Build America Buy America Act

BABA is the Build America, Buy America Act. BABA was enacted as part of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on November 15, 2021.  BABA requires any “infrastructure project” funded by any “federal financial assistance” (FFA) to apply a domestic content procurement preference, meaning that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in the infrastructure project have been produced in the United States, unless the awarding agency has issued a waiver of this requirement, after May 14, 2022.  This is called the “Buy American Preference” (BAP).

The purpose of BABA is to bolster America’s industrial base, protect national security, and support high-paying jobs.

What To Do To Assure Your Project’s Compliance?

Grantees and interested parties should refer to the below information prepared by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) regarding BABA’s application to its programs. This information provides guidance—including policies, a Self-Certification form, and frequently asked questions—and also provides references and various links to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) BABA website https://www.hud.gov/baba for further detailed and informative information.  It is highly recommended that parties utilize this DED resource, along with the HUD BABA website, to answer questions and access relevant information.