PSC B524

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) system is a standardized classification used by the U.S. federal government to identify the products and services it buys, enabling consistent reporting, analysis, and oversight across procurement data systems. PSCs are applied to awards reported in FPDS and used throughout SAM.gov procurement workflows; the code set and guidance are maintained in the Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual issued by GSA. ¹

Within Category B (Special Studies/Analysis, not R&D), B524 denotes “Special Studies/Analysis – Mathematical/Statistical.” Agencies use B524 when the predominant requirement is a discrete, non-R&D study or analysis relying on mathematical or statistical methods (e.g., modeling, estimation, or quantitative assessment), as opposed to ongoing professional support services or research and development. Selection of the PSC should follow the manual’s instruction to code the predominant service performed. ²

What this PSC covers

• Non-R&D special studies that apply mathematical techniques to examine a defined question or problem. ²
• Non-R&D special studies that apply statistical techniques (e.g., inference, estimation, or descriptive statistics) to a defined question or problem. ²
• Standalone quantitative analyses culminating in findings, conclusions, or recommendations rather than ongoing advisory support. ²
• Analytic modeling, forecasting, or quantitative assessments performed as a discrete study effort. ²
• Deliverables primarily consisting of analytical reports, datasets, models, or briefings documenting mathematical/statistical methods and results. ²
• Efforts coded based on the predominant service when multiple activities are present on the same action. ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Related PSCs are listed in the PSC Manual; select the code whose descriptor best matches the predominant focus of the requirement. ²

How B524 differs from adjacent PSCs

• B524 vs. R405: B524 is a special study/analysis (not R&D) using mathematical/statistical methods; R405 is a professional support service for operations research/quantitative analysis, typically ongoing support to a program or mission. ²
• B524 vs. B506: B524 centers on mathematical/statistical analysis; B506 covers studies focused on “Data (Other Than Scientific)” where the emphasis is on data-centric study rather than quantitative methodology. ²
• B524 vs. B529: B524 addresses mathematical/statistical analyses; B529 covers “Scientific Data” studies, which are identified separately in the manual’s Category B listing. ²

FPDS/SAM coding context

• PSC is recorded in FPDS as data element 8A (“Product or Service Code”), which captures what was bought on each reported contract action. ⁴
• Category B codes, including B524, are explicitly “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D,” distinguishing them from R&D categories. ²
• In SAM.gov, opportunities can be searched and filtered by PSC, reflecting how PSCs are used in acquisition planning and market research workflows. ³

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC B524 mean?

  • B524 identifies non-R&D special studies or analyses that primarily use mathematical or statistical methods to answer a defined question. It is appropriate when the requirement culminates in a discrete analytical report, model, dataset, or briefing rather than ongoing support services. Coding should follow the “predominant service” rule. ²

• How is B524 different from R405?

  • B524 covers one-time special studies/analyses using quantitative methods. R405 covers professional support for operations research/quantitative analysis, typically recurring or programmatic in nature. Choose the code that best matches the requirement’s primary purpose: discrete study (B524) versus ongoing support (R405). ²

• Is there an official NAICS crosswalk for B524?

  • Not specified by official sources. ¹ Agencies should select NAICS based on the principal purpose of the work described in the solicitation and statement of work, aligning with the predominant service being performed.

• Does B524 involve R&D?

  • No. Category B is defined as “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D.” If the requirement entails research and development, use the appropriate R&D PSC family rather than B524. The selection should reflect the true nature of the work and expected deliverables. ²

• Where is the PSC entered for reporting?

  • Agencies record PSC in FPDS as data element 8A for each reportable contract action. This drives government-wide reporting and supports downstream analytics; SAM.gov also exposes PSCs in opportunity search and filters to aid market research and planning. ⁴

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC B524 overview
• Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual library. ¹
• PSC Manual April 2025 (current) — official definitions and category listings. ²
• FPDS-NG wiki — data elements overview including PSC (8A). ⁴
• SAM.gov Help — training and videos (search opportunities by NAICS or PSC). ³

References

1. Product and Service Code Manual library, Acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
2. PSC Manual April 2025 (PDF), Acquisition.gov. https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
3. SAM.gov Help (includes “Search opportunities by NAICS or PSC”). https://sam.gov/content/help
4. FPDS-NG wiki: PSC, NAICS and more (data element references). https://www.fpds.gov/wiki/index.php/PSC,_NAICS_and_more