The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a dedicated email address for recipients of EPA financial assistance to submit general questions regarding the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act:
This email is a primary contact point for general questions about BABA compliance, applicability, and the waiver process for projects receiving EPA funding. Recipients are also encouraged to work with their specific EPA project officer for project-specific advice.
How the EPA Can Assist with BABA Questions
The EPA can provide guidance and assistance on a variety of BABA-related topics, ensuring compliance with the Act's requirements for iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials.
Specific areas of guidance include:
Determining BABA Applicability: Assistance in confirming whether a specific project, type of funding (grant, loan, etc.), or particular materials are subject to BABA requirements.
Compliance Assistance: Guidance on proper compliance documentation, including the certification processes for iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials.
Waiver Applications and Applicability:
Information on existing general waivers (e.g., small project or de minimis waivers).
Guidance on the process and documentation needed for applying for project-specific waivers, such as nonavailability or unreasonable cost waivers.
Information on waivers currently open for public comment.
Product Classification: Clarification on how specific items (like valves) should be categorized under BABA standards (Iron/Steel, Manufactured Product, or Construction Material).
Market Research: Best practices for conducting and documenting market research to support a nonavailability waiver request.
Roles and Responsibilities: Clarification on the roles of recipients, subrecipients, and project officers in ensuring compliance and oversight.