NIGP 00521: Abrasives, Sandblasting, Metal

NIGP 00521 Abrasives, Sandblasting, Metal is an Item code for blast abrasive materials and related sandblasting supplies that state and local governments procure for infrastructure maintenance, equipment cleaning, and surface preparation at operational facilities. The code captures procurement of blast media such as copper slag, steel shot, and similar abrasive materials used in high-volume blasting operations, typically sourced through competitive bids and RFQs rather than standing contracts. Issuing bodies soliciting under this code include special-purpose water authorities, county government facilities management departments, and other state and local operational entities requiring bulk abrasive supply.

Recent solicitation activity is sparse in the available record. The Brazos River Authority (BRA), a Texas state entity, issued Request for Bids No. 26-1388 on May 21, 2026, for copper slag blast abrasive media to be used in sandblasting the spillway gates at its facilities. The RFB specified precise material properties—bulk density of 75–125 lbs per cubic foot, Mohs hardness of 6–7, free crystalline silica content between 0.27% and 1.0%—and delivery in approximately 24-ton bulk loads. Sealed bids closed May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM, with award based on lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications; the BRA explicitly encouraged small, minority, women-owned, and historically underutilized businesses to respond. No other recent blast abrasive solicitations appear in the available record; the geographic concentration and issuing-body diversity supporting this code cannot be reliably characterized from the current opportunities sample.