What is the Build America, Buy America Act?
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) is a key provision of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-58, §§ 70901-70953). It mandates that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects must be produced in the United States. This legislation aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, support American jobs, and promote long-term economic growth by prioritizing U.S.-made materials in public infrastructure investments .
Key Takeaways
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BABA Overview: The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) mandates the use of U.S.-made materials in federally funded infrastructure projects to boost domestic manufacturing and jobs.
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CommScope’s Compliance: CommScope offers a broad portfolio of BABA-compliant products, including FTTH solutions and coaxial cables, supporting U.S. broadband expansion.
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Support for BEAD and Rural Access: CommScope’s solutions align with federal programs like BEAD, helping extend broadband to rural and underserved communities.
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Waiver Flexibility: Some CommScope products may qualify for waivers based on availability, cost, or public interest, depending on the funding program.
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Strategic Manufacturing Expansion: CommScope has scaled its U.S. manufacturing to meet BABA requirements, reinforcing its commitment to American infrastructure growth.
CommScope’s Role in BABA Compliance
CommScope supports the goals of BABA by offering a wide range of products that meet the act’s requirements. These include fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) solutions, coaxial cables, and connectivity components that are either fully compliant with BABA or covered under waivers approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce. CommScope has expanded its U.S. manufacturing capabilities to meet the scale and scope of federally funded broadband initiatives, helping service providers deploy high-performance networks across the country
Application in Federally Funded Broadband Projects
CommScope’s BABA-compliant products are particularly relevant for projects funded through programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) initiative. These products are designed to support broadband expansion in rural and underserved communities, aligning with the federal goal of achieving universal internet access. The company’s solutions span central office infrastructure, outside plant (OSP) systems, and customer premises equipment, offering a comprehensive approach to network deployment
Waivers and Compliance Considerations
While many CommScope products are fully BABA-compliant, some may be subject to waivers depending on the specific funding program and project requirements. These waivers are granted by the Secretary of Commerce or a designated authority and are typically based on factors such as availability, cost, or public interest. It is important for project stakeholders to review the applicable laws and regulations for their specific funding source to determine compliance obligations
Conclusion
The Build America, Buy America Act represents a significant shift in federal infrastructure policy, emphasizing domestic sourcing and manufacturing. CommScope plays an active role in supporting this initiative by providing compliant solutions and expanding its U.S. production capabilities. For organizations involved in federally funded broadband projects, understanding and aligning with BABA requirements is essential to project eligibility and success.
