UNSPSC 73121509: Refining metal services

UNSPSC 73121509 Refining metal services (Commodity) covers the collection, sorting, processing, and supply of scrap and refined metals to state and local agencies for operational, maintenance, and infrastructure use. State and local governments buy under this code through two distinct transaction streams: procurement of metal recycling and collection services (where counties and municipalities contract out the handling of scrap and waste metals from their facilities), and purchase of finished or semi-finished metal materials including aluminum, steel, rebar, and galvanized products for capital projects and ongoing maintenance. Recent solicitations show counties and cities competing for both supply agreements and service contracts under the code — Sacramento County's Department of Waste Management and Recycling is contracting collection and recycling of mixed metals and waste appliances (IFB 2026GEN0053, due June 9, 2026), while the City of Fort Worth is procuring raw aluminum, iron, rebar, and steel on an as-needed supply basis (RFP 26-0222, due July 23, 2026). Hillsborough County is purchasing galvanized steel pallets for maintenance use (ITB ITB2600197, due April 3, 2026), and Solano County is procuring miscellaneous metals fabrication and installation for a flood-protection infrastructure project funded by FEMA and state emergency grants (sealed bid due March 9, 2026). Issuing bodies include county waste management departments, city procurement offices, and county property management functions.

Geographic activity is concentrated in California (Sacramento County, Solano County) and Texas (City of Fort Worth), with one opportunity in Florida (Hillsborough County). The Sacramento County metals recycling contract projects collection of 10,800 tons in 2024 and 11,775 tons in 2025, with pricing tied to American Metal Market Monthly Averages for Scrap Iron & Steel and a one-year initial term with up to four optional renewals. Fort Worth's steel and aluminum supply agreement includes a 30 percent small business participation goal for certified small businesses located in Tarrant, Wise, Johnson, Parker, or Denton County, with a one-year initial term and up to five one-year renewal options; evaluation emphasizes cost (15 points), small business participation (25 points), vendor experience (25 points), delivery capability (20 points), and local business location (15 points). Hillsborough County's galvanized pallet order carries an estimated value of $70,264.60 over two years with no renewal option and a 20-day delivery requirement. The Solano County miscellaneous metals project requires Davis-Bacon prevailing wage compliance and Federal Emergency Management Agency grant compliance, with substantial completion mandated in 231 calendar days and liquidated damages of $2,000 per day for delays.