On March 29, 2023, Rural Development’s Office of Multifamily Housing issued the following information:
The Build America, Buy America Act, enacted as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) on November 15, 2021, focuses on maximizing the federal government’s use of services, goods, products, and materials produced and offered in the United States.
All non-Federal organizations receiving RD financial assistance for infrastructure projects are now required to exclusively use iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials manufactured in the United States, as RD’s implementation waiver for BABAA expired on February 3, 2023.
In accordance with BABAA, USDA has determined that de minimis, small grants, and minor components will be waived from the requirements of BABAA, pursuant to USDA Departmentwide Public Interest Waivers granted to the Department on September 13, 2022. Under such waivers, small grants below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, which is currently set at $250,000, shall not be subject to BABAA.
On March 1, 2023, USDA Rural Development (RD) published a Build America, Buy America (BABAA) Customer Guide to help organizations receiving RD financial assistance comply with BABAA and its requirements for their projects. This guide will help stakeholders determine if their project is subject to BABAA and explain how to document compliance.
For more information, go to Build America, Buy America Act | Rural Development (usda.gov) or email general BABAA inquiries to USDA-RD BABAA Inquiries.
Multifamily Housing questions and/or comments may be directed to MFH.ProgramSupport@usda.gov.