Buy America
Please all read below – I have done some research:
The key words in BUILD America Buy America, versus Buy American and the other Buy America (which are both different ) are:
“The domestic content procurement preference requires that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in covered infrastructure projects are produced in the United States.”
This was a new Act under Biden’s 2021 infrastructure bill.
But I have read the BABAA in depth because the words “infrastructure projects” seemed important, and I discussed this with an account manager at a Steelcase dealer. It turns out that BABAA requirements do not apply to equipment and furnishings, movable chairs, desks etc. that are used at or within the finished infrastructure project but are not an integral part of, that is, permanently affixed to the structure.
The “project” definition is the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of infrastructure in the United States.
An addendum has since been issued which states:
“Build America, Buy America conditions do not apply to tools, equipment, and supplies brought to a construction site and removed at or before the completion of the project or to equipment and furnishings (such as chairs) used at or within the finished infrastructure project, but which are not an integral part of the structure or otherwise affixed to the project. For example, Build America, Buy America conditions would apply to the funds used to construct a library, but not to funds used to buy books or furniture for the library.”
I don’t feel that PDR’s customer understands this correctly as they hold us to this provision:
“for manufactured products, the final manufacturing process must occur in the United States and the cost of components mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States must be greater than 55 percent”
But if we have made a list already we can send that over, but I don’t feel it’s correct to write a letter making a statement about Leland and how our furniture complies with the Build America Buy America Act.