Sand, Gravel, Clay, and Ceramic and Refractory Minerals Mining and Quarrying

The NAICS category 21232 encompasses industries involved in the mining and quarrying of sand, gravel, clay, and ceramic and refractory minerals. This sector focuses on extracting and processing non-metallic mineral resources used in construction, landscaping, and infrastructure development. These materials are crucial for various applications, including road construction, concrete production, landscaping, and other civil engineering projects. The extraction processes typically involve quarrying, screening, and grading of natural aggregate materials to meet specific technical specifications.

Based on the provided data, federal contract opportunities under this NAICS code are predominantly awarded to small businesses, with most solicitations set aside for total small business participation. The contract values range from approximately 250 tons to 50,000 tons of aggregate materials, with typical contract durations spanning several months to multiple years. Common funding agencies include the Department of the Interior (National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service), Department of Agriculture (Forest Service), Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs. Delivery locations are widespread across the United States, with a significant concentration in western and southwestern states such as California, Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Contracts frequently involve road maintenance, trail repair, parking lot construction, and infrastructure support for national parks, wildlife refuges, and military installations.

Recent federal contract opportunities in this NAICS category demonstrate a consistent demand for various aggregate materials across multiple federal agencies. Typical solicitations request specific types of rock, gravel, and aggregate materials such as limestone, road base aggregate, riprap, and crushed stone. Contract requirements often specify precise material gradations, delivery locations, and performance periods. Notable recent opportunities include the procurement of 5,200 tons of road chips for Yellowstone National Park, 1,400 tons of gravel for San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, and 2,000 tons of aggregate for the Air Force Dare County Bombing Range. Most opportunities are set aside for small businesses and require detailed technical specifications, delivery coordination, and compliance with specific federal procurement regulations.