Building on a robust “Buy American” policy established by the Trump Administration, President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order to update a process for choosing domestic products for federal procurement.
Biden’s action directs agencies to close loopholes in how domestic content is measured and increase domestic content requirements. It replaces the component test used to identify domestic end products and construction materials with a test that measures domestic content by the value added to the product through U.S. production or U.S. job-supporting economic activity. This will increase the numerical threshold for domestic content requirements for end-products and construction materials.
Biden’s action will also increase the price preferences for domestic end-products and domestic construction materials. The order does not provide specific numbers for domestic content requirements or domestic price preferences. It is unclear how much the percentages will increase.
The executive order creates a Made in America Office under the Office of Management and Budget to update and centralize the Made in America waiver process. This is meant to increase oversight of potential waivers of domestic preference laws.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2019
Free app calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings
A free app that calculates the maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction has been released.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2019
Standard for assessing frame deflection using one component polyurethane foams updated
The standard offers guidance when installing fenestration products.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
The high cost of gridlock: $166 billion per year
Growing economy means more jobs, more cars, more hours stuck in traffic.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Industry leaders ask for government help as trades shortage worsens
AGC asks for more funding for education and increased immigration to fill gaps.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.