Carefully review the guidelines, requirements, and standards for BABA flood protection. The 2021 Build America, Buy American Act requires USA-produced construction materials, manufactured products, iron, and steel for major nationwide infrastructure projects. This program is designed to improve supply chains, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support high-paying local jobs.
As a building owner or project manager, you may be required to comply with these guidelines if construction includes equipment, facilities, or structures for:
- Major Regional & International Airports
- Public Transportation Networks & Railways
- Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
- Highways, Roads, Bridges
- Electrical & Utility Stations
- EV Charging & Distribution Facilities
- Government Buildings & Properties
Read on to learn about flood prevention services & standards for the Build America, Buy American Act.
Verify Infrastructure Compliance
To maintain BABAA compliance, construction must qualify as an infrastructure project. These projects are required to serve a public function – supporting or benefiting US communities at-large. Facilities additionally need to be publicly operated & owned – managed by government entities, or privately through the public. Properties that serve as public facilities or accommodations are additionally eligible. If you’re still unsure of your status, schedule a flood mitigation consultation to learn more about options & requirements. Before you start BABA storm protection projects, carefully verify infrastructure & building compliance.
Prioritize American-Made Flood Protection
Prioritize USA-made flood control systems to maintain compliance with Build America, Buy American standards. Many storm defense products are engineered to meet BABA and American Iron & Steel Act (AIS) requirements.
US flood protection companies collaborate with the industry’s top vendors & manufacturers to source a range of BABA-compliant device options:
- Glass Walls & Resistant Glazing Systems
- Compliant Flood Walls
- Steel Fire Rated Doors
- Removable Stop Logs
- Self-Activating Systems
- Automatic Spill Containment Solutions
- Sliding & Rolling Gates
- Watertight Hatches
- Industrial Barrier Solutions
- Permanent Flood Systems
- Water Diversion Walls
To avoid impacting federal funds, make sure you disclose codes & regulatory before receiving a final quote for professional flood services. Prioritize American-made protection to support domestic jobs, supply chains, and manufacturing.
Ensure Domestic Construction Materials
In addition to your flood control devices, project construction materials are also subject to BABA compliance requirements. Construction materials apply to articles, supplies, plastics, glass, and lumbar used throughout the barrier installation process. Under EPA guidelines, the final two manufacturing steps must be completed domestically. Additionally, the total cost of manufactured, produced, or mined materials must total 55%+ of product cost. In some cases, all manufacturing processes for construction components must take place in the US. While you’re choosing flood control services, confirm if domestic construction & building materials are available.
Review EPA Waiver Requirements
Before installing flood solutions, determine if your infrastructure project requires any Environmental Protection Agency waivers. The EPA offers specialized waivers for internationally-sourced goods that are unavailable or unreasonably-expensive domestically. Similarly, these contracts are available when domestic procurement does not align with public interest. Of course, the grantees themselves are responsible for submitting BABAA Waiver Requests Form – along with the other required documentation. If needed, ask your flood mitigation company for a comprehensive waiver request form. Understand waiver standards & requirements before implementing your flood control strategy.
Maintain Reporting & Documentation Compliance
Maintain clear & accurate documentation for BABAA-compliant flood prevention. Request receipts or certifications to verify domestic manufacturing. Typically, these must be provided directly from suppliers or manufacturers – especially companies for iron, steel, and manufactured/construction products. You may additionally require follow-ups from your contractors, supporting vendors, or storm protection company. No matter the type of flood device, clear & comprehensive reporting is typically a priority for Build America, Buy American standards.
Carefully follow BABA guidelines to install resilient flood barrier systems. This act was originally introduced to support local jobs, manufacturing chains, and business opportunities. If your infrastructure project requires compliance, work with experienced companies to source qualified products & materials. Then, work together to achieve & maintain storm resiliency. Follow the points above to learn about Build America, Buy American flood control.
