counts as small. These are the codes agencies pair with B506 most often:

NAICSIndustrySpent, last 3 years
541720Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities$293.3 million
541611Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services$138.8 million
541330Engineering Services$80.4 million
541990All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services$45.8 million
541512Computer Systems Design Services$33.8 million
541519Other Computer Related Services$33.6 million
541715Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)On 1 open

Who buys under PSC B506

Agencies with the most contract dollars under B506 over the last three fiscal years, per USAspending.gov:

AgencyObligated
Department of Education$282.4 million
Internal Revenue Service$84.6 million
Washington Headquarters Services$67.6 million
Department of the Air Force$45.9 million
Department of Energy$44.1 million
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services$38.1 million
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration$30 million
Food and Drug Administration$19.5 million

Federal spending under PSC B506 by year

Fiscal yearContract obligations
FY2024$234.6 million
FY2025$269.8 million
FY2026$285.1 million
FY2027 (so far)$0

Who wins PSC B506 contracts

CompanyObligated, last 3 years
Educational Testing Service$172.9 million
Westat, Inc.$100.8 million
Asr Analytics, LLC$43.6 million
Technomics Inc$40.5 million
General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc.$32.2 million
Rpi-CSS, LLC$30 million
Excella, LLC$25.3 million
Tecolote Research, Inc.$20.9 million
Research Triangle Institute$20.9 million
Deloitte Consulting LLP$20.4 million

Related PSC codes

  • B502 Special Studies/Analysis – Air Quality
  • B503 Special Studies/Analysis – Archeological/Paleontological
  • B504 Special Studies/Analysis – Chemical/Biological
  • B505 Special Studies/Analysis – Cost Benefit
  • B507 Special Studies/Analysis – Economic
  • B509 Special Studies/Analysis – Endangered Species: Plant/Animal
  • B510 Special Studies/Analysis – Environmental Assessments
  • B513 Special Studies/Analysis – Feasibility (Non – Construction)
  • B516 Special Studies/Analysis – Animal/Fisheries
  • B517 Special Studies/Analysis – Geological

Frequently asked questions

What is PSC B506?

B506 is the service code in the federal Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual for special studies/analysis – data (other than scientific), under B (Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D) and B5 (Special Studies – Not R and D). Agencies put a PSC on every contract to record what they bought.

What is the difference between a PSC and a NAICS code?

A PSC describes what the government is buying. A NAICS code describes the industry of the business doing the work, and it sets the SBA size standard for small business set-asides. Every contract notice has both.

Which NAICS code goes with PSC B506?

Most federal contract dollars under PSC B506 go with NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), according to USAspending.gov. The contracting officer picks the NAICS code for each solicitation, so check the notice.

How do I find contracts that use PSC B506?

Contract opportunities are posted on SAM.gov with their PSC and NAICS codes. 1 open notices use PSC B506 right now. FedReady can match new ones to your business and email you, free.

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