Small business size standards

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

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Reference last updated: Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:14:11 GMT. This is not a regulatory effective date or proof of current eligibility. Verify the applicable standard with SBA.

NAICS 541715

Employee limit: 1000 employees

Small business size standard

Compare your business with the size standard assigned to the solicitation. Check the official source for measurement rules and exceptions.

At a glance

Industry: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)NAICS 541715
Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesNAICS 54
Subsector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical ServicesNAICS 541
Footnote: ["NAICS Codes 541713, 541714 and 541715 -","\"Research and Development\" means laboratory or other physical research and development. It does not include economic, educational, engineering, operations, systems, or other nonphysical research; or computer programming, data processing, commercial and/or \"medical laboratory testing.","For research and development contracts requiring the delivery of a manufactured product, the appropriate size standard is that of the manufacturing industry.","For purposes of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Transfer Technology (STTR) programs, the term ìresearchî or ìresearch and developmentî means any activity which is (A) a systematic, intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the subject studied; (B) a systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet a recognized need; or (C) a systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods, including design, development, and improvement of prototypes and new processes to meet specific requirements. See 15 U.S.C. ß 638(e)(5) and section 3 of the SBIR and STTR policy directives available at www.sbir.gov. For size eligibility requirements for the SBIR and STTR programs, see ß 121.702 of these regulations. ","Research and Development for guided missiles and space vehicles includes evaluations and simulation, and other services requiring thorough knowledge of complete missiles and spacecraft."]

View official source

Source date: Mar 27, 2026

Record identifier

541715