The PSC code AF12 encompasses research and development services specifically related to education, training, employment, and social services. This category focuses on applied research that supports the advancement and improvement of educational methods, workforce training programs, employment strategies, and social service delivery. Government agencies utilize this PSC to procure specialized R&D services that contribute to policy development, program evaluation, and innovative solutions in human capital and social welfare domains. Contractors under this code typically engage in systematic investigations aimed at generating new knowledge or applying existing knowledge to enhance educational and social programs. The scope includes both conceptual research and practical application studies to inform federal initiatives and improve public sector outcomes.

Typical Buyers & Agencies for PSC AF12

Federal agencies involved in education, labor, workforce development, and social services are primary buyers under PSC AF12. Key buyers include the Department of Education, Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services, and related sub-agencies focused on employment and social welfare research. These agencies contract for R&D services to inform policy decisions, assess program effectiveness, and develop innovative strategies to address workforce and social challenges. Additionally, research institutions and federally funded research centers may be involved as buyers when they require specialized applied research services to support their missions.

Common Contract Types for PSC AF12

Contracts awarded under AF12 typically include firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, depending on the nature and complexity of the research effort. Procurement methods often include competitive bidding, task orders under existing research contracts, and sole-source awards for highly specialized expertise. These contracts support a range of activities from short-term studies to multi-year research projects aimed at creating actionable insights for government programs. Grants and cooperative agreements can also be used when partnering with academic or non-profit institutions.

Plain-Language Breakdown for PSC AF12

Covers applied research services in education, training, employment, and social services sectors.
Primarily used by Department of Education, Department of Labor, and Health and Human Services.
Supports policy development, program evaluation, and workforce development initiatives.
Contracts range from fixed-price to cost-reimbursement, often via competitive bidding or task orders.
Frequently associated with NAICS 541720, 611430, and 541690 industries and services.
Enables federal agencies to innovate and improve public education and social welfare programs.

Related Categories for PSC AF12

Other categories at the same level as AF12

AF11 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUCATION SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

AF13 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUC SVCS R&D; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUC SVCS R&D; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AF14 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUC SVCS R&D; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUC SVCS R&D; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

AF15 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUC SVCS R&D; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; EDUC SVCS R&D; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

AF21 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

AF22 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; APPLIED RESEARCH

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; APPLIED RESEARCH

AF23 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AF24 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; R&D ADMIN EXPENSES

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; R&D ADMIN EXPENSES

AF25 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SVCS R&D; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SVCS R&D; TRAINING & LABOR R&D; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

AF31 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; BASIC RESEARCH

AF32 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; APPLIED RESEARCH

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; APPLIED RESEARCH

AF33 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

AF34 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; R&D ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

AF35 EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

View details for EDUCATION, TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT & SOCIAL SVCS R&D SVCS; SOCIAL SVCS R&D; R&D FACILITIES & MAJ EQUIP

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