Buy America Program Updates
If your organization works on federally funded highway or bridge projects, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently published new and updated Buy America Q&As, including guidance regarding the Manufactured Products Final Rule. Buy America requirements ensure that materials and products used in federal transportation projects are made in the United States.
What's New? The updated guidance focuses on the Manufactured Products Final Rule, which applies to items like guardrails, signs, lighting systems, and other equipment used in highway construction. The new Q&As clarify two key phased implementation requirements:
- Final Assembly: Products must be assembled in the United States
- 55% Domestic: A majority of components must be made, mined, or produced in the U.S.
Six existing sets of Q&As have also been revised to align with current standards, ensuring stakeholders have the most accurate and up-to-date information for compliance.
Resources: FHWA's Buy America website contains:
- New Manufactured Products Final Rule Q&As
- Updated Q&A sets
- Waiver information
- Links to Buy America law, regulation, policy, and guidance
Build America, Buy America
The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act requires that all of the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects be produced in the United States.
BABA builds upon previous Made in America policies to help bolster America's industrial base, protect our national security, and support high-paying jobs.
