PSC B506

Overview

The Product Service Code system is a government-wide taxonomy used to categorize supplies and services acquired by the U.S. federal government. PSCs enable consistent classification in procurement systems so agencies can track, analyze, and report spending. The PSC structure and definitions are maintained through the official PSC Manual published on Acquisition.gov. ²

PSC B506 is a Service Code under Category B (Special Studies/Analysis, not R&D). It is defined as “Special Studies/Analysis – Data (Other Than Scientific),” and is used when the principal requirement is a discrete, non-scientific data study or analysis. Adjacent codes distinguish specialized scopes such as B529 “Scientific Data” and B524 “Mathematical/Statistical.” ¹

See also on G2X:

• G2X — PSC B506 overview
• G2X — PSC B529 overview
• G2X — PSC B524 overview

What this PSC covers

• Non-scientific data-focused special studies and analyses when the study itself is the principal service. ¹
• Work classified under Special Studies/Analysis that is not research and development (R&D). ¹
• Assignments where data review or assessment is the primary requirement rather than ongoing support services. Not specified by official sources ²
• Efforts that do not primarily involve scientific data, which falls under B529. ¹
• Efforts that are not principally mathematical or statistical studies, which are covered by B524. ¹
• Topic-specific data studies may align to other B5-series codes (for example, regulatory or organizational analyses), depending on the stated objective. Not specified by official sources ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

• Source: PSC Manual April 2025. ¹

Boundary and selection notes

• Use B506 when the requirement’s core is a non-scientific data study/analysis; use B529 when the work centers on scientific data, and B524 for mathematical/statistical studies. ¹
• Apply the “predominant product or service” rule when a requirement contains mixed work; code to the majority of the ultimate contract value. ¹

FPDS reporting notes

• In FPDS, PSC is reported in Element 8A (Product or Service Code); choose the code that best identifies the procured service. ³
• PSCs are defined by the PSC Manual and must be valid active codes for reporting. ³

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC B506 mean?

  • PSC B506 means “Special Studies/Analysis – Data (Other Than Scientific).” It applies when the principal need is a discrete, non-R&D study or analysis centered on non-scientific data, as part of the Special Studies/Analysis family. Adjacent options include B524 and B529. ¹

• How is B506 different from B529?

  • B506 covers non-scientific data studies; B529 is “Scientific Data.” Select based on whether the subject matter and methods are scientific in nature; otherwise, use B506. For statistical methods as the principal focus, consider B524. ¹

• Where is B506 recorded in federal reporting?

  • Agencies report PSCs in FPDS as data element 8A (Product or Service Code). The recorded value must be an active, valid PSC from the official manual to ensure accurate classification and government-wide reporting. Verify the selected code before award entry. ³

• Are official NAICS mappings published for B506?

  • No official, authoritative NAICS crosswalks are published specifically for B506. Agencies determine NAICS based on the principal purpose and industry classification of the requirement, independent of the PSC selection. Not specified by official sources ²

• Does the PSC Manual prescribe deliverables or methods for B506 work (e.g., dashboards, models)?

  • The PSC Manual provides scope titles and descriptions but does not prescribe formats, deliverables, or technical methods for B506 studies. Deliverables and methods should be defined in the solicitation and contract. Not specified by official sources ²

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC B506 overview
• PSC Manual April 2025 (official code definitions and structure). ¹
• Product and Service Code Manual landing page (current and archived PSC resources). ²
• FPDS Help: Glossary (Product or Service Code element). ³
• FPDS Help: PSC reference page. ⁴

References

1. Acquisition.gov — PSC Manual April 2025 (PDF): https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Code Manual: https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
3. FPDS Help — Glossary: https://www.fpds.gov/help/Glossary.htm
4. FPDS Help — PSC page: https://www.fpds.gov/help/PSC.htm