Recently released guidance on the Buy American provision within the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act released by the Office of Management and Budget includes a waiver process.
Three situations can prompt agency heads to issue waivers to the Buy American preferences: when it is not in the public interest; when the materials are not sufficiently available in the U.S.; or when using the materials would increase the cost of the project by more than 25%. Prior to issuing a waiver, a proposed waiver must be made publicly available on an agency’s website with a detailed explanation.
The public would be given at least 15 days to comment on the waiver. Agencies would then submit the proposed waiver to the Made in America Office, housed within OMB, for review for a decision on the waiver request.
The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, criticized the guidance for creating red tape that “undermines Americans’ confidence in the federal government’s ability to effectively use their tax dollars.” As currently constituted, the guidance would impose rules that are likely to cause delays and burden contractors, he said.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2018
All LEED-certified buildings eligible for LEED recertification
Projects must submit 12 months of data demonstrating continued or improved performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 20, 2018
OSHA publishes updates to crane operator certification requirements
Long-delayed rules accept certifications by type or type and capacity.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2018
Guide offers understanding of elements that create successful multi-floor communal spaces
CTBUH technical document analyzes how to approach tall urban habitat.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2018
2018 International Green Construction Code released
Updated version helps governments streamline code development and adoption.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2018
New versions of DOE’s EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit released
New offerings resolve over 70 bugs and offer new features.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2018
Obsolete safety standards may have been used in cleanup of former naval shipyard
San Francisco redevelopment site work may have been racked by fraud.
Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2018
New York City’s new construction safety requirements are delayed
Some contractors say they weren’t ready for ‘massive initiative’.
Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2018
Cities have multiple strategies to reduce parking requirements
Each community has to find its own mix of solutions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 8, 2018
Denver replaces green roof mandate with cool roof option
Less costly light-colored roofs can cut project costs by about 1.5%.
Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2018
New report addresses sound transmission of wood-framed assemblies
AWC document provides empirical sound transmission model.
