Buy America (BABA) Sourcing for Power Magnetics
Sourcing transformers, reactors and filters for federally funded infrastructure projects that carry Build America, Buy America requirements.
Getting the Domestic Content Question Answered Before the Bid
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, requires that iron and steel, manufactured products and construction materials used in infrastructure projects funded by federal financial assistance be produced in the United States, unless a waiver applies. Transformers, reactors and filters are generally treated as manufactured products.
We ask manufacturers to state on each quotation whether they can supply a product that meets the project’s domestic content requirement, and to provide the certification letter or documentation the project needs. The compliance determination itself belongs to the project owner and funding agency. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Where BABA Commonly Applies
- ■ Water & wastewater: State revolving fund projects, pump and lift stations, and treatment plants.
- ■ Transit & rail: Traction power, stations and maintenance facilities with federal transit funding.
- ■ Airports: Airfield and terminal electrical work with federal airport grants.
- ■ Broadband & grid: Federally funded broadband, grid resilience and EV charging programs.
- ■ Public buildings: Infrastructure projects owned by state and local governments with federal assistance.
Domestic Content Requirements People Often Confuse
| Requirement | Where it applies | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Build America, Buy America (BABA) | Infrastructure projects funded by federal financial assistance | Covers iron/steel, manufactured products and construction materials; OMB guidance is in 2 CFR part 184 |
| Buy American Act (FAR) | Direct federal government procurement | Separate rules and thresholds under the Federal Acquisition Regulation |
| Agency programs (e.g. FTA, FHWA, EPA AIS) | Specific funding programs | Some programs have their own, sometimes stricter, rules |
| DFARS specialty metals and domestic source rules | Defense contracts | Separate defense requirements |
| Project specification | Every project | The contract language decides what documentation you must provide |
What to send for a fast, accurate quote
- The project name, owner and funding source
- The exact domestic content clause from the specification
- The electrical requirements for each item
- Whether a certification letter or component cost breakdown is required
- Any approved waivers that apply to the project
- Bid date and required delivery date
Bidding a BABA Project?
Send the specification section with the domestic content clause along with the electrical requirements. We will ask manufacturers to confirm what they can supply and document.
Build a transformer spec sheet Contact usBuy America (BABA) sourcing: common questions
Are transformers covered by Build America, Buy America?
Transformers and similar electrical equipment are generally treated as manufactured products under BABA when they are used in an infrastructure project funded by federal financial assistance. The funding agency and the project specification decide how the requirement applies to a given item.
What does BABA require for manufactured products?
Under OMB guidance in 2 CFR part 184, a manufactured product generally must be manufactured in the United States, and the cost of its components mined, produced or manufactured in the United States must exceed 55 percent of the total cost of all components, unless a different agency standard or a waiver applies. Check the current agency guidance for your project.
Is BABA the same as the Buy American Act?
No. The Buy American Act applies to direct federal government purchases under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. BABA applies to infrastructure projects that receive federal financial assistance, such as grants and loans to states, cities and utilities. A project can be subject to one, both or neither.
Can AMP Magnetics certify that a product is BABA compliant?
No. As a representative we do not manufacture the product, so the certification has to come from the manufacturer. We ask the manufacturer to confirm compliance on the quotation and to provide the documentation your project requires.