Build America, Buy America

Building essential equipment for the infrastructure of tomorrow

Manufacturers supplying goods and services to US federally funded projects face challenges in meeting strict standards for domestic manufacturing. As a global entity with technologies integral to critical infrastructure projects and processes, Sulzer has always focused on honoring and complying with these regulatory and legal requirements across different communities and markets. Sulzer ensures its equipment complies with local standards (such as FM, NSF, UL) and has invested in US supply chain, manufacturing, and assembly to meet the requirements of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and its BABA provisions for several mainstream products. Being a significant partner in the municipal market in the USA, Sulzer’s investment enables the supply of high-quality products with local reliable partners for projects where Federal loan and grant programs such as SRF and WIFIA are involved.

Sulzer offers a wide range of pumps, screens, grinders, and treatment equipment under its portfolio of trusted brand names to fill the market’s needs.

Our reliable and efficient submersible pumps, ABS XFP and Piranha PE, as well as Johnston Pumps, JWC grinders and the Nordic Water range of filtration and sedimentation equipment, are BABA compliant.

Enhancing Sulzer’s presence in the region, a major investment program is underway to expand US manufacturing footprint. The factory expansion in Easley, SC, has delivered new testing capabilities and assembly areas for the ABS XFP and Piranha PE ranges of pumps. This is in addition to expert facilities in Santa Ana, CA, specialized in the build of JWC grinders, and Portland, OR, which remains a major Sulzer facility supporting large Johnston water pumps.

Group of working people shaking hands
Distributor locator
Contact Sulzer's channel partners to learn more and secure support for designing your projects

Build America, Buy America

Supporting vital water infrastructure in America

Read our flyer about BABA

  • Investing in tomorrow... today
    Investing in tomorrow... today
    On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which includes the Build America Buy America Act (BABA). In response to the BABA funding requirements, Sulzer has made strategic investments in facility expansions and fortified its supply chain for its US assembled products. These initiatives not only ensure compliance but also contribute to significant lead time improvements.

Build America, Buy America

Media releases

Media releases

Supporting vital water infrastructure in America

Build America, Buy America

BABA, What you need to know

OVERVIEW

On November 15, 2021 President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) | Public Law Number 117-58, Title IX, Subtitle A, Part I – Buy America Sourcing Requirements, Sections 70901-70927. The law includes:

  • Domestic content requirements
  • $50+ billion in funding to the EPA and other governments agencies, eg. SRF, WIFIA, etc.

Various guidance documents have been provided to help apply these new domestic content requirements. All documents can be found on the EPA website listed in the resource section at the end.

BABA vs. BAA

  • Build America, Buy America, BABA, applies to infrastructure projects with Federal financial assistance.
    - Manufactured products are final manufactured in the US and the cost of components mined, produced, or manufactured in the US must be greater than 55% of the total cost of all components.
  • Buy American Act, BAA, applies to direct Federal procurement.
    - Manufactured products must include domestic content percentages which increase every year. In 2024 it is 65% and this will increase to 75% in 2029.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR

  • BABA preference language for infrastructure projects is located within their terms and conditions. BABA-related requirements will not be included in the project specifications.
  • Documentation requirements include a signed certification letter for manufactured products. This certification will be provided when the product is ready to ship.
  • Temporary waivers have been put into place including an adjustment period waiver for the SRF, WIFIA and water infrastructure projects where design planning occurred prior to May 14, 2022. Projects after this date with federal funding are legally required to comply with BABA for purchased products or submit a formal waiver. Waivers would need sufficient proof and detailed justification to be accepted. Those receiving the federal funding would apply for the waiver.

CONCLUSION

This law is a once-in-a-generation investment that will benefit the health and wellbeing of our nation. It is a permanent part of the law that will not be limited by its initial funding which differs from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a pure stimulus package.

Sulzer, as a trusted partner in the water and wastewater industry, invested in their US manufacturing locations and strategically strengthened its US supply chain to provide quality products while complying with Build America Buy America (BABA) funding requirements to contribute to critical infrastructure projects in the United States.

RESOURCES

EPA website : Build America, Buy America (BABA) | US EPA
The White House website: Investing in America - Build.gov | The White House


Sulzer’s US locations for pumps, grinders and filtration equipment
Sulzer USA map
Contact us