The PSC code AC21 encompasses National Defense Research and Development Services specifically related to Atomic Energy Defense Activities and Basic Research. This category covers fundamental scientific research efforts aimed at advancing knowledge in nuclear science and technology to support national defense objectives. It includes exploratory and theoretical research projects that provide foundational insights and innovations necessary for atomic energy defense applications. Government agencies utilize this PSC to procure research services that contribute to the long-term development of defense capabilities and nuclear technologies, often contracting with universities, national laboratories, and specialized research institutions.

Typical Buyers & Agencies for PSC AC21

The primary buyers for PSC AC21 include the Department of Energy (DOE), particularly its National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and affiliated agencies involved in nuclear weapons research and national security. These agencies fund projects that advance atomic energy technologies and foundational defense research to ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of the United States' nuclear deterrent and related defense systems. Research entities supporting these agencies often receive contracts under this PSC to develop new scientific knowledge and technologies.

Common Contract Types for PSC AC21

Contracts awarded under AC21 typically include cost-reimbursement, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and other research-oriented contract types that accommodate the uncertainties inherent in basic scientific research. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding, sole-source awards to specialized laboratories, and cooperative agreements with academic institutions. These contracts support long-term research projects with flexible scopes to allow for innovation and discovery, often with milestones tied to research objectives rather than deliverable products.

Plain-Language Breakdown for PSC AC21

Covers basic research services related to atomic energy and national defense.
Primarily used by DOE, NNSA, and DoD for nuclear defense research.
Supports fundamental scientific studies essential for defense technology development.
Contracts are typically cost-reimbursement to accommodate research uncertainties.
Often awarded to specialized laboratories and academic institutions.
Aligned with NAICS codes 541712, 541710, and 541330 for research and engineering services.

Related Categories for PSC AC21

Other categories at the same level as AC21

AC11 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH

AC12 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH

AC13 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AC14 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

AC15 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

AC22 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH

AC23 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AC24 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

AC25 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

AC31 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; BASIC RESEARCH

AC32 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; APPLIED RESEARCH

AC33 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AC34 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

AC35 NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

View details for NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SVCS; DEFENSE-RELATED ACTIVITIES; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

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