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FHWA Issues Updated Buy America Q&A for Federal-aid Program
Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) ComplianceFederal Highway Administration (FHWA)US
Announced
Jan 5, 2026
Description
FHWA has issued an updated Buy America Questions and Answers document for the Federal-aid Program, dated January 5, 2026. The Q&A provides guidance on FHWA's Buy America policies for iron, steel, and manufactured products permanently incorporated in Federal-aid highway construction projects. It clarifies the phased implementation of manufactured products requirements: Phase 1 (October 1, 2025) requires final assembly in the US, and Phase 2 (October 1, 2026) requires final assembly plus greater than 55% domestic component cost. The document also addresses waiver criteria and classification guidance for various product types.
Sources
Key Findings
FHWA Issues Updated Buy America Q&A for Federal-aid Program
FHWA's Buy America Q and A for Federal-aid Program Updated January 5, 2026 Background The FHWA's Buy America policies require a domestic manufacturing process for iron or steel products and manufactured products that are permanently incorporated in a Federal-aid highway construction project. Title 23 Section 313 provides that the Administrator may issue a waiver if, (1) the application of Buy America provisions would
FHWA Issues Updated Buy America Q&A for Federal-aid Program
Questions and Answers (Q&As) on the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Manufactured Products Final Rule Updated January 5, 2026 Background On January 14, 2025, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a final rule terminating its general waiver on manufactured products and establishing new Buy America requirements for manufactured products used in Federal-aid highway projects (“the Manufactured Products Fi