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NAICS Code· 331492

NAICS 331492: Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) alloying purchased nonferrous metals and/or (2) recovering nonferrous metals from scrap. Establishments in this industry make primary forms (e.g., bar, billet, bloom, cake, ingot, slab, slug, wire) using smelting or refining processes. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--Show more

NAICS 331492 – Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) encompasses the recovery, purification, and reprocessing of nonferrous metals such as nickel, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, magnesium, and precious metals like silver and platinum group elements. This sector supports critical supply chain resilience by transforming scrap, residues, and secondary feedstocks into high-purity ingots, master alloys, and refined forms suitable for aerospace, defense, and advanced electronics applications.

9
Active Contracts
$12.6M
Total Obligations (12mo)
29
Awarded Contracts (12mo)
12
Contractors Awarded (12mo)
3
Median Bidders per Award
+2065.2%
YoY Growth

Industry Spending Overview

Federal obligations, top contractors and agencies, and related industry codes for NAICS 331492.

AI Industry Description

NAICS 331492 – Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) encompasses the recovery, purification, and reprocessing of nonferrous metals such as nickel, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, magnesium, and precious metals like silver and platinum group elements. ...

NAICS 331492 – Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) encompasses the recovery, purification, and reprocessing of nonferrous metals such as nickel, zinc, lead, tin, titanium, magnesium, and precious metals like silver and platinum group elements. This sector supports critical supply chain resilience by transforming scrap, residues, and secondary feedstocks into high-purity ingots, master alloys, and refined forms suitable for aerospace, defense, and advanced electronics applications. In government contracting, this NAICS serves as a foundational link in the industrial base for mission-critical components requiring precise metallurgical properties, including high-temperature alloys for jet engines, radiation-shielding materials, and corrosion-resistant components for naval and space systems. The work demands specialized pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, stringent quality control per ASTM and AMS specifications, and compliance with environmental and hazardous material handling regulations. BHPE LLC is the leading contractor in this space, operating as a specialized industrial processor with expertise in closed-loop metal recovery and certified alloy production for federal supply chains. The competitive landscape is narrow, dominated by niche industrial firms with DOE, EPA, and DOD certifications, where technical capability and regulatory compliance outweigh scale. The Department of Commerce is the primary federal buyer, driving demand through programs related to critical materials security, supply chain diversification, and strategic stockpile replenishment. Its support for domestic refining capacity aligns with national security initiatives under the Defense Production Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The market is characterized by high barriers to entry due to capital intensity, environmental permitting, and stringent material traceability requirements. Opportunities exist for qualified small businesses with metallurgical expertise, particularly those offering innovative recycling technologies or value-added alloy development services tailored to DoD and DOE mission needs. Demand is increasingly tied to domestic sourcing mandates and circular economy objectives in defense industrial base planning.

Small Business Size Standard

The SBA threshold that decides who can bid NAICS 331492 work as a small business.

850 employees
Applies to the whole industry code

The SBA cap for this NAICS (13 CFR 121.201). A business at or under it can self-certify as small for work in this code, which is what makes it eligible for a small-business set-aside. The cap is set per NAICS, so the same company can be small in one code and not in another.

13 CFR 121.201, effective January 1, 2026. The SBA revises the table roughly once a year.

Top Contractors

Companies with the highest total award value under NAICS 331492, ranked by dollars won.

Ranked by total awards
CompanyTotal AwardsContracts
UNITED STATES ANTIMONY CORPORATION$11.9M3
GANNON & SCOTT PHOENIX, LLC$566K4
ACI ALLOYS, INC$93K4
POWDER ALLOY CORP$44K1
DELA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION$31K1
T & R TRADING LLC$13K5
MIDWAY INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY INC.$8K1
LANCASTER ALLOYS COMPANY, INC.$7K4
MEAK SOLUTIONS LLC.$5K2
BHPE LLC$5K2

Top Agencies

Federal agencies directing the most contract spending toward NAICS 331492.

Department Of Defense19 awards$12.5M
Department Of Commerce8 awards$103K
National Aeronautics And Space Administration1 award$44K
DLA Troop Support1 award$31K

Competition

How many companies historically bid on federal awards in NAICS 331492, from bidder counts reported on USAspending.

Moderate Competition

Median 3-5 bidders per reported award. · 962 reported awards

Median Bidders

3

Per reported award, all-time

Single-Bid Awards

25%

Share of reported awards with one bidder

10+ Bidder Awards

3%

Share of reported awards with 10+ bidders

Reported Awards

962

89% of 1,077 total awards

Bidder Count Distribution by Fiscal Year

Share of reported awards in each bidder-count bracket per federal fiscal year.

How this code compares up the NAICS hierarchy. Parent cohorts pool every code under their prefix, so they are the steadier baseline when a 6-digit sample is thin.

Industry FamilyCompetitionMedian BiddersSingle-BidBidder MixReported Awards
331492This Code
Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)
Moderate Competition325%
96289% of 1,077
33149NAICS Industry
Moderate Competition511%
37,19393% of 40,150
3314Industry Group
Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and Processing
Moderate Competition419%
57,43391% of 62,874
331Subsector
Moderate Competition325%
208,26883% of 251,042
33Sector
Manufacturing
Fewer Bidders244%
16,883,00469% of 24,369,785

Bidder counts reported on past federal awards in this NAICS (USAspending). An open opportunity has no bidders yet, so this is the historical norm for similar work, not a fact about this solicitation. Not all awards report bidder counts, and fewer bidders often means incumbent-held work rather than an easier win. Federal reporting of bidder counts fell from ~96% of awards (FY2016) to ~30% (FY2018 onward); the chart shows shares of reported awards, and washed-out stretches mark years with fewer than 30 of them.

Related NAICS Codes

Industries similar to Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum), by shared sector, subsector, and industry group.

Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Smelting and Refining

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) smelting ores into nonferrous metals...
331410Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Copper Rolling, Drawing, Extruding, and Alloying

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) recove...
331420Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum) Rolling, Drawing, and Extruding

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) rolling, drawing, or extruding ...
331491Same Industry GroupHigh Similarity

Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) direct...
331110Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing from Purchased Steel

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing welded, riveted, or seamle...
331210Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in rolling or drawing shapes (except w...
331221Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Steel Wire Drawing

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in drawing wire from purchased steel. ...
331222Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Alumina Refining and Primary Aluminum Production

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) r...
331313Same SubsectorMedium Similarity

Explore contracts across multiple NAICS codes Browse all NAICS Codes

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NAICS 331492 FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

NAICS code 331492 covers Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum). This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) alloying purchased nonferrous metals and/or (2) recovering nonferrous metals from scrap. Establishments in this industry make primary forms (e.g., bar, billet, bloom, cake, ingot, slab, slug, wire) using smelting or refining processes. Cross-References. Establishments primarily engaged in--

Recently Posted in Secondary Smelting, Refining, and Alloying of Nonferrous Metal (except Copper and Aluminum)

NAICS: 331492
New
Federal
Silver Reutilization and Account Maintenance Service
Solicitation # N0025327Q0001
The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport, intends to award a single Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract for silver reutilization and account maintenance services. The contractor will be responsible for refining silver-bearing materials recovered from Silver/Zinc and Silver/Chloride batteries to a purity of 99.9% for use in manufacturing new batteries. Annual requirements include the reutilization of 328,060 troy ounces of high silver content material and 582,421 troy ounces of low silver content material, along with the maintenance of 439,108 troy ounces in silver accounts. The contract features a five-year ordering period and will be awarded based on Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procedures. The contract is a fixed-price agreement with an Economic Price Adjustment based on the London Bullion Market Association Silver Price, with a service price ceiling set at 150% of the proposed base price. Performance requirements include completing the refining process within 60 days of shipment receipt and achieving a silver return rate between 75% and 90% of the received net weight. Strict quality and security controls are mandated, including the use of a neutral third-party observer for weighing and the adherence to DOD 5220.22M industrial security standards. The contractor must also ensure all hazardous waste disposal complies with local, state, and federal environmental laws. This is a full and open competition under NAICS code 331492, with the Request for Quote expected around October 1, 2026.
Naval Undersea Warfare Center

POSTED

4 days ago

DEADLINE

in 8 days
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NAICS: 331492
DIBBS
Supply of Lead-Tin Alloy Solder (NSN 3439002500062)This subcontract, managed by the Department of Defense through Warner Robins, involves the supply of Lead-Tin Alloy Solder meeting NSN 3439002500062 specifications for prime contractors on DLA Troop Support projects. The selected provider is responsible for manufacturing or sourcing the material and ensuring strict adherence to military standards, including packaging per MIL-STD-2073-1E, marking per MIL-STD-129, and palletization per RP001. Additionally, the contractor must provide all necessary Safety Data Sheets for hazardous materials, with delivery terms established as FOB Origin. The opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 331492, with the place of performance located at Robins Air Force Base. Interested parties must submit their responses by October 16, 2026.
WARNER ROBINS

POSTED

7 days ago

DEADLINE

in 4 days
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NAICS: 331492
DIBBS
Supply of Tin Alloy Solder (NSN 3439-01-505-2772)This subcontract involves the supply of specialized tin alloy solder to prime contractors supporting DLA supply contracts. The material must strictly adhere to NSN 3439-01-505-2772 specifications, requiring a tin content between 59.5% and 61.5% in a wire/rosin form with a 3.3% flux and a mildly activated plastic core. The scope of work includes the delivery of six units of this specific solder to Tracy, California. Compliance requirements mandate the submission of Safety Data Sheets and HCS labels in accordance with 29 C.F.R. 1910.1200 and FAR 52.223-3. Managed under NAICS code 331492 for the Department of Defense via DLA Dist San Joaquin, the contract was posted on October 5, 2026, with a response deadline of October 16, 2026.
DLA DIST SAN JOAQUIN

POSTED

7 days ago

DEADLINE

in 4 days
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NAICS: 331492
DIBBS
SOLDER, TIN ALLOY
Solicitation # SPE8E6-27-T-0130
Solicitation SPE86-27-T-0130 is a fixed-price request for quotations issued by DLA Troop Support Construction and Equipment for the procurement of six units of tin alloy solder, NSN 3439-01-505-2772. The required material is a mildly activated rosin wire with a plastic core, consisting of 59.5-61.5% tin and 3.3% flux. Delivery is required within 162 days after order, with a need ship date of March 28, 2027, and a final required delivery date of May 22, 2027. The items are to be delivered FOB Origin to DLA Distribution San Joaquin in Tracy, California, with inspection and acceptance occurring at the destination. The contractor must adhere to strict packaging and marking standards, including ASTM-D3951-15 for packaging and MIL-STD-129 for markings, which must include barcoding and MSL labels. Quality compliance is mandated through the submission of a Certificate of Quality Compliance per CDRL-COQC-19071. Because the material is hazardous, suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets and Hazardous Communication Standard labels for approval prior to award in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1200. Additionally, the contract prohibits the intentional addition of mercury and requires compliance with the Buy American Act and Berry Amendment. Invoicing must be processed electronically through the Wide Area Workflow system.
DLA DIST SAN JOAQUIN

POSTED

7 days ago

DEADLINE

in 4 days
View Details
NAICS: 331492
DIBBS
SOLDER, LEAD ALLOY
Solicitation # SPE8E6-27-T-0129
Solicitation SPE8E6-27-T-0129 is a fixed-price, total small business set-aside contract issued by DLA Troop Support, Construction and Equipment for the procurement of lead-tin alloy solder. The requirement consists of 89 units, each consisting of a 1 lb spool of 0.040 inch diameter wire, identified by NSN 3439002500062. The items are designated as critical application items and must comply with technical and quality requirements set forth in the DLA Master List, specifically referencing IPC J-STD-600A-01 Revision D. A strict prohibition is placed on the intentional addition of mercury or mercury-containing compounds to the hardware, with limited exceptions for specific functional components. Delivery is specified as FOB Origin with a required delivery date of March 11, 2027, and a need ship date of March 28, 2027, to DLA Distribution Warner Robins in Georgia. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination. Packaging and marking must adhere to MIL-STD-2073-1E, MIL-STD-129, and DLA requirement RP001, with specific hazardous material labeling required per 29 CFR 1910.1200 and IP025. The contract incorporates various FAR and DFARS clauses, including those regarding the Buy American Act, Berry Amendment, and NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity assessment requirements. Payment requests must be submitted electronically via the Wide Area WorkFlow system.
WARNER ROBINS

POSTED

7 days ago

DEADLINE

in 4 days
View Details
NAICS: 331492
DIBBS
SOLDER, TIN ALLOY
Solicitation # SPE8E9-27-T-0017
Solicitation SPE8E9-27-T-0017, issued by DLA Troop Support, Construction and Equipment MRO SVC I, is a request for quotations for 341 units of tin alloy solder (NSN 3439002699610). Each unit of issue is defined as 16 ounces. The material must comply with ASTM B32 (R 2014) and meet NAVAIR aircraft launch and recovery equipment traceability requirements. The item is classified as a Type I (Code S) item with a non-extendable shelf life of 60 months. Delivery is required by January 31, 2027, with a need ship date of January 7, 2027, shipped FOB Origin to DLA Distribution San Joaquin in Tracy, California. The contract mandates strict quality and safety standards, including a zero-based sampling plan per MIL-STD-1916 or ASQ H1331 and a prohibition on the intentional addition of mercury. Packaging and marking must adhere to MIL-STD-2073-1E and MIL-STD-129, with specific requirements for hazardous materials under IP025 and the Hazard Communication Standard. Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination. Administrative requirements include the use of the Wide Area WorkFlow system for invoicing and compliance with various FAR and DFARS clauses, including the Buy American Act, the Berry Amendment, and NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity assessment requirements. A price evaluation preference is available for certified HUBZone small businesses.
CONSTRUCTION & EQUIPMENT MRO SVC I

POSTED

11 days ago

DEADLINE

in about 19 hours
View Details
NAICS: 331492
DIBBS
SOLDER, TIN ALLOY
Solicitation # SPE8E5-26-T-4553
Solicitation SPE8E5-26-T-4553 is a fixed-price request for quotations issued by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Construction and Equipment for the procurement of 2 pounds of tin alloy solder, identified by NSN 3439-01-547-6682. The requirement is fully competitive and follows military and federal specifications. Quotations must be submitted via the DLA Internet Bid Board System by October 13, 2026. The delivery timeline is 20 days after receipt of order, with the destination for delivery, inspection, and acceptance being the USS John S McCain DDG 56. The contract mandates strict adherence to DLA packaging requirements, specifically RP001 for palletization and MIL-STD-129 for marking and labeling. Hazardous materials must be packaged per TQ requirement IP025 and labeled according to the Hazard Communication Standard. Compliance with the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment is required, and a price evaluation preference is available for certified HUBZone small businesses. Invoicing and payment must be processed electronically through the Wide Area WorkFlow system.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

11 days ago

DEADLINE

in about 19 hours
View Details
NAICS: 331492
Closed
Federal
Indium Metal
Solicitation # SP8000-26-R-0011
This solicitation, SP8000-26-R-0011, is for the acquisition of 4N (99.99%) purity indium metal ingots under an Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle with a three-year ordering period running from August 10, 2026, to August 9, 2029. The Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office – Columbus is conducting this procurement as a combined synopsis and solicitation under FAR Part 12, with evaluation conducted under the Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. The acquisition is being conducted under Other than Full and Open Competition to ensure domestic production capability, limited to U.S.-based manufacturers authorized under FAR 6.302-3(a)(2)(i), citing national security and industrial mobilization concerns, with the goal of maintaining a secure supply of this critical material for the National Defense Stockpile. The maximum value of all IDIQ awards combined is $250,000,000, with a guaranteed minimum of $10,000,000 equally distributed among awardees. The solicitation includes two contract line items: CLIN 0001 for 4N indium ingots, with estimated annual quantities totaling 402,825 kilograms over the contract term, and CLIN 0002 for third-party testing of the material, both under firm-fixed-price terms with a 1% variance in quantity allowed for the ingots. Deliveries must be made to designated DLA depot locations in Scotia, NY; Hawthorne, NV; Hammond, IN; and Columbus, OH, with FOB destination terms and a 12-month delivery window following each order issuance. Packaging must be engineered for long-term storage, requiring each ingot to be individually vacuum-sealed in 4-mil plastic film within moisture-resistant, 20-year durability containers, with labeling compliant with MIL-STD-129, including permanent metal tags with laser-etched 3D barcodes. All testing must be performed by an ISO 17025-certified lab within the Continental United States, and contractors must provide detailed sampling plans, Certificates of Analysis (COA), and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) conforming to GHS standards. Proposals must be submitted electronically by noon EDT on July 20, 2
Dcso Columbus

POSTED

12 days ago

CLOSED

3 months ago
View Details
NAICS: 331492
Closed
DIBBS
SOLDER, TIN ALLOY
Solicitation # SPE8E6-26-T-4443
Solicitation SPE8E6-26-T-4443 is a fixed-price request for quotations issued by DLA Troop Support for the procurement of 101 units of tin alloy solder. The material is specified as 0.125 inch diameter on 1 lb spools, with each unit defined as 16 ounces. The required delivery date is February 25, 2027, with a need ship date of March 1, 2027, and a delivery lead time of 167 days. Shipping is FOB Origin, while inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination, specifically DLA Distribution Depot Hill at Hill AFB, Utah. The contract mandates strict adherence to quality and packaging standards, including MIL-STD-129 for marking and RP001 for palletization. Hazardous materials must be packaged per TQ requirement IP025 and labeled according to the Hazard Communication Standard, while non-hazardous materials follow ASTM D3951. Quality assurance requires sampling in accordance with MIL-STD-1916 or ASQ H1331, with a requirement for zero non-conformances in the sample lot. Additionally, the procurement incorporates domestic sourcing restrictions, including the Buy American Act and the Berry Amendment, and requires the use of the Wide Area WorkFlow system for electronic invoicing and payment.
DEPOT HILL

POSTED

28 days ago

CLOSED

25 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 331492
Awarded
DIBBS
BRAZING ALLOY, SILVER
Solicitation # SPE8E5-24-Q-0596
Defense Logistics Agency award SPE8E525P0227 was issued to R & D Metals & Chemicals, Inc on September 14, 2026, under solicitation SPE8E5-24-Q-0596. The contract, valued at 35,650.08 dollars, is for the procurement of silver brazing alloy identified by NSN 3439002624202. The agreement was managed by the Department of Defense with Brandon Wicker serving as the point of contact. Following the initial award, modification P00001 was executed on the same date to address quality issues. This amendment facilitates the return of 13 pounds of nonconforming material to the vendor through the creation of CLIN 0002 at no cost to the government. The modification specifies return shipping requirements, including the use of RMA reference 09092026-1 and mandatory RFID tracking, while maintaining all other original contract terms and conditions.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

28 days ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 331492
Closed
DIBBS
Supply of Non-Metallic Hose Assemblies (NSN 4720014345159)This subcontract involves the manufacture or sourcing of 53 non-metallic hose assemblies under NSN 4720014345159 for the Department of Defense Fluid Handling Division. The products must adhere to J517 standards, with a specific allowance to use TYPE AT in place of TYPE A. All units must be marked according to MIL-STD-129 and palletized per RP001 for delivery to Tracy, California. Compliance requirements include CMMC Level 2 certification and adherence to DFARS domestic sourcing regulations. The contract falls under NAICS code 331492, with a response deadline of September 21, 2026.
FLUID HANDLING DIVISION

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

21 days ago
View Details
NAICS: 331492
Closed
DIBBS
SOLDER, LEAD-TIN ALLOY
Solicitation # SPE8E5-26-T-4180
Solicitation SPE8E5-26-T-4180 is a fixed-price request for quotations issued by the Defense Logistics Agency for the procurement of 43 pounds of lead-tin alloy solder, identified by NSN 3439014202775. The requirement is managed by DLA Troop Support Construction and Equipment, with a need ship date of March 1, 2027, and an original required delivery date of May 25, 2027. Delivery is specified as FOB Origin, with inspection and acceptance occurring at the destination, specifically the DLA Distribution DDSP New Cumberland Facility in Pennsylvania. The contract mandates strict adherence to technical and quality requirements via the DLA Master List and requires all packaging and labeling to comply with MIL-STD-129. Depending on the material's hazardous status per FED-STD-313, packaging must follow either TQ requirement IP025 for hazardous materials or ASTM D3951 for non-hazardous materials, with palletization following RP001. Administrative requirements include the use of the Wide Area WorkFlow system for electronic invoicing and payment. The solicitation also incorporates various FAR and DFARS clauses, including those regarding the Buy American Act, safeguarding covered defense information, and the prohibition of hexavalent chromium.
DDSP NEW CUMBERLAND FACILITY

POSTED

about 1 month ago

CLOSED

28 days ago
View Details

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