If you’ve worked on government-funded projects recently, you’ve probably come across the term BABA compliance. Maybe it showed up in a bid requirement, or maybe your general contractor mentioned it in passing. Either way it isn't something builders can ignore.
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) is here, and it directly affects the materials you source and how you prove compliance. For local builders, that means new rules, new documentation, and sometimes new supply chain headaches.
Wilson Lumber is determined that you do not have to figure this out alone. We are helping contractors across our region understand the requirements and source BABA-compliant products so you can stay focused on the business of building.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know: what BABA is, how it affects builders, what challenges to watch for, and how to stay compliant without slowing down your projects.
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) was signed into law in November 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Its purpose is to simply dictate that when federal dollars are funding infrastructure projects, the materials used should be manufactured in the United States.
Under the Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, BABA compliance applies broadly to federally funded infrastructure projects.
For commercial builders on federal contracts, that includes roads and bridges; public K–12 schools and campus facilities; airports and aviation improvements; utility infrastructure-water/wastewater, power, and broadband; public housing; and other public works.
If federal money is in the mix (grants, loans, or aid), then your project is BABA-covered and must meet domestic-preference requirements.
Roads and bridges
Public schools
Airports
Utility infrastructure (water, power, broadband)
Public housing
And more
If federal money is in the mix, BABA rules apply.
At a high level, BABA requires that iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in federally funded projects are made in the U.S.
Here’s what that looks like in practice ↓
All manufacturing processes, whether smelting, rolling, or coating, must occur in the United States.
Imported steel components do not qualify.
Covered construction materials include:
Lumber and wood products
Glass (including fiberglass)
Drywall
PVC, plastics, and polymer-based products
Fiber-optic cable
Certain aggregates and composites
(Note: Not all construction materials fall under the same rules. Aggregates like sand, gravel, and stone are sometimes exempt.)
This is where it can become tricky.
For manufactured products (like windows, doors, or HVAC units):
There are limited circumstances where waivers may apply, such as:
So, what does all this mean for your day-to-day work? Let’s break it down:
Confusion over covered materials - Is lumber covered? What about nails or screws?
Limited product availability - Not every product has a compliant version readily in stock.
Tight project timelines - Builders can’t afford to wait weeks for compliance certificates.
Supplier gaps - Some suppliers simply aren’t keeping up with BABA requirements.
Unexpected change orders - Using noncompliant materials can trigger costly rework.
At Wilson Lumber, we become partners to builders, and that doesn't stop short at BABA compliance.
Here’s how we support builders like you:
We’ve identified which of our products meet BABA standards and maintain updated records.
When you buy compliant products from us, we provide the certificates you need for submittals.
We stock and source BABA-compliant products ahead of demand so you aren't left waiting.
We’re committed to helping our builder community succeed. We know your pressures and deadlines, and we work with you to meet them.
As important as it is to be compliant with the BABA Act, it's equally as important to trust suppliers who have experience sourcing BABA-compliant materials. Wilson Lumber's Commercial Operations Supervisor, Avey Vroonland, had this to say:
"Housing Authority projects across the Southeast require various forms of compliance from BABA to certified payrolls. It is our mission to work with General Contractors to provide timely reports and documentation to keep the project moving and on schedule. Poor compliance equals larger jobsite delays."
Here’s how to stay ahead of BABA compliance:
Audit Your Upcoming Projects - Identify jobs with federal funding.
Review Your Materials List - Flag categories like steel, doors, glass, and lumber.
Talk to Your Supplier Early - Confirm they can provide BABA-compliant options with documentation.
Budget Accordingly - Some products may cost more, but they save you from bigger expenses later.
Partner with Wilson Lumber – We’ll walk you through compliant products, provide paperwork, and help you bid with confidence.
The Build America, Buy America Act is reshaping the construction industry. For builders, it means more oversight, more documentation, and more responsibility. But it doesn’t have to mean more headaches.
With the right partner, compliance can be straightforward. At Wilson Lumber, we do the legwork sourcing, certifying, and documenting products that meet BABA requirements.
👉 Need a building materials partner to help simplify your BABA compliance?