Buy American Act (BAA) & Build America, Buy America Act (BABA)

Buy American Act (BAA)

The Buy American Act (BAA), enacted in 1933, establishes domestic preference requirements for certain products and materials purchased directly by the federal government. In general, the BAA requires federal agencies to give preference to qualifying products manufactured in the United States and containing specified levels of Domestic Content. The requirements can apply to equipment supplied under qualifying federal contracts and procurements.

Build America, Buy America Act (BABA)

The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, establishes Domestic Content requirements for infrastructure projects supported by federal financial assistance. Covered projects must use U.S.-produced iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials. BABA is particularly relevant to federally-funded infrastructure projects that incorporate solar energy equipment.