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NAICS 541715, industry

NAICS 541715: Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology)

NAICS 541715 is the industry code for research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology). Use it on loan applications, tax forms and registrations. Explore financing for professional services and start your application when you are ready.

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What 541715 covers

This code covers research and experimental development in physical sciences, engineering and life sciences other than nanotech and biotech. Aerospace, defense, electronics, energy, materials, medical device and computer science research labs commonly use it. SBA applies higher employee standards for certain aircraft, space vehicle and guided missile work.

Included in this code

  • Aerospace and defense R&D
  • Electronics and semiconductor research
  • Energy and battery R&D
  • Materials science research
  • Medical device R&D
  • Agricultural and life sciences research
  • Computer science and AI research

Not this code

Businesses that use 541715

Defense research contractorBattery technology developerMedical device R&D companyAerospace prototype lab

Financing for this trade

R&D firms here rely on SBIR and STTR awards, government contract financing and receivables lines against agency invoices, equipment financing for test and lab gear, and SBA 7(a) or 504 loans for facilities. Lenders review contract backlog, prime versus subcontract status, DCAA compliant accounting and cash runway.

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Is 541715 the right code for an engineering or physical sciences R&D company?

Yes, if your main activity is original research and experimental development in engineering, physical sciences or life sciences outside biotech and nanotech. Defense and aerospace R&D contractors, battery and energy developers and medical device developers commonly use 541715. Routine product testing belongs in 541380, and engineering design for clients belongs in 541330.

What is the SBA size standard for 541715?

SBA sets the size standard for 541715 at 1,000 employees, based on average headcount over the past 24 months and counting affiliates. Physical, engineering and life sciences R&D firms at or under that figure qualify as small businesses for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, SBIR and STTR awards and federal small business set asides. Revenue does not matter for this test, only headcount.

How do R&D contractors finance government work?

Many fund operations with SBIR and STTR awards, then use receivables lines or factoring against federal invoices and equipment loans for lab and test gear. SBA 7(a) and 504 loans cover facilities. Lenders look at funded backlog, contract type, compliant accounting systems and how long cash lasts between awards.

What does NAICS 541715 cover?

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences (except nanotechnology and biotechnology). Industry level code in NAICS 2022, under 54 Professional, scientific, and technical services, 541 Professional, scientific, and technical services, 5417 Scientific research and development services, 54171 Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences.

What financing do NAICS 541715 businesses use?

Equipment financing, working capital, SBA loans and invoice factoring are the products placed most for professional services businesses. Start an application and the AI matches the deal to lenders that fund this code.

Where do I put NAICS 541715?

On the SBA loan application, on federal Schedule C or Form 1120, on SAM.gov and state registrations, and on most lender applications. A business can report more than one code; use this one if it describes what produces most of your revenue.