Build America Buy America

What is Build America, Buy America?

The Build America Buy America Act, part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, says that when the government provides money for building things like roads and bridges, the materials used to build them should be made in the United States. This means things like iron, steel, products made in factories, and materials for construction need to come from the U.S.

Why Build America, Buy America?

At the core of the “Build America, Buy America” initiative lies a commitment to strengthening our nation from within. By prioritizing domestic production and procurement of infrastructure products and components, we’re:

• Fueling Job Creation: Strengthening industries at home translates into more job opportunities for our communities. As we invest in high-speed Internet infrastructure, we're also investing in American livelihoods.
• Boosting Economic Resilience: By reducing dependence on foreign supply chains, we enhance our nation's resilience in times of global disruption, ensuring that vital broadband networks remain robust and reliable.
• Empowering Local Businesses: The "Build America, Buy America" initiative empowers local businesses to contribute to our nation's digital growth.

How to comply and report on Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements for the BEAD Program

NTIA’s BABA waiver for the BEAD Program requires certain equipment be produced in the U.S., while waiving the domestic manufacturing requirement for other equipment.  These BABA requirements will affect a range of stakeholders who will be responsible for demonstrating compliance. NTIA’s approach to BABA compliance and reporting is broken down into three components:

• Self-Certification List: The Department of Commerce (DOC) hosts a BEAD BABA ‘Self-Certification’ list, which manufacturers can, at the risk of penalty, certify that certain equipment they produce meets the domestic manufacturing requirements described in the BEAD BABA waiver. More information on the Self-Certification list can be found at that Office of Acquisition Management Build America Buy America page.
• Compliance:  Manufacturers are required to provide a BABA certification letter to a subgrantee for equipment that requires domestic production as described in the BEAD BABA waiver. More information on the manufacturer certification letter can be found at the BBUSA Technical Assistance Hub page.
• Reporting: Subgrantees are required to report certain information for waived electronics used in BEAD deployments. More information on the reporting requirements for waived electronics can be found at the BBUSA Technical Assistance Hub page.

For more information about the “Build America, Buy America” initiative, visit the MadeinAmerica web site.