PSC B542

Overview

The Product and Service Code (PSC) system categorizes what the U.S. government buys so contracting data can be consistently recorded, searched, and analyzed across FPDS and SAM.gov. The PSC structure and definitions are maintained in the official PSC Manual issued by GSA. These codes are entered in FPDS to identify the predominant product or service bought on each action, enabling standardized reporting. ¹

PSC B542 is a Services category code under “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D.” The official descriptor is “Special Studies/Analysis – Educational,” meaning it applies when the principal deliverable is an education-focused study or analysis rather than delivery of instruction or training. Category B is explicitly non-R&D, and B542 is listed among the active B5xx topical study codes. ¹

See also on G2X:

• G2X — PSC B542 overview
• G2X — PSC B541 overview
• G2X — PSC B540 overview

What this PSC covers

• Non-R&D “special studies/analysis” where the subject matter is educational. ¹
• Analytical work where the dominant deliverable is a study or report, not training delivery. ¹
• Education-related assessments, evaluations, or reviews may qualify when characterized by analysis rather than instruction. Not specified by official sources ¹
• Use of B-series (Special Studies/Analysis) rather than U-series (Education/Training) when analysis is predominant. ¹
• Coding in FPDS should reflect the predominant service when multiple services exist on an action. ¹
• Education topics may intersect with other B54x topical codes; select the code matching the principal focus. For example, consider B550 if the study is primarily organizational/administrative. ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	B541	Special Studies/Analysis – Defense 1
PSC	B540	Special Studies/Analysis – Building Technology 1
PSC	B543	Special Studies/Analysis – Energy 1

Coding and reporting notes

• FPDS entry: Record the PSC that reflects the predominant service on the action. ¹
• Category boundary: B-series codes are “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D.” Use R&D PSCs only when the objective is research with experimental or developmental intent. ¹
• Update status: The April 2025 PSC Manual lists B542 as an active code. ¹
• SAM.gov search: Opportunities and awards can be searched and filtered by PSC. ³

Frequently asked questions

• What exactly does PSC B542 represent?

  • B542 is the Services code for “Special Studies/Analysis – Educational” within Category B (Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D). Use it when the primary deliverable is an education-focused study or analysis, not the delivery of training or instruction. ¹

• How is B542 different from Education/Training service codes?

  • Category B covers studies and analyses; the Education/Training (U-series) category covers delivery of instruction. Select B542 when analysis predominates and U-series codes when instruction is the principal service being acquired. ¹

• Is B542 tied to a specific NAICS code?

  • Not specified by official sources ¹

• Is B542 considered research and development?

  • No. Category B codes are explicitly “Special Studies/Analysis, Not R&D.” Use an R&D PSC only when work is intended to create new knowledge or technology with experimental or developmental objectives. ¹

• How can contracting and award records coded B542 be found?

  • SAM.gov supports searches and filters by PSC. Use the PSC filter to locate opportunities and awards coded B542, and refine by agency, place of performance, or set-aside as needed. ³

Useful resources

• Product and Service Code Manual (April 2025), official listing and category definitions. ¹
• PSC Manual Archives (prior editions). ²
• SAM.gov Help: finding opportunities and awards by PSC. ³

References

1. Product and Service Code Manual (April 2025), Acquisition.gov: https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. PSC Manual Archives, Acquisition.gov: https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual/archives
3. SAM.gov Help: https://sam.gov/help