PSC B518

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) system standardizes how the U.S. federal government classifies purchased goods and services so contract actions can be consistently recorded, searched, and analyzed for spend reporting across systems such as FPDS. The PSC Manual, maintained by GSA, provides the official structure and guidance for selecting the appropriate code on each action. It also delineates how PSCs differ from NAICS and where PSCs are captured in FPDS for reporting. ¹

Within the Special Studies/Analysis (not R&D) family, B518 denotes “Special Studies/Analysis – Geophysical.” Agencies assign this PSC when the predominant requirement is a non‑R&D analytical study in the geophysical domain, enabling accurate categorization and downstream reporting in FPDS. Typical uses include analytical assessments, modeling, or synthesis of geophysical data where a report or analysis is the principal deliverable, not equipment purchase or construction. ¹

What this PSC covers

• Non‑R&D special studies and analyses with a geophysical focus performed for federal agencies. ¹
• Work categorized under the PSC “B5” Special Studies/Analysis group, distinct from research and development codes. ¹
• Assignments where the analytical study or report is the primary deliverable, not construction, design, or equipment. ¹
• Use when geophysical analysis is the predominant service on the contract action being reported. ¹
• Classification for FPDS reporting to indicate “what” was bought at the task/order or award level. ¹
• Distinction from neighboring PSCs covering geological, geotechnical, or seismological studies. ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	B517	Special Studies/Analysis – Geological 1
PSC	B519	Special Studies/Analysis – Geotechnical 1
PSC	B530	Special Studies/Analysis – Seismological 1

Neighboring PSC distinctions

• B517: Geological studies emphasize earth materials and processes; selection depends on the predominant subject of the study versus geophysical methods. ¹
• B519: Geotechnical studies typically address engineering properties for design/support; use when geotechnical analysis is predominant rather than broader geophysical analysis. ¹
• B530: Seismological studies focus on seismic phenomena; select when seismic analysis predominates instead of broader geophysical scope. ¹

Reporting notes for FPDS/SAM.gov users

• PSCs identify “what” was bought and are entered in FPDS data element 8A; select based on the predominant product/service on the action. ¹
• Environmental attributes, when applicable, are reported under FPDS data element 8L; service acquisitions report attributes based on the predominant requirement. ¹
• Category B codes are for Special Studies/Analysis and are explicitly “Not R&D”; R&D actions use Section A research codes. ¹

Frequently asked questions

• What does B518 represent?
  It is the PSC for “Special Studies/Analysis – Geophysical” within Category B (Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D). Agencies use it when the primary requirement is a non‑R&D geophysical analytical effort, such as interpretation, modeling, or synthesis of geophysical data where the analysis/report is the deliverable. ¹

• How is B518 different from B517 and B530?
  The manual lists distinct PSCs: B517 (Geological), B518 (Geophysical), and B530 (Seismological). Choose the code that best matches the predominant subject area of the study—geology, geophysics, or seismology—as reflected by these descriptors. ¹

• Are there official examples or inclusions/exclusions for B518?
  Not specified by official sources. ²

• Where is the PSC captured for reporting?
  PSC is recorded in FPDS as data element 8A, which identifies the product or service purchased. The awarding agency selects the PSC based on the predominant requirement for each action, consistent with the PSC Manual’s FPDS guidance. ¹

• Is there an official tool that helps with PSC selection?
  DoD’s DPCAP PSC Selection Tool (psctool.us) provides a government PSC lookup and selection aid that can support choosing the correct code, and it complements the PSC Manual’s definitions. Agencies should still confirm final selection against the manual. ³

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC B518: https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/B518
• Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual — April 2025 edition (PDF). ¹
• PSC Manual landing page (latest files and SOP). ²
• DPCAP PSC Selection Tool (psctool.us). ³

References

1. GSA, Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual, April 2025 edition (PDF), including FPDS reporting guidance and code list entries for B517–B530: https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. Acquisition.gov, Product and Service Code Manual resource page (current and archived editions, SOP): https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
3. DPCAP Product Service Code Selection Tool (psctool.us) — government PSC lookup/selection utility: https://www.psctool.us/apidocs