PSC 3446

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) system standardizes how the U.S. federal government classifies what is purchased so contract actions can be recorded, searched, and analyzed in government systems such as FPDS; the PSC Manual governs maintenance and use of these codes. Agencies select a PSC that best represents the predominant product or service bought for each action. ¹
PSC 3446 identifies “Forging Machinery and Hammers.” In the PSC Manual, it sits in Federal Supply Group 34 (Metalworking Machinery) and explicitly excludes forging presses, which are classified elsewhere. Buyers use 3446 when the principal deliverables are forging machines or industrial hammers rather than presses. This boundary helps maintain consistent reporting and facilitates accurate market research for metalworking equipment acquisitions. ²

What this PSC covers

• Forging machinery and industrial hammers used in metalworking, as designated by the PSC title. ²
• Items in 3446 are part of Group 34 — Metalworking Machinery. ²
• Excludes forging presses, which fall under PSC 3442 (hydraulic/pneumatic, power-driven) or PSC 3443 (mechanical, power-driven). ²
• Coding in FPDS follows the “predominant product” rule; use 3446 when forging machinery/hammers are the main deliverables on the action. ²
• For DoD coordinated acquisition assignments, FSC 3446 is assigned to DLA (DSCR). ³
• Specific subtypes, capacities, or performance parameters under 3446 — Not specified by official sources. ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	3442	Hydraulic and Pneumatic Presses, Power Driven (related; presses, not hammers). 2
PSC	3443	Mechanical Presses, Power Driven (related; presses, not hammers). 2
PSC	3441	Bending and Forming Machines (adjacent forming equipment). 2
PSC	3680	Foundry Machinery, Related Equipment and Supplies (process-adjacent machinery). 2

Classification boundaries and exclusions

• Boundary with presses: If the deliverable is a forging press (hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical), classify under PSC 3442 or PSC 3443, not 3446. ²
• Group context: 3446 belongs to Group 34; related welding, heat-treating, and finishing equipment are in adjacent 34xx classes, aiding consistent coding within the metalworking scope. ²

DoD considerations that may affect market strategy

• Coordinated acquisition: For DoD, FSC 3446 is assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR) under PGI 208.7006, which may influence sourcing and interagency order flows. ³
• Forging item sourcing policy: DFARS 225.7102 imposes domestic-manufacture restrictions on certain forging items (e.g., ship propulsion shafts, periscope tubes, and large ring forgings). While this policy targets forgings as deliverables—not machine tools—programs purchasing machinery alongside restricted forgings should review applicability. ⁴

Frequently asked questions

• What does PSC 3446 include and exclude?
  PSC 3446 covers forging machinery and industrial hammers. It explicitly excludes forging presses, which are classified under PSC 3442 or PSC 3443. Use these press codes when the principal deliverable is a forging press. ²

• How should a buyer choose between PSC 3446 and the press codes?
  Use PSC 3446 when the primary deliverable is forging machinery or hammers. Use PSC 3442 or PSC 3443 when the primary deliverable is a forging press (hydraulic/pneumatic or mechanical). Apply the predominant-product rule for mixed buys. ²

• Are detailed subtypes (e.g., drop hammers vs. other hammers) defined under PSC 3446?
  Not specified by official sources. The PSC Manual provides the class title and boundaries but does not enumerate specific hammer types, capacities, or performance thresholds under PSC 3446. Buyers should rely on the predominant-product rule and technical descriptions in the requirement. ¹

• Who manages DoD coordinated acquisition for FSC 3446?
  Per DFARS PGI 208.7006, FSC 3446 is assigned to DLA (DSCR) for coordinated acquisition responsibilities, which can affect sourcing channels and supply support. ³

• Do domestic source restrictions for forgings affect PSC 3446 buys?
  DFARS 225.7102 requires certain forging items to be of domestic manufacture. This restriction applies to specific forgings, not to machine tools like forging machinery or hammers, but it may apply if restricted forgings are included as deliverables in the same action. ⁴

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC 3446 data page (overview, vendors, awards): https://app.g2xchange.com/psc/3446
• Acquisition.gov — PSC Manual April 2025 (official definitions and structure). ²
• Acquisition.gov — PGI 208.7006 Coordinated acquisition assignments (FSC 34xx, including 3446). ³
• Acquisition.gov — DFARS Subpart 225.71 (forging-related domestic source policy). ⁴

References

1. Acquisition.gov. Product and Service Code Manual (landing page). https://www.acquisition.gov/psc-manual
2. Acquisition.gov. PSC Manual April 2025 (PDF), Section D — Group 34; Class 3446. https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
3. Acquisition.gov. PGI 208.7006 Coordinated acquisition assignments (FSC listings including 3446). https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/pgi/PGI-208.7006
4. Acquisition.gov. DFARS Subpart 225.71 — Other Restrictions on Foreign Acquisition (225.7102 Forgings). https://www.acquisition.gov/dfars/subpart-225.71-other-restrictions-foreign-acquisition