Sourcing materials in the US is patriotic and supports industries and businesses at home. But as we also know, it isn’t always practical.
The Build America, Buy America Act, or BABAA, caused a lot of worry earlier this year. Under the requirements, public safety agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and equipment providers were concerned that BABAA requirements for grant procurements would make it impossible for agencies to use grants when purchasing.
For example, steel in fire trucks, and a host of other products, simply is not made in the USA in the quantities that industries need. Companies source steel overseas nowadays, plain and simple.
Fortunately, FEMA has a waiver for BABAA requirements now, effective for 6 months from July 1, 2022. Here’s the rest from a news release from FEMA:
Build America, Buy America Act: Approved General Applicability Public Interest Waiver
The Office of Management and Budget approved FEMA’s General Applicability Public Interest Waiver of the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requirements on July 1, 2022. The waiver will be effective for six months.
For FEMA grant awards, and any other funding FEMA obligates through Jan, 1, 2023, recipients and subrecipients will not be required to follow the BABAA requirements.
For FEMA programs subject to the BABAA requirements, for any new awards FEMA makes after January 1, 2023, as well as new funding FEMA obligates to existing awards or through renewal awards where the new funding is obligated after January 1, 2023, recipients and subrecipients will be required to follow the BABAA requirements unless another waiver is requested and approved.