Understanding federal material requirements

By Jesse Sanchez. 

How federal infrastructure rules affect material sourcing and compliance across publicly funded projects. 

Federal infrastructure spending comes with clear guidelines designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing and project accountability. These guidelines are also very clear when it comes to where construction materials are made. These requirements are well known to companies like Hunter Panels, who must navigate them regularly. For contractors, manufacturers and specifiers working on publicly funded projects, understanding those requirements is essential to staying compliant and avoiding costly delays. 

The Build America, Buy America Act sets clear expectations for material sourcing on covered infrastructure projects. Under the law, all iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials used in qualifying projects must be produced in the United States. The requirements apply broadly across federally funded infrastructure, including highways, bridges, public transit and other public works supported by federal grants or contracts. 

The act was signed into law in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law on November 15, 2021. Its purpose is to strengthen domestic manufacturing, support job creation and reinforce the U.S. supply chain by ensuring federal investment circulates within the American economy. 

While the intent is firm, the law does allow for flexibility in specific circumstances. Waivers may be granted when materials are not available domestically in sufficient quantities, when products are not produced in the United States at a satisfactory quality or when using American-made materials would significantly increase project costs. These provisions are designed to balance economic goals with practical realities in the field. 

For manufacturers, certification plays a key role in helping project teams meet compliance requirements. Hunter Panels reports that its Hunter Panels and Hunter Xci construction materials are manufactured in the United States, making them compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58.  

As federal infrastructure investment continues to flow, Build America, Buy America remains a central consideration in material selection and project planning. Understanding how the law applies and which products meet its requirements helps contractors and designers move forward with greater confidence in publicly funded work. 

Learn more about what the Build America, Buy America Act means for construction materials and how its requirements affect sourcing, compliance and planning on federally funded projects!