On July 28, 2022, the United States Department of Transportation (“DOT”) published a Request for Information (“RFI”) on the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Build America, Buy America Act (“BABA”).  As discussed in our previous post, BABA expanded Buy America preferences to cover all infrastructure projects and sets new domestic content standards for federal financial assistance programs.  The RFI focuses specifically on implementing these domestic content standards for construction materials, which were not subject to the Buy America regime prior to BABA.  Given the wide range of products that might conceivably constitute a “construction material,” industry participants would be wise to closely monitor both the RFI and DOT’s implementation progress and to take steps to ensure that policymakers understand their views on the subject.

The Buy America “preference” is effectively a requirement that: (1) all iron and steel is produced in the United States; (2) all manufactured products are produced in the United States, meaning that (a) the manufactured product was manufactured in the United States and (b) 55% of the total cost of components must be components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States; and (3) all construction materials are manufactured in the United States.  While domestic steel/iron and manufactured products are fundamental to the DOT Buy America regimes, construction materials constitute a third – and new – category of material subject to the Buy America requirements.  

As defined in BABA and OMB implementation guidance released in April, construction materials will be considered “produced in the United States” if “all manufacturing processes” for the materials occurred in the United States.  “All manufacturing processes” includes the final manufacturing process and the immediately preceding manufacturing stage for the construction material.  In May 2022, DOT issued a temporary waiver for construction materials, exempting financial assistance awards made through November 10, 2022 from complying with the updated BABA requirements.  The DOT received 83 separate comments in response to the proposed waiver.  The current RFI notes that “stakeholders should not expect that DOT will extend the existing temporary waiver beyond November 10, 2022.”

The RFI sets out a list of 16 questions for comment, and also seeks any other information that may be relevant.  The questions include: (1) whether there are specific materials, products, or categories of materials or products that are commonly used in DOT-funded projects that should be included in the category of “construction materials” subject to BABA; (2) whether there are materials that do not fit into any of the three BABA categories and how to assign them to a category; (3) whether there are items currently treated as manufactured products by DOT that should be treated as construction materials; and (4) what commenters consider the final manufacturing process and immediately preceding manufacturing stage for common goods.  Additionally, DOT states that it is particularly interested in information on the impact of the requirements on DOT-funded projects and recommendations for compliance certifications. 

The RFI presents an important opportunity for industry to provide input on – and potentially shape the contours of – DOT’s new Buy America standards.  Responses to the RFI are due August 12, 2022.  In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the implementation of BABA and report on new developments.

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Photo of Michael Wagner Michael Wagner

Mike Wagner helps government contractors navigate high-stakes enforcement matters and complex regulatory regimes.

Combining deep regulatory knowledge with extensive investigations experience, Mr. Wagner works closely with contractors across a range of industries to achieve the efficient resolution of regulatory enforcement actions and government…

Mike Wagner helps government contractors navigate high-stakes enforcement matters and complex regulatory regimes.

Combining deep regulatory knowledge with extensive investigations experience, Mr. Wagner works closely with contractors across a range of industries to achieve the efficient resolution of regulatory enforcement actions and government investigations, including False Claims Act cases. He has particular expertise representing individuals and companies in suspension and debarment proceedings, and he has successfully resolved numerous such matters at both the agency and district court level. He also routinely conducts internal investigations of potential compliance issues and advises clients on voluntary and mandatory disclosures to federal agencies.

In his contract disputes and advisory work, Mr. Wagner helps government contractors resolve complex issues arising at all stages of the public procurement process. As lead counsel, he has successfully litigated disputes at the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and he regularly assists contractors in preparing and pursuing contract claims. In his counseling practice, Mr. Wagner advises clients on best practices for managing a host of compliance obligations, including domestic sourcing requirements under the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act, safeguarding and reporting requirements under cybersecurity regulations, and pricing obligations under the GSA Schedules program. And he routinely assists contractors in navigating issues and disputes that arise during negotiations over teaming agreements and subcontracts.

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Photo of Jennifer Bentley Jennifer Bentley

Jennifer Bentley is an associate in the firm’s Washington, DC office. She is a member of the Government Contracts Practice Group and Litigation and Investigations Practice Group. She also maintains an active pro bono practice.

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