Federal consulting and research bids in Maryland: 52 open in November 2026
As of November 9, 2026, BidFinder lists 52 open federal bids for consulting and research in Maryland: 11 close within 7 days and 17 (33%) are set aside for small businesses. The busiest agency is Department of the Army (20 open). The most common place of performance is Aberdeen Proving Ground (8).
Research is bought through Broad Agency Announcements, which invite proposals on stated topics, and through SBIR and STTR topics reserved for small businesses. Management, policy and program consulting comes as RFPs or orders on GSA's schedule, judged on technical approach, key personnel and past performance. Common NAICS codes: 541611, 541612, 541690, 541715 and 541720.
Contracting officers set a purchase aside for small businesses when they expect offers from at least two capable small firms at fair prices (the rule of two). Whether a firm counts as small depends on the SBA size standard for the notice's NAICS code, in annual receipts or employees, and offerors need an active SAM.gov registration with a Unique Entity ID.
A general guide to the buying rules, not legal advice. Each solicitation sets its own terms.