Reference · Contracting basics & process
Buy American Act
Buy American Act (domestic preference)
The Buy American Act is a domestic-preference law requiring the government to favor domestic end products and construction materials in its purchases. It applies price preferences and domestic-content thresholds, distinct from the separate Trade Agreements Act.
What it is
Implemented in FAR Part 25, the Buy American Act gives a preference to U.S.-made products and materials, generally by adding an evaluation penalty to non-domestic offers and requiring a domestic-content percentage to qualify as domestic.
Why it exists
It supports the domestic industrial base by steering federal purchases toward American products where practical.
Who it applies to
Contractors supplying products or construction materials to the government. The related but separate Trade Agreements Act can waive Buy American for products from designated countries above certain thresholds.
Regulatory dates and requirements in this area change. Confirm the current guidance against the official sources below before you rely on it.
Frequently asked
What is the Buy American Act?
The Buy American Act is a domestic-preference law requiring the government to favor U.S.-made end products and construction materials, using price preferences and domestic-content thresholds. It is distinct from the Trade Agreements Act, which can waive it for products from designated trade-agreement countries.
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