The Build America Buy America Act (BABAA) brings into focus the significance of using domestically manufactured materials for infrastructure projects, but what’s particularly interesting is how this impacts specific products like bolts. Bolts are an integral component in construction and infrastructure projects, and Build America Buy America bolts emphasize the importance of domestically produced bolts in these projects.

The Build America Buy America Act was enacted in 2021 as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The primary objective behind this legislation is to bolster the domestic manufacturing sector by requiring that all iron, steel, and manufactured products used in infrastructure projects receiving federal financial aid are produced in the United States using materials that are melted and manufactured domestically​​.

BABAA bolts implies that the bolts, which are crucial fasteners in construction, must also adhere to this criterion. BABA Act is comprehensive and covers all iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials including bolts, used in infrastructure projects within the United States. The Act explicitly states that all fasteners, including bolts, must be manufactured domestically with domestic material​​.

Why Build America Buy America Act is Important

This has several implications. Firstly, it ensures the quality and standards of the bolts used in major infrastructure projects, as domestic manufacturing can be more closely monitored and regulated. Secondly, it fosters the domestic bolt manufacturing industry, potentially leading to economic growth and job creation within the sector.

However, there are waivers available for certain cases. Similar to the American Iron & Steel policy, exemptions can be obtained by filing a waiver for three main reasons: if following the act is against the public interest, if the required bolts and materials are not sufficiently available from U.S. manufacturers, or if adhering to the act would escalate the total cost of the project by over 25%. Proposed waivers undergo a public comment period of 15 days, and any feedback is taken into account in the final decision​​.

But it is important to note that, while waivers exist, there are no broad exemptions for fasteners like bolts. Companies involved in infrastructure projects must therefore ensure not only that the bolts they use are of high quality but also that they are manufactured in the U.S. with domestically melted materials. For instance, Atlanta Rod and Manufacturing is a company that has been domestically producing iron and steel products, including custom bolts, since 1980. They can manufacture to ASTM and other industry standards, and all of their products, including bolts, are BABA Act and AIS compliant, making them a viable choice for infrastructure projects​​.