PSC 9520

Overview

The Product Service Code (PSC) is a standardized taxonomy the U.S. government uses to label what is being procured, enabling consistent classification for tracking, analysis, and reporting across systems such as FPDS and in standard acquisition processes; the codes are governed and published through the PSC Manual. ¹

PSC 9520 is the product class for Structural Shapes. Official notes specify it covers bulk metal materials commonly used in building, bridge, and similar construction (for example, I-beams and angles). It includes bar-size shapes under 3 inches, metal piles and piling, angles, channels, tees, and zees; by contrast, plate, sheet, and strip belong under PSC 9515. ¹

See also on G2X:

• G2X — PSC 9520 overview
• G2X — PSC 9515 Plate, Sheet, Strip, Foil, and Leaf
• G2X — PSC 9540 Structural Shapes, Nonferrous Base Metal

What this PSC covers

• I-beams used in structural framing. ¹
• Angles for structural and framing applications. ¹
• Channels for load-bearing and framing structures. ¹
• Tees and zees for structural members and bracing. ¹
• Bar-size shapes under 3 inches across. ¹
• Metal piles and piling for foundations and heavy construction. ¹

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Related PSC codes per the PSC Manual. ¹

Type	Code	Descriptor
PSC	9515	Plate, Sheet, Strip, Foil, and Leaf
PSC	9540	Structural Shapes, Nonferrous Base Metal
PSC	9510	Bars and Rods

Exclusions and edge cases

• Class 9520 is limited to bulk material; specially designed items should be classified elsewhere, not under bulk structural shapes. ¹
• Plate, sheet, and strip materials are excluded from 9520 and should be coded to 9515. ¹
• Structural shapes made of nonferrous base metals are excluded from 9520; use 9540 instead. ¹

DoD coordinated acquisition assignment

Within the Department of Defense’s coordinated acquisition program, FSC/PSC 9520 (Structural Shapes) is assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency for coordinated acquisition responsibilities across DoD. ²

Frequently asked questions

• What exactly does PSC 9520 include?
  PSC 9520 covers structural metal shapes used in building, bridge, and similar construction, including I-beams, angles, channels, tees, zees, bar-size shapes under 3 inches, and metal piling. It applies to bulk material, not specially designed parts. ¹

• How is PSC 9520 different from PSC 9515?
  PSC 9515 covers flat-rolled forms (plate, sheet, strip, foil, leaf). PSC 9520 covers non-flat structural shapes (e.g., beams, angles, channels). The PSC Manual explicitly excludes plate, sheet, and strip from 9520 and directs them to 9515. ¹

• What code applies if the structural shapes are aluminum or other nonferrous metals?
  Use PSC 9540 when structural shapes are made from nonferrous base metals. PSC 9520 covers structural shapes not otherwise classified as nonferrous, with 9540 serving as the nonferrous counterpart. ¹

• Who manages DoD supply responsibilities for PSC 9520?
  DFARS PGI 208.7006 assigns FSC/PSC 9520 to the Defense Logistics Agency for coordinated acquisition responsibilities across DoD. ²

• Does PSC 9520 determine the NAICS code or small business size standard?
  No. PSC classifies what is bought; the NAICS code is designated separately in solicitations and ties to small business size standards. PSC and NAICS serve different purposes in federal procurement data. ³

Useful resources

• G2X — PSC 9520 overview
• Product and Service Codes Manual, April 2025 (PDF). ¹
• DFARS PGI 208.7006 Coordinated acquisition assignments. ²
• FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications. ³

References

1. Product and Service Codes (PSC) Manual, April 2025 (PDF), Acquisition.gov: https://www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
2. DFARS PGI Part 208 — Required Sources of Supplies and Services (Coordinated acquisition assignments), Acquisition.gov: https://www.acquisition.gov/dfarspgi/pgi-part-208-required-sources-supplies-and-services
3. FAR 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications, Acquisition.gov: https://www.acquisition.gov/far/52.204-8