Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Little Buy American Provisions

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Little Buy American Provisions

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy
American Act and Complementary Little Buy
American Provisions
John R. Luckey
Legislative Attorney
April 25, 2012
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R42501
CRS Report for Congress
Pr
epared for Members and Committees of Congress

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Summary
Congress has broad authority to place conditions on the purchases made by the federal
government or with federal dollars. One of many conditions that it has placed on direct
government purchases is a requirement that they be produced in the United States. The most well
known of these requirements is the Buy American Act, which is the major domestic preference
statute governing procurement by the federal government. The Buy American Act applies to
direct purchases by the federal government of more than $3,000, providing their purchase is
consistent with the public interest, the items are reasonable in cost, and they are for use in the
United States. The act requires that “substantially all” of the acquisition be attributable to
American-made components. Regulations have interpreted this requirement to mean that at least
50% of the cost must be attributable to American content. While the act has only been
substantively amended four times since its enactment in 1933, every Congress in the intervening
years has seen fit to enact some form of additional domestic preference legislation.
Other domestic preference statutes, known as “Little Buy American Acts,” either impose a higher
domestic content requirement on procurements that are covered by the Buy American Act or
apply to indirect purchases (i.e., purchases not made by a federal entity, but which are made with
federal funds). The Buy America Act and the Berry Amendment, the most commonly recognized
of the Little Buy American Acts, are representative of the two most prominent categories of Little
Buy American Acts. The majority of Little Buy American Acts govern purchases not directly
made by a federal entity, but which use federal funds. The Buy America Act, which attaches a
domestic content requirement to purchases made with federal transportation funds, is illustrative
of this type of legislation. Unless the definitions of the Buy American Act are referenced, these
provisions generally require the purchase of 100% American-made products.
The second most common category of Little Buy American Act affects certain direct purchases of
the federal government (i.e., ones that are governed by the Buy American Act), for which
Congress has decided a greater percentage of American content should be required, as opposed to
the standard 50%. The Berry Amendment is probably the most recognized legislation in this
category. The Berry Amendment is a “super percentage” statute which limits the Department of
Defense when purchasing certain goods to such goods that are 100% American in origin.
This report summarizes (1) the Buy American Act, what it does and does not cover; (2) the Little
Buy American Acts found in permanent law, emphasizing what they govern, major exceptions
and why Congress felt them necessary in light of the requirements of the Buy American Act; and
(3) the temporary Little Buy American provision found in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.

Congressional Research Service

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1
The Buy American Act .................................................................................................................... 2
Little Buy American Acts in Permanent Law .................................................................................. 2
Domestic Content Requirements for Non-Direct Purchases ..................................................... 3
Buy America Act: Restrictions on Department of Transportation Funds............................ 3
Other Restricted Funds and/or Entities ............................................................................... 6
Super Percentage Requirements ................................................................................................ 8
The Berry Amendment: 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a and 2533b..................................................... 8
Other Department of Defense Buy American Requirements: 10 U.S.C. § 2534 .............. 10
6 U.S.C. § 453b: Department of Homeland Security........................................................ 11
Veterans’ Burial Flags: 38 U.S.C. § 2301.......................................................................... 12
Provisions Which Encourage the Use of American Made Goods ........................................... 12
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation: 7 U.S.C. § 1506(p)................................................. 12
Other Department of Agriculture Related Entities: 7 U.S.C. Ch. 98................................. 12
Housing Assistance Programs: 12 U.S.C § 1735e-1 ......................................................... 12
Small Business Financial Assistance Under the Small Business Act: 15 U.S.C. §
661.................................................................................................................................. 13
Arson Prevention Grants: 15 U.S.C. § 2221 ..................................................................... 13
Educate America Act: 20 U.S.C §§ 5801 et seq................................................................ 13
School Lunch Program Funds: 42 U.S.C. § 1760 ............................................................. 13
Domestic Content Requirements in Procurements of Products for Use Outside the
United States......................................................................................................................... 14
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: 22 U.S.C. § 2381........................................................... 14
Engraving and Printing Currency , Postage Stamps, and Security Documents for
Foreign Governments: 31 U.S.C. § 5114 ....................................................................... 14
Renewable Energy Technology Transfer Program: 42 U.S.C. § 13316 ............................ 14
Clean Coal Technology Transfer Program: 42 U.S.C. § 13362 ........................................ 15
Environmental Technology Transfer Program: 42 U.S.C. § 13387................................... 15
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: P.L. 111-5.......................................................... 16

Contacts
Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 16

Congressional Research Service

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Introduction
Congress has broad authority to place conditions on the purchases made by the federal
government or with federal dollars. One of many conditions that it has placed on direct
government purchases is a requirement that they be produced in the United States. The most
familiar of these requirements is known as the Buy American Act,1 which is the major domestic
preference statute governing procurement by the federal government. The Buy American Act
applies to direct purchases by the federal government of more than $3,000, providing the
purchase is consistent with the public interest, the items or services are reasonable in cost, and
they are for use in the United States. The act requires that “substantially all” of the acquisition be
attributable to American-made components. Regulations have interpreted this requirement to

mean that at least 50% of the cost must be attributable to American content.
While the act has only been substantively amended four times2 since its enactment in 1933,3
every Congress in the intervening years has seen fit to enact some form of additional domestic
preference legislation. This legislation has been generally directed at purchases that for some
reason were not governed by the Buy American Act and often took the form of temporary law
that was enacted Congress after Congress, often as an appropriations rider to deny the use of
funds to purchase goods that were not of domestic origin. While this approach has not been
abandoned, the current trend appears to be to codify these “Little Buy American Acts” as
permanent law. 4
This report summarizes (1) the Buy American Act, what it does and does not cover; (2) the Little
Buy American Acts found in permanent law, emphasizing what they govern, major exceptions,
and why Congress felt them necessary in light of the requirements of the Buy American Act; and
(3) the temporary Little Buy American provision found in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act.5

1 41 U.S.C. §§ 8301 through 8305.
2 See, P.L. 100-418, Title VII; 102 Stat. 1545, 100th Congress, 2nd Session (1988), P.L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3346-7, 103rd
Congress, 2nd Session (1994), P.L. 104-201, § 827, 110 Stat. 2611 104th Congress, 2nd Session (1996), and P.L. 110-28,
Title VIII, § 8306, 121 Stat. 112, 211, 110th Congress, 1st Session (2007).
3 Ch. 212, 47 Stat. 1520, 72nd Congress, 2nd Session (1933).
4 A good example of this process and current trend is legislation commonly referred to as the “Berry Amendment.”
This legislation requires the Department of Defense to purchase certain items that must be 100% American made. From
the 77th Congress, see, P.L. 29, ch. 41, 55 Stat. 123, 125, 77th Congress, 1st Sess. (1941), through the 102nd Congress,
see, P.L. 102-396, 106 State 1876, 1900, 102nd Con., 2nd Sess. (1992), every Congress passed a Berry Amendment
appropriations rider. In the 103rd Congress, the Berry Amendment was made permanent law, see, P.L. 103-139, Title
VIII, § 8005, 107 Stat.1438, 103rd Cong., 1st Sess. (1993), and codified in 10 U.S.C. § 2533a in P.L. 107-107, Div, A,
Title VIII, § 832, 115 Stat.1189, 107th Cong. 1st Sess. (2001). For a discussion of the Berry amendment, see, CRS
Report RL31236, The Berry Amendment: Requiring Defense Procurement to Come from Domestic Sources, by Valerie
Bailey Grasso.
5 P.L. 111-5, § 1605, 123 Stat.115, 303, 111th Cong. 1st Sess. (2009).
Congressional Research Service
1

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

The Buy American Act
Essentially, the Buy American Act6 attempts to protect domestic labor by providing a required
preference for American goods in direct government purchases. In determining what are
American goods, the place of mining, production, or manufacture is controlling. The nationality
of the contractor is not considered when determining if a product is of domestic origin.7
Manufactured articles are considered domestic if they have been manufactured in the United
States from components, “substantially all” of which have been mined, produced, or
manufactured in the United States.8 The term “substantially all” is defined in the regulations to
mean that the cost of foreign components does not exceed 50% of the cost of all components.9
There are five primary exceptions to the Buy American Act. The act does not apply to
procurements when its application would be inconsistent with the public interest10 or
unreasonable in cost.11 The act does not apply to procurements of products for use outside the
United States or of products not produced or manufactured in the United States in sufficient and
reasonably available commercial quantities and of satisfactory quality.12 Lastly, the act does not
apply to procurements under $3,000.13 Also, the Trade Agreements Act of 197914 authorizes the
President to waive any otherwise applicable “law, regulation or procedure regarding Government
procurement” that would accord foreign products less favorable treatment than that given to
domestic products.15 In summary, the Buy American Act applies to direct purchases by the federal
government of more than $3,000, which are consistent with the public interest, reasonable in cost,
and for use in the United States.
Little Buy American Acts in Permanent Law
Over the years, Congress has enacted “Little Buy American Acts” to restrict procurements that do
not fall under the application of the Buy American Act or to adjust the percentage content
standard. The Buy America Act,16 which attaches a domestic content requirement to purchases

6 For a more detailed discussion of the Buy American Act, see, CRS Report 97-765, The Buy American Act: Requiring
Government Procurements to Come from Domestic Sources, by John R. Luckey.
7 See, E-Systems, Inc., 61 Comp. Gen. 431 (1982); and Patterson Pump Co., B-200165, 80-2 CPD ¶ 453 (1980).
8 41 U.S.C. §§ 8302 & 8303. This two part test is only applied to end products or construction materials. A component
is of domestic origin if it was manufactured in the United States, regardless of where its components were
manufactured. Hamilton Watch Co., B-179939, 74-1 CPD ¶ 306 (1974).
9 48 C.F.R. § 25.101.
10 41 U.S.C. § 8302. Generally referred to as a “public interest” exception or waiver.
11 Id. Generally referred to as an “unreasonable cost” exemption or waiver and is implemented through the use of price
differentials.
12 Id. Generally referred to as an “non-availability” exception or waiver.
13 41 U.S.C. § 8302(a)(2)(C) which incorporates the definition of 41 U.S.C. § 1902.
14 19 U.S.C. §§ 2501 et seq.
15 19 U.S.C. § 2511. A waiver under this authority is generally referred to as a “trade agreements waiver.” This
provision was implemented by E.O. 12260, 46 Fed. Reg. 1653 (1981). See, also, 48 C.F.R. § 25.4.
16 The Buy America Act is the popular name for a group of domestic content restrictions which have been attached to
funds administered by the Department of Transportation. See, 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j), Federal Transit Administration
funds, 23 U.S.C. § 313, Federal Highway Administration funds, 49 U.S.C. § 24305, AMTRAK funds, 49 U.S.C. §
24405, Federal Railroad Administration High Speed Rail Program, and 49 U.S.C. § 50101, Federal Aviation
(continued...)
Congressional Research Service
2

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

made with federal transportation funds, is illustrative of provisions that govern purchases not
made directly by a federal entity, but which use federal funds. The majority of the Little Buy
American Acts are this type of legislation. Unless the provisions specifically reference the
definitions of the Buy American Act, they generally require the purchase of 100% American-
made products.
The Berry Amendment17 is a “super percentage” statute which requires that certain purchases of
the Department of Defense be 100% American in origin. The Berry Amendment is an example of
a provision where Congress has decided that a greater percentage of American content should be
required in acquisitions that are subject to the “big” Buy American Act.
Domestic content provisions that have become permanent law may be divided into three
categories: (1) domestic content requirements for non-direct purchases; (2) super percentage
requirements for direct purchases; and (3) provisions which encourage the use of American-made
goods. The following discussion identifies the specific fund or products governed by the
provision, and the types of waiver or exemption available (i.e., public interest, non-availability,
unreasonable cost, trade agreements, or other).
Domestic Content Requirements for Non-Direct Purchases
Buy America Act: Restrictions on Department of Transportation Funds
The Buy America Act is the popular name for a group of domestic content restrictions which have
been attached to funds administered by the Department of Transportation to make grants to states,
localities, and other non-federal government entities for various transportation projects. The Buy
American Act does not apply to these funds because, while the source of the money is federal,
purchases are not made directly by the federal government.
As noted above, unless otherwise stated, the Buy America Act provisions require 100% domestic
content. Typically, the Secretary of Transportation may waive the requirements if they are
“inconsistent with the public interest,” the “goods produced in the United States are not produced
in a sufficient and reasonably available amount or are not of a satisfactory quality,” or when
procuring certain items would increase the cost of the overall project by more than a certain
amount.18 Although waivers for goods produced in a foreign country may be made under certain
trade agreements, the Secretary is prohibited from providing a waiver for a country that has
violated the trade agreement by discriminating against similar American goods.19

(...continued)
Administration funds. See, also, the Department of Transportation’s Buy America webpage, http://dot.gov/buyamerica/.
17 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a and 2533b.
18 See, e.g., 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(2).
19 See, e.g., 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(5).
Congressional Research Service
3

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Federal Transit Administration Funds: 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)
The steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in all Federal Transit Administration funded20
projects must be produced in the United States.21 Public-interest22 and non-availability waivers by
the Secretary of Transportation are authorized.23 A variant of the unreasonable cost waiver is
provided.24 A trade agreements waiver may not be made for goods from a country found to be in
violation of such agreement.25 The Secretary of Transportation may not prohibit a state from
imposing more stringent domestic content requirements.26
Federal Highway Administration Funds: 23 U.S.C. § 313
The steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in all Federal Highway Administration funded
projects must be produced in the United States.27 The Secretary of Transportation may issue
public-interest, non-availability, or unreasonable-cost waivers.28 A trade agreements waiver may
not be made for goods from a country found to be in violation of such agreement.29 The Secretary
of Transportation may not prohibit a state from imposing more stringent domestic content
requirements.30
AMTRAK Funds: 49 U.S.C. § 24305
Since AMTRAK is explicitly not a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States
government,31 its purchases are not direct purchases of the federal government and are not
governed by the Buy American Act. However, U.S.C. § 24305 requires that Amtrak buy raw
materials mined or produced in the United States; or manufactured articles, material, and supplies
manufactured in the United States substantially32 from articles, material, and supplies mined,

20 All funds authorized under 49 U.S.C. §§ 5301 et seq., for example, urbanized area formula grants (§ 5307), clean
fuel grants (§ 5308), or capital investment grants (§ 5309).
21 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(1).
22 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(2)(A). When issuing a waiver based on a public interest determination, the Secretary shall issue
a detailed written justification as to why the waiver is in the public interest. The Secretary shall publish such
justification in the Federal Register and provide the public with a reasonable period of time for notice and comment. 49
U.S.C. § 5323(j)(3).
23 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(2)(B).
24 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(2). It may be waived when procuring rolling stock (including train control, communication, and
traction power equipment), if the cost of components and subcomponents produced in the United States is more than 60
percent of the cost of all components of the rolling stock, and final assembly of the rolling stock has occurred in the
United States, or including domestic material will increase the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent.
Labor costs involved in final assembly are not included in calculating the cost of components. 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(4).
25 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(5).
26 49 U.S.C. § 5323(j)(7).
27 23 U.S.C. § 313(a).
28 23 U.S.C. § 313(b). The unreasonable cost waiver may be invoked if including domestic material will increase the
cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent. Labor costs involved in final assembly are not included in
calculating the cost of components. 23 U.S.C. § 313(c).
29 23 U.S.C. § 313(f).
30 23 U.S.C. § 313(d).
31 49 U.S.C. § 24301(a)(3).
32 The use of the word “substantially” indicates that 100% domestic content is not required and that the Buy American
Act definition is to be utilized.
Congressional Research Service
4

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

produced, or manufactured in the United States.33 This restriction applies only when the cost of
those articles, material, or supplies bought is at least $1,000,000.34 On application of Amtrak, the
Secretary of Transportation may exempt Amtrak from this requirement if the Secretary decides
that for particular articles, material, or supplies the requirement is inconsistent with the public
interest, unreasonable in cost, non-available, or rolling stock or power train equipment cannot be
bought and delivered in the United States within a reasonable time.35
Federal Railroad Administration High Speed Rail Program Funds: 49 U.S.C. §
24405
Grants under this program must contain the condition that the financed projects use only steel,
iron, and manufactured goods produced in the United States.36 This condition is only applied to
projects for which the costs exceed $100,000.37 The Secretary of Transportation may waive38 this
requirement using the public-interest, non-availability, or unreasonable-cost waivers.39 A trade-
agreements waiver may not be made for goods from a country found to be in violation of a trade
agreement.40 The Secretary of Transportation may not prohibit a state from imposing more
stringent domestic content requirements.41
Federal Aviation Administration Funds: 49 U.S.C. §§ 50101 & 50103
Certain funds42 administered by the Federal Aviation Administration may only be used for a
project if steel and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States.43
The facility or equipment qualifies as domestic if the cost of components and subcomponents
produced in the United States is more than 60% of the cost of all components of the facility or
equipment and final assembly of the facility or equipment has occurred in the United States. The
Secretary of Transportation may waive this requirement for reasons of the public interest, non-
availability, or unreasonable cost. A 25% price differential is used to measure the reasonableness
of the cost.44

33 49 U.S.C. § 24305(f)(2).
34 49 U.S.C. § 24305(f)(3).
35 49 U.S.C. § 24305(f)(4).
36 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(1).
37 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(11).
38 When issuing a waiver determination, the Secretary shall issue a detailed written justification as to why the waiver is
needed. The Secretary shall publish such justification in the Federal Register and provide the public with a reasonable
period of time for notice and comment. 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(4). Not later than December 31, 2012, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on any waivers granted. 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(5).
39 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(2). The unreasonable cost waiver may be invoked if including domestic material will increase
the cost of the overall project by more than 25 percent. Labor costs involved in final assembly are not included in
calculating the cost of components. 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(3).
40 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(6).
41 49 U.S.C. § 24405(a)(8).
42 The referenced funds may be found in: 49 U.S.C. §§ 106(k), 44502(a)(2), or 44509; 49 U.S.C. §§ 47101 et seq.,
except § 47127; 49 U.S.C. §§ 48101 et seq., except §§ 48102(e), 48106, 48107, and 48110.
43 49 U.S.C. § 50101(a).
44 49 U.S.C. § 50101(b). Labor costs involved in final assembly are not included in calculating the cost of components.
(continued...)
Congressional Research Service
5

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Section 50103 appears to have been a provision directed at a specific contract or group of
contracts.45 It is a fairly unusual provision because, in addition to considering the place of
manufacture, the place of incorporation also matters. “Domestic firm” is defined as a business
entity incorporated, and conducting business, in the United States.46 At least 51% of the final
product of the domestic firm must be produced in the United States.47 This provision is applicable
to contracts related to aviation research grants,48 catastrophic-failure prevention research grants,49
and grants to establish and operate regional centers of air transportation excellence.50 The
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may give preference to a domestic firm,
even if a foreign firm would have been awarded the contract under competitive procedures, when
the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative concur that the public
interest requires making the contract with the domestic firm, considering United States
international obligations and trade relations, and the difference between the bids submitted by the
foreign firm and the domestic firm is not more than 6%.51 However, if compelling national
security considerations require, or the Trade Representative decides that making the contract
would violate a multilateral trade agreement or an international agreement, then the special
preference for a domestic firm would not apply.52
Other Restricted Funds and/or Entities
Procurement of Photovoltaic Devices: 10 U.S.C. § 2534 note
The Department of Defense sometimes is the beneficial owner of a product even when DOD does
not purchase it directly. When photovoltaic devices are purchased by third parties for the benefit
of DOD, such as in energy savings performance contracts, utility service contracts, land leases,
and private housing contracts, to the extent that such contracts result in ownership of photovoltaic
devices by DOD, such contracts must comply with the Buy American Act.53

Workforce Investment Act and Other Funds: 20 U.S.C. §§ 9275

(...continued)
49 U.S.C. § 50101(c).
45 49 U.S.C. § 50103(d) (“This section applies only to a contract related to a grant … for which … an amount is … to
be made available for the fiscal years ending September 30, 1991, and September 30, 1992 … and a solicitation for bid
is issued after November 5, 1990.” Id.)
46 49 U.S.C. § 50103(a)(1), emphasis added.
47 49 U.S.C. § 50103(b).
48 49 U.S.C. § 44511.
49 49 U.S.C. § 44512.
50 49 U.S.C. § 44513.
51 49 U.S.C. § 50103(b).
52 49 U.S.C. § 50103(c).
53 10 U.S.C. § 2534 note. For the purposes of this section, the Department of Defense is deemed to own a photovoltaic
device if the device is installed on Department of Defense property or in a facility owned by the Department of
Defense, and reserved for the exclusive use of the Department of Defense for the full economic life of the device. P.L.
111-383, Div. A, title VIII, § 846, 124 Stat. 4137, 4285, 111th Cong., 1st Sess. (2011).
Congressional Research Service
6

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

A provision prohibiting an entity receiving funds made available by the Workforce Investment
Act of 1998, P.L. 105-220, Title V, § 505, from spending those funds “unless the entity agrees that
in expending the funds the entity will comply with the Buy American Act” is codified at 20
U.S.C. § 9275(a).54 This prohibition applies to a number of programs, including certain
employment and training activities (such as Job Corps programs; programs for dislocated
workers; and programs for migrant and seasonal workers, veterans, Native Americans, and youth)
and adult education and literacy funds. In addition, there is a sense of the Congress provision that
the recipients of financial assistance should, in expending the assistance, purchase only
American-made equipment and products.55 The head of each agency is to provide each recipient
of assistance a notice that the assistance should be used in accordance with the sense of
Congress.56
District of Columbia Mental Health Services Funds: 24 U.S.C §§ 225 et seq.
The mayor of the District of Columbia shall insure that the requirements of the Buy American Act
are applied to all procurements made under the Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital and District of
Columbia Mental Health Services Act.57 A trade agreements waiver may not be made for goods
from a country found to be in violation of such agreement.58
Indian Health Care Facilities: 25 U.S.C. §§ 1631 et seq.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall insure that the requirements of the Buy
American Act apply to all procurements made with funds made available under 25 U.S.C. §§
1631 et seq.59
Water Pollution Prevention and Control Grants for Construction of Treatment
Works: 33 U.S.C. § §§ 1281 et seq.
Grants made under 33 U.S.C. §§ 1281 et seq. for any treatment works are to impose Buy
American-like provisions on purchases made with grant funds.60 The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency may waive this requirement using the public-interest, non-
availability, or unreasonable-cost waivers.61

54 20 U.S.C. § 9275(a).
55 20 U.S.C. § 9275(b)(1).
56 20 U.S.C. § 9275(b)(2).
57 24 U.S.C. § 225h(a).
58 24 U.S.C. § 225h(b).
59 25 U.S.C. § 1638b.
60 33 U.S.C. § 1295 (“… no grant … shall be made under this subchapter for any treatment works unless only such
unmanufactured articles, materials, and supplies as have been mined or produced in the United States, and only such
manufactured articles, materials, and supplies as have been manufactured in the United States, substantially all from
articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured … in the United States will be used in such treatment
works.” Id. The use of the word “substantially” indicates that 100% domestic content is not required.)
61 33 U.S.C. § 1295.
Congressional Research Service
7

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Disaster Relief Funds: 42 U.S.C. § 5206
Entities spending funds authorized under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000,62 or any provisions
amended by it, must comply with the Buy American Act.63
Local Public Works Grants: 42 U.S.C. § 6705(f)(1).
Grants made under the Public Works Employment Act of 197664 for any local public works
project are to impose Buy American-like conditions on the project.65 This requirement may be
waived by the Secretary of Commerce acting through the Economic Development Administration
on grounds of the public interest, non-availability of domestic materials, or unreasonable cost. 66
Super Percentage Requirements
The Berry Amendment: 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a and 2533b
As noted above,67 the Berry Amendment has been around in some form since the beginning of
World War II. Over the years, the amendment has consistently required the Department of
Defense, when it purchased listed items, to buy items that are 100% domestic in origin. The list
has varied over the years, but generally has included products made of textiles or specialty
metals. The current version of the amendment is found in Sections 2533a and 2533b of Title 10 of
the United States Code. Section 2533b contains the rules governing specialty metals. Section
2533a governs all other listed products.
Under Section 2533a, the Department of Defense may not use appropriated or otherwise available
funds to purchase certain items if they are not grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the
United States. The covered items include food; clothing and the materials and components
thereof, other than sensors, electronics, or other items added to, and not normally associated with,
clothing (and the materials and components thereof); tents (and the structural components
thereof), tarpaulins, or covers; cotton and other natural fiber products, woven silk or woven silk
blends, spun silk yarn for cartridge cloth, synthetic fabric or coated synthetic fabric (including all
textile fibers and yarns that are for use in such fabrics), canvas products, or wool (whether in the
form of fiber or yarn or contained in fabrics, materials, or manufactured articles); any item of
individual equipment manufactured from or containing such fibers, yarns, fabrics, or materials; or
hand or measuring tools.68
Section 2533b prohibits the acquisition of a specialty metal that is not melted or produced in the
United States and that is to be purchased directly by the Department of Defense or a prime
contractor of the department, or end items, or components thereof, containing a specialty metal

62 Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, P.L. 106-390, 114 Stat. 1552, 106th Cong., 2nd Sess. (2000).
63 42 U.S.C. § 5206(a).
64 P.L. 94-369, 90 Stat. 999, 94th Cong. 2nd Sess. (1976), codified at 42 U.S.C. §§ 6701 et seq.
65 42 U.S.C. § 6705(f)(1)(A).
66 42 U.S.C. § 6705(f)(1)(B).
67 Supra note 4.
68 10 U.S.C. § 2533a(a) & (b).
Congressional Research Service
8

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

not melted or produced in the United States, including aircraft, missile and space systems, ships,
tank and automotive items, weapon systems, or ammunition.69 For purposes of the section
specialty metal includes certain steel alloys; certain metal alloys consisting of nickel, iron-nickel,
and cobalt base alloys containing a total of other alloying metals (except iron) in excess of 10%;
titanium and titanium alloys; zirconium and zirconium base alloys.70
These provisions do not apply if the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the relevant military
department determines that the items are not available in satisfactory quality, sufficient quantity,
or as and when needed at a market price.71 Procurements made outside the United States in
support of combat operations or contingency operations,72 procurements where competitive
procedures do not have to be used because of unusual and compelling urgency of need,73 and
purchases under $3,00074 are not subject to these requirements. Items purchased for resale
purposes in commissaries, exchanges, or nonappropriated fund instrumentalities operated by the
Department of Defense are also exempt.75 Each provision contains its own limited trade
agreements exception.76
In addition to the common exemptions, Section 2533a exempts procurements by a vessel in
foreign waters77 and “[e]mergency procurements or procurements of perishable foods by, or for,
an establishment located outside the United States for the personnel attached to such
establishment.”78 This provision applies to contracts and subcontracts for the procurement of
commercial items, including off-the-shelf items.79
Section 2533b has a national security waiver not contained in 2533a.80 It also exempts purchases
of electronic components unless the Secretary of Defense, upon the recommendation of the
Strategic Materials Protection Board, determines that the domestic availability of a particular

69 10 U.S.C. § 2533b(a).
70 10 U.S.C. § 2533b(l).
71 10 U.S.C. § 2533a(c) provides exception to the extent that the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military
department concerned determines that satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of any such item grown, reprocessed,
reused, or produced in the United States cannot be procured as and when needed at United States market prices. 10
U.S.C. § 2533b(b) provides exception to the extent that the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military
department concerned determines that compliant specialty metal of satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity, and in
the required form, cannot be procured as and when needed. This exemption applies to prime contracts and subcontracts
at any tier under such contracts.
72 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a(d) and 2533b(c).
73 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a(d)(4) and 2533b(c)(2).
74 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a(h) and 2533b(f).
75 10 U.S.C. §§ 2533a(g) and 2533b(e).
76 10 U.S.C. § 2533a(e) provides a trade agreements exception is granted for chemical warfare protective clothing. 10
U.S.C. § 2533b(d)(l) provides a trade agreements exception if the acquisition is necessary to comply with agreements
with foreign governments requiring the United States to purchase supplies from foreign sources for the purposes of
offsetting sales made by the United States Government or United States firms under approved programs serving
defense requirements; or in furtherance of agreements with foreign governments in which both such governments agree
to remove barriers to purchases of supplies produced in the other country or services performed by sources of the other
country; and any such agreement with a foreign government complies, where applicable, with the requirements of
section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. § 2776) and with section 2457 of title 10.
77 10 U.S.C. § 2533a(d).
78 10 U.S.C. § 2533a(c) & (d).
79 10 U.S.C. § 2533a(i).
80 10 U.S.C. § 2533b(k).
Congressional Research Service
9

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

electronic component is critical to national security.81 This provision applies to contracts and
subcontracts for the procurement of commercial items, subject to a limited commercially
available off-the-shelf exception.82 An item (not including high performance magnets) may be
purchased containing specialty metals that were not melted in the United States if the total
amount of noncompliant specialty metals in the item does not exceed 2% of the total weight of
specialty metals in the item.83
Other Department of Defense Buy American Requirements: 10 U.S.C. § 2534
The Department of Defense has a super percentage domestic content standard for procurements
of buses, chemical weapons antidotes, and certain components of naval vessels including air
circuit breakers, anchor and mooring chain, and components of vessels, to the extent they are
unique to marine applications (gyrocompasses, electronic navigation chart systems, steering
controls, pumps, propulsion and machinery control systems, and totally enclosed lifeboats).84
There is an exemption for purchases under $3,000.85
The Secretary of Defense may waive this requirement86 under several circumstances. Generally
waivers may be based on unreasonable costs or delays or if the procurement is for an amount less
than the simplified acquisition threshold and simplified purchase procedures are being used. Also,
the limitation may be waived if satisfactory quality items manufactured by an entity that is part of
the national technology and industrial base (includes Canadian companies) are not available,
application of the limitation would result in the existence of only one source for the item,
application of the limitation is not in the national security interests of the United States, or
application of the limitation would adversely affect a U.S. company. In the area of foreign
relations, a waiver may be granted in three circumstances. Waivers maybe granted if (1) U.S.
producers of the item would not be jeopardized by competition from a foreign country, and that
country does not discriminate against defense items produced in the United States to a greater
degree than the United States discriminates against defense items produced in that country; (2)
application of the limitation would impede cooperative programs entered into between the
Department of Defense and a foreign country; or (3) application of the limitation would impede
the reciprocal procurement of defense items under a memorandum of understanding providing for

81 10 U.S.C. § 2533b(g).
82 10 U.S.C. § 2533b(h). The section does not apply to contracts or subcontracts for the acquisition of commercially
available off-the-shelf items, other than contracts or subcontracts for the acquisition of specialty metals, including mill
products, such as bar, billet, slab, wire, plate and sheet, that have not been incorporated into end items, subsystems,
assemblies, or components; contracts or subcontracts for the acquisition of forgings or castings of specialty metals,
unless such forgings or castings are incorporated into commercially available off-the-shelf end items, subsystems, or
assemblies; contracts or subcontracts for commercially available high performance magnets unless such high
performance magnets are incorporated into commercially available off-the-shelf-end items or subsystems; and contracts
or subcontracts for commercially available off-the-shelf fasteners, unless such fasteners are incorporated into
commercially available off-the-shelf end items, subsystems, assemblies, or components; or purchased under a contract
or subcontract with a manufacturer of such fasteners, if the manufacturer has certified that it will purchase, during the
relevant calendar year, an amount of domestically melted specialty metal, in the required form, for use in the
production of such fasteners for sale to the Department of Defense and other customers, that is not less than 50 percent
of the total amount of the specialty metal that it will purchase to carry out the production of such fasteners.
83 10 U.S.C. § 2533b(i).
84 10 U.S.C. § 2534(a).
85 10 U.S.C. § 2534(g).
86 The Secretary of Defense may exercise the waiver authority only if the waiver is made for a particular item listed in §
2534(a) and for a particular foreign country. 10 U.S.C. § 2534(i).
Congressional Research Service
10

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

reciprocal procurement of defense items and the country does not discriminate against defense
items produced in the United States to a greater degree than the United States discriminates
against defense items produced in that country.87
6 U.S.C. § 453b: Department of Homeland Security
This section provides a Berry Amendment-type of restriction on certain purchases of the
Department of Homeland Security. DHS may not use funds appropriated or otherwise available
for the procurement of certain non-domestic items, if the item is directly related to the national
security interests of the United States.88 The item may not be purchased if the item is not grown,
reprocessed, reused, or produced in the United States. Covered items include clothing and the
materials and components thereof, other than sensors, electronics, or other items added to, and not
normally associated with, clothing (and the materials and components thereof); tents, tarpaulins,
covers, textile belts, bags, protective equipment (including but not limited to body armor), sleep
systems, load carrying equipment (including but not limited to fieldpacks), textile marine
equipment, parachutes, or bandages; cotton and other natural fiber products, woven silk or woven
silk blends, spun silk yarn for cartridge cloth, synthetic fabric or coated synthetic fabric
(including all textile fibers and yarns that are for use in such fabrics), canvas products, or wool
(whether in the form of fiber or yarn or contained in fabrics, materials, or manufactured articles);
or any item of individual equipment manufactured from or containing such fibers, yarns, fabrics,
or materials.89
Exception is made for non-available items,90 items with de minimis content of non-compliant
fibers,91 procurements outside of the United States by vessels in foreign waters or in an
emergency,92 and purchases below $3,000.93
The provision is applicable to contracts and subcontracts for procurement of commercial items.94
It is required to be applied in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international
agreements.95

87 10 U.S.C. § 2534(d).
88 6 U.S.C. § 453b.
89 6 U .S.C. § 453b(b).
90 6 U.S.C. § 453b(c) which exempts articles to the extent that the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that
satisfactory quality and sufficient quantity of any such article or item grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the
United States cannot be procured as and when needed at United States market prices. This section is not applicable to
covered items that are, or include, materials determined to be non-available in accordance with Federal Acquisition
Regulation 25.104 Nonavailable Articles. If the Secretary make a determination under this exception, he must post a
notification that the exception has been applied on the Internet site maintained by the General Services Administration
known as FedBizOps.gov (or any successor site), 6 U .S.C. § 453b(i).
91 6 U .S.C. § 453b(d) which authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to accept delivery of a covered items that
contains non-compliant fibers if the total value of non-compliant fibers contained in the end item does not exceed 10
percent of the total purchase price of the end item.
92 6 U.S.C. § 453b(e).
93 6 U.S.C. § 453b(f).
94 6 U.S.C. § 453b(g).
95 6 U.S.C. § 453b(k).
Congressional Research Service
11

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Veterans’ Burial Flags: 38 U.S.C. § 2301
Under the Buy American Act, flags purchased by the Department of Veterans Affairs would be
required to be at least 50% American made. This provision prohibits the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs from procuring burial flags that are not wholly produced in the United States.96 A flag is
considered to be “wholly produced in the United States” only if the materials and components of
the flag are entirely grown, manufactured, or created in the United States; the processing
(including spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing) of such materials and components is entirely
performed in the United States; and the manufacture and assembling of such materials and
components into the flag are entirely performed in the United States.97 The Secretary may waive
this requirement if the Secretary determines that the requirement cannot be reasonably met or that
compliance with the requirement would not be in the national interest of the United States.98
Provisions Which Encourage the Use of American Made Goods
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation: 7 U.S.C. § 1506(p)
The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is a government-owned corporation.99 As such,
its purchases are not direct purchases of the federal government and thus not subject to the Buy
American Act. In the general powers of the FCIC, Congress placed a sense of Congress that, to
the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased by the corporation using
funds made available to the corporation should be American-made and the corporation should
include similar language in its contacts and loan agreements.100
Other Department of Agriculture Related Entities: 7 U.S.C. Ch. 98
There are several Department of Agriculture related entities,101 similar in organization to the
FCIC, that are governed by chapter 98 of Title 7 of the United States Code, which contains a
sense of Congress that, to the greatest extent practicable, all equipment and products purchased
by these entities using funds made available to them under chapter 98 should be American
made.102
Housing Assistance Programs: 12 U.S.C § 1735e-1
This provision states that in the administration of housing assistance programs, the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development “shall encourage the use of materials and products mined and
produced in the United States.”103

96 38 U.S.C. § 2301(h)(1).
97 38 U.S.C. § 2301(h)(3).
98 38 U.S.C. § 2301(h)(2). The Secretary shall submit to Congress in writing notice of such a determination not later
than 30 days after the date on which such determination is made.
99 7 U.S.C. § 1503.
100 7 U.S.C. § 1506(p).
101 For example, Consolidated Farm Service Agency (§ 6932), the Rural Utilities Service (§ 6942), the Rural Business
and Cooperative Development Service (§ 6944), and Rural Development Disaster Assistance Fund (§ 6945).
102 7 U.S.C. § 7012.
103 12 U.S.C. § 1735e-1.
Congressional Research Service
12

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Small Business Financial Assistance Under the Small Business Act: 15 U.S.C. §
661
In this section, Congress sets out its intent that in the award of financial assistance under the
Small Business Act, when practicable, priority be accorded to small business concerns which
lease or purchase equipment and supplies which are produced in the United States and that small
business concerns receiving such assistance be encouraged to continue to lease or purchase such
equipment and supplies.104
Arson Prevention Grants: 15 U.S.C. § 2221
This section contains a sense of Congress that any recipient of an arson prevention grant should
purchase, when available and cost-effective, American-made equipment and products when
expending grant monies.105
Educate America Act: 20 U.S.C §§ 5801 et seq.
Under the sense of the Congress found in this act, no funds appropriated pursuant to the Educate
America Act should be expended by an entity unless the entity agrees that in expending the
assistance the entity will comply with the Buy American Act, and in the case of any equipment or
products that may be authorized to be purchased with financial assistance provided under the act,
entities receiving such assistance should, in expending the assistance, purchase only American-
made equipment and products.106
School Lunch Program Funds: 42 U.S.C. § 1760
For school lunch programs, the Secretary of Agriculture is to require that a school food authority
purchase, to the maximum extent practicable, domestic commodities or products.107 The term
“domestic commodity or product” means an agricultural commodity that is produced in the
United States and a food product that is processed in the United States substantially using
agricultural commodities that are produced in the United States.108 This requirement is applicable
only to a school food authority located in the contiguous United States and for a purchase of a
domestic commodity or product for the school lunch program109 or the school breakfast program
under Section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966.110

104 15 U.S.C. § 661.
105 15 U.S.C § 2221(l).
106 20 U.S.C. § 6067.
107 42 U.S.C. § 1760(n)(2)(A) emphasis added. The effect of the emphasized words is to make this provision a goal
rather than a requirement.
108 42 U.S.C. § 1760(n)(1).
109 42 U.S.C. §§ 1751 et seq.
110 42 U.S.C. § 1773. Hawaii and Puerto Rico, while not covered by the general Buy American provision, are
permitted, and encouraged, to buy Hawaiian and buy Puerto Rican. 42 U.S.C. § 1760(n)(2)-(4).
Congressional Research Service
13

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

Domestic Content Requirements in Procurements of Products for
Use Outside the United States
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961: 22 U.S.C. § 2381
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 provided authority to the President to implement rules for the
United States Agency for International Development (USAID).111 Under this authority regulations
essentially creating a Little Buy American Act were made applicable to USAID for the source and
nationality of commodities and services financed by USAID programs. These rules were needed
because many USAID contracts take place outside of the United States. These special rules are
set out at 22 C.F.R. part 228 and apply to goods and services financed directly with program
funds under the act.112 Detailed rules restrict contracts and subcontracts by categories of countries
classified according to certain foreign policy considerations.113 Also, special rules require U.S.
procurement of agricultural commodities (with some exceptions), motor vehicles designed for
normal road speeds, and pharmaceutical products.114 Other rules set forth U.S.-flag requirements
for transporting procured goods,115 and yet other provisions set forth preference requirements for
placing marine insurance.116
Engraving and Printing Currency , Postage Stamps, and Security Documents
for Foreign Governments: 31 U.S.C. § 5114
The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to produce currency, postage stamps, and other
security documents for foreign governments if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that such
production will not interfere with engraving and printing needs of the United States, and the
Secretary of State determines that such production would be consistent with the foreign policy of
the United States.117 All articles, material, and supplies procured for use in the production of
currency, postage stamps, and other security documents for foreign governments pursuant to this
authority shall be treated in the same manner as articles, material, and supplies procured for
public use within the United States for purposes of the Buy American Act. This program might
not otherwise be governed by the Buy American Act for two reasons: it does not involve direct
purchases and the contracts might be considered to be carried on outside the United States.118
Renewable Energy Technology Transfer Program: 42 U.S.C. § 13316
This program is not governed by the Buy American Act for two reasons: (1) it does not involve
direct purchases; and (2) the contracts are carried on outside the United States. The Secretary of
Energy, through the Agency for International Development, and after consultation with the

111 P.L. 87-195, § 621, 75 Stat. 445, 494, 87th Cong.1st sess. (1961), codified at 22 U.S.C. § 2381.
112 22 C.F.R. § 228.02.
113 22 C.F.R. § 228.03.
114 22 C.F.R. § 228.13.
115 22 C.F.R. §§ 228.21 & .22.
116 22 C.F.R. § 228.23.
117 31 U.S.C. § 5114(a)(2).
118 31 U.S.C. § 5114(a)(3).
Congressional Research Service
14

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

interagency working group, U.S. firms, and representatives from foreign countries, shall develop
mechanisms to identify potential energy projects in host countries. The authorized financial
assistance may be provided in combination with other forms of financial assistance, including
non-U.S. funding that is available to the project, and utilized to assist U.S. firms in the
development of innovative financing packages for renewable energy technology projects that
utilize other financial assistance programs available through the federal government.119 In
implementing this section, the Secretary, through the Agency for International Development, shall
ensure the maximum percentage, but in no case less than 50%, of the cost of any equipment
furnished in connection with a project authorized under this section shall be attributable to the
manufactured U.S. components of such equipment and the maximum participation of U.S.
firms.120
Clean Coal Technology Transfer Program: 42 U.S.C. § 13362
Like the Renewable Energy Technology Transfer Program, this program is not governed by the
Buy American Act for two reasons: (1) it does not involve direct purchases; and (2) the contracts
are conducted outside the United States. The Secretary of Energy, through the Agency for
International Development, and after consultation with the Clean Coal Technology working
group, U.S. firms, and representatives from foreign countries, shall develop mechanisms to
identify potential energy projects in host countries. The authorized financial assistance may be
provided in combination with other forms of financial assistance, including non-U.S. funding that
is available to the project, and utilized to assist U.S. firms in the development of innovative
financing packages for renewable energy technology projects that utilize other financial
assistance programs available through the federal government.121 In carrying out this section, the
Secretary, through the Agency for International Development, shall ensure the maximum
percentage, but in no case less than 50%, of the cost of any equipment furnished in connection
with a project authorized under this section shall be attributable to the manufactured U.S.
components of such equipment and the maximum participation of U.S. firms.122
Environmental Technology Transfer Program: 42 U.S.C. § 13387
This is another technology transfer program not governed by the Buy American Act for two
reasons: (1) it does not involve direct purchases; and (2) the contracts are performed outside the
United States. The Secretary of Energy, through the Agency for International Development, and
after consultation with the interagency working group, U.S. firms, and representatives from
foreign countries, shall develop mechanisms to identify potential energy projects in host countries
that substantially reduce environmental pollutants, including greenhouse gases. The authorized
financial assistance may be provided in combination with other forms of financial assistance,
including non-U.S. funding that is available to the project, and utilized in conjunction with

119 42 U.S.C. § 13316(c) & (d).
120 42 U.S.C. § 13316(j). In determining whether the cost of United States components equals or exceeds 50 percent,
the cost of assembly of such United States components in the host country shall not be considered a part of the cost of
such United States component.
121 42 U.S.C. § 13362(c) & (d).
122 42 U.S.C. § 13362(j). In determining whether the cost of United States components equals or exceeds 50 percent,
the cost of assembly of such United States components in the host country shall not be considered a part of the cost of
such United States component.
Congressional Research Service
15

Domestic Content Legislation: The Buy American Act and Complementary Provisions

financial assistance programs available through other federal agencies.123 In carrying out this
section, the Secretary, through the Agency for International Development, shall ensure the
maximum percentage, but in no case less than 50%, of the cost of any equipment furnished in
connection with a project authorized under this section shall be attributable to the manufactured
U.S. components of such equipment and the maximum participation of United States firms.124
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: P.L.
111-5
Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act125 (ARRA) is the most well
known of the recent appropriation rider (temporary law) Little Buy American Acts. With this
enactment, Congress attached to all ARRA funds a Buy American requirement. It applies a super
percentage requirement to direct government purchases and to indirect purchases by non-federal
entities receiving these funds.
Section 1605 of ARRA provided that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available
by the act may be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a
public building or public work unless all of the iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the
project are produced in the United States.126 The requirement could be waived for public interest,
non-availability, or unreasonable cost (a 25% differential was used). If the head of a federal
department or agency determines that it is necessary to issue a waiver based on one of these
exceptions, the head of the department or agency was to publish in the Federal Register a detailed
written justification as to why the provision was being waived.127 The requirement is to be applied
in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international agreements.128
Author Contact Information

John R. Luckey

Legislative Attorney
jluckey@crs.loc.gov, 7-7897

123 42 U.S.C. § 13387(c) & (d).
124 42 U.S.C. § 13387(k). In determining whether the cost of United States components equals or exceeds 50 percent,
the cost of assembly of such United States components in the host country shall not be considered a part of the cost of
such United States component.
125 P.L. 111-5, § 1605, 123 Stat.115, 303, 111th Cong. 1st Sess. (2009). Because of the wide applicability of this
provision, a subpart, 25.6, was added to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (title 48 of the Code of Federal
Regulations). This new subpart applies to construction projects that use funds appropriated or otherwise provided by
ARRA.
126 Id. at (a).
127 Id. at (c).
128 Id. at (d).
Congressional Research Service
16