American Made Traffic Bollards
Buy American and Buy America are two distinct U.S. policies aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing and procurement, but they differ in scope, application, and requirements.
Buy American Act
Buy American refers to the Buy American Act of 1933, which applies to federal government procurement contracts valued above a certain threshold (typically the micro-purchase threshold, around $10,000). It requires federal agencies to prioritize U.S.-made goods or products with significant domestic content for direct federal purchases. To qualify as “American-made,” a product must be manufactured in the U.S., and at least 55% of its components (by cost) must be domestically sourced, though this threshold can increase to 65% by 2029 under updated regulations. Exceptions apply if domestic products are unavailable, unreasonably expensive (typically 20% more than foreign alternatives), or if waivers are granted for public interest or trade agreements. This act covers goods like construction materials, equipment, or supplies directly purchased by the federal government.
Buy America Provisions
Buy America, in contrast, is a set of provisions primarily administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) under laws like the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1978 and subsequent legislation. It applies to federally funded transportation projects, such as highways, transit systems, or rail, administered by state or local governments. Buy America requires that all steel, iron, and manufactured products used in these projects be produced entirely in the U.S., with stricter domestic content rules than Buy American. For instance, manufactured products must have 100% U.S.-produced steel and iron, and at least 55% of other components must be domestic. Waivers are available but tightly controlled, requiring proof that compliant products are unavailable or would significantly increase costs.
In summary, Buy American governs federal procurement with broader flexibility, while Buy America focuses on DOT-funded transportation projects with stricter domestic content rules. Always check specific agency guidelines or project contracts for precise requirements.