PSC B525
Overview
The Product and Service Code (PSC) system is a federal standardized taxonomy for classifying what the government buys, enabling consistent reporting in FPDS and related procurement systems. Codes and definitions are maintained through the PSC Manual on Acquisition.gov to support spend tracking, analysis, and governmentwide category management. 1
Within Section C: Service Codes, Category B5 “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D,” PSC B525 is titled “Special Studies/Analysis—Natural Resource.” The manual provides the descriptor without additional scope notes; further scope details are not specified by official sources. 1
See also on G2X:
What this PSC covers
- Non‑R&D special studies and analyses focused on natural resource subject matter under Category B5. 1
- Study/analysis services recorded under Section C (Services) of the PSC structure. 1
- Intended for analytic outputs; detailed scope distinctions beyond the descriptor are not specified by official sources. 1
- Practical use: when the work is framed broadly as “natural resource” analysis rather than a single dominant subtopic; selection guidance beyond descriptors is not specified by official sources. 1
- For narrowly defined topics, the manual lists targeted PSCs such as B533 (Water Quality), B532 (Soil), and B534 (Wildlife). 1
- Distinct from environmental assessments coded under B510, which expressly covers environmental assessment studies. 1
Related NAICS and PSC codes
Related PSCs per the PSC Manual listing for Category B5 “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D.” 1
| Type | Code | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| PSC | B510 | Special Studies/Analysis — Environmental Assessments |
| PSC | B533 | Special Studies/Analysis — Water Quality |
| PSC | B532 | Special Studies/Analysis — Soil |
| PSC | B534 | Special Studies/Analysis — Wildlife |
FPDS reporting context
- Agencies record the PSC in FPDS data element 8A; environmental attributes (if applicable) are reported in element 8L per FPDS user guidance. 3
- The PSC Manual emphasizes selecting the PSC that matches the predominant purpose of the contract action when multiple supplies/services are involved. 1
- FPDS ezSearch can be used to review past awards associated with a given PSC for market research and spend analysis. 3
Choosing among B5‑series study codes
- The B5 series contains topical study/analysis PSCs (e.g., B510, B532, B533, B534); select the descriptor that most precisely aligns to the principal purpose. 1
- When work involves broad natural‑resources analysis without a single dominant subtopic, B525 is the general natural resource study/analysis option; detailed selection criteria beyond descriptors are not specified by official sources. 1
Frequently asked questions
-
What exactly does PSC B525 represent?
In the PSC Manual’s Section C, Category B5, B525 is titled “Special Studies/Analysis—Natural Resource” and is classified as not R&D. The manual provides the descriptor but no additional scope notes or examples. 1 -
When should B525 be used instead of B533 or B534?
Use the most specific descriptor matching the principal purpose. If the study focuses on water quality or wildlife, select B533 or B534. If the scope is general natural resources analysis, use B525. Detailed selection rules are not specified by official sources. 1 -
Is there an official NAICS crosswalk specifically for B525?
Not specified by official sources. The PSC Manual lists descriptors and categories but does not provide NAICS pairings within the manual itself. 1 -
How is B525 captured in FPDS reporting?
PSCs are recorded in FPDS data element 8A. When applicable, environmental attributes are captured in element 8L, and users can reference FPDS help for definitions and field guidance. 3 -
Has B525 changed in the most recent manual?
The April 2025 edition lists B525 under Category B5 with the same descriptor. Additional change history is not specified by official sources. 1
Useful resources
- G2X — PSC B525 overview
- Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual — April 2025 (PDF). 1
- Product and Service Code Manual library (current and archives). 2
- FPDS ezSearch help and user materials. 3
References
- Acquisition.gov — PSC Manual April 2025 (PDF): https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
- Acquisition.gov — Product and Service Code Manual library: https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
- FPDS — Help and ezSearch guidance: https://www.fpds.gov/help/index.jsp
Active Federal Contract Opportunities for PSC B525
Browse recently posted federal contract opportunities for PSC B525 — SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- NATURAL RESOURCE.
Last updated Jan 8, 2026. For real-time data, visit the G2X GovCon Growth Platform.
Recent Federal Contract Opportunities
Most recent federal contracting opportunities for PSC B525
Recent Contract Awards for PSC B525
Recent federal contract awards for PSC B525. View winning contractors and award amounts.
Last updated Jan 8, 2026. For real-time data, visit the G2X GovCon Growth Platform.
Recent Contract Awards
Most recent federal contract awards for PSC B525
Recent Contract Vehicle Awards for PSC B525
Contract Vehicles for PSC B525 — SPECIAL STUDIES/ANALYSIS- NATURAL RESOURCE.
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Recent Contract Vehicle Awards
Indefinite Delivery Vehicles (IDVs) for PSC B525