DOT, Waiver of Buy America Requirements for De Minimis Costs and Small Grants

Rule/Notice/NOFO:  DOT, Waiver of Buy America Requirements for De Minimis Costs and Small Grants

Federal Register/Notice: govinfo.gov

Type of Requirement: none

Description:  The waiver is intended to ensure DOT and its grant recipients make efficient use of resources by focusing domestic sourcing efforts on products that provide the greatest manufacturing opportunities for American workers and firms, consistent with the Biden-Harris Administration’s implementation of the Build America, Buy America Act The waiver is also intended to reduce delays in the delivery of important transportation infrastructure projects that provide jobs and promote economic growth. The waiver applies to a single financial assistance award obligated on or after August 16, 2023, and (1) The total value of the non-compliant products is no more than the lesser of $1 million or 5% of total applicable costs for the project; or (2) The total amount of Federal financial assistance applied to the project, through awards or subawards, is below $500,000.

How is it enforced by FTA, DOT, Direct grant requirement, triennial review or other? FTA FTA enforces Buy America compliance through its triennial review process.

Is there a cost or time impact to grantees (best estimate):  N/A

APTA Comment/Letter:  N/A

APTA Staff Advisor:  Linda Ford, lford@apta.com