What to know about final Build America, Buy America guidelines

The White House has clarified rules around which construction materials for federal infrastructure projects must be produced in the U.S.

The IIJA significantly expanded standards that require government-funded infrastructure projects to use more U.S.-made products. The BABA preference applies to three categories: iron and steel products, manufactured products and construction materials. OMB expanded the list of materials to include engineered wood but opted to leave out coatings, paint and bricks after reviewing feedback.

To qualify as Made in America, a product must be manufactured in the U.S., with 55% of the cost of its components fabricated domestically.

Under the final guidance, construction materials include:

Cement and cementitious materials; aggregates such as stone, sand or gravel; or aggregate binding agents or additives are not included. The rules also do not apply to tools, equipment and supplies brought to the jobsite and removed at the end of the project, according to OMB.

There are three cases in which awarding agencies can issue waivers:

The new guidance will take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register in the coming weeks.