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 | Aug 25, 2021
Study finds racism, discrimination common in construction industry
NIBS to share best practices with industry leaders to improve worker treatment.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
White paper addresses insulated metal panel specifications for roofs and walls
Pertains to provisions of the National Building Code of Canada.
Codes and Standards | Aug 24, 2021
KTGY releases free resource to reduce carbon footprint in multifamily developments
Helps navigate Denver Green Code measures—a series of voluntary codes.
Codes and Standards | Aug 19, 2021
Massive infrastructure bill includes hundreds of millions for building energy efficiency
Funds allotted for updated code implementation, construction technology, K-12 efficiency programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2021
Fannie Mae green bonds program could be greenwashing
Analysis shows significant number of green bond properties become less efficient.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2021
Three Texas cities head list of most environmentally vulnerable
Hazard analysis includes natural disasters and government response categories.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2021
Bill would reform New York’s public contracting process
Council on Public Contracting Reform to have contractor representation.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2021
AGC pushes for more environmentally friendly construction
Contractor trade group supports government investment, tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints.
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2021
Decentralized approach to codes means emissions reduction responsibility falls on local officials
Efficiency advocates focusing more on local code amendments.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2021
Dept. of Energy issues model energy code determinations for commercial, residential buildings
2021 IECC offers 9.4% site energy savings.
