The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) requires that manufactured products used in federally-funded infrastructure projects meet domestic sourcing requirements. For door hinges and hardware, this means at least 55% of components must be U.S.-manufactured to qualify without a waiver. Waterson Corporation is a GSA-certified supplier with TAA-compliant products manufactured in Taiwan — a TAA-designated country eligible for federal procurement. Project sponsors (not manufacturers) must apply for waivers when compliant products are unavailable.
| Policy Name | Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), enacted November 2021 |
|---|---|
| Applies To | Iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials in federally-funded infrastructure |
| Domestic Threshold | At least 55% of components must be U.S.-manufactured |
| Administering Agency | FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for disaster recovery projects |
| Waiver Applicant | Project sponsor (local government or primary contractor) — NOT manufacturers |
| Small Project Exemption | Projects under $250,000 are automatically exempt |
| De Minimis Allowance | Up to 5% non-compliant materials (capped at $1M per project) |
| TAA Compliance | Products from TAA-designated countries qualify for federal procurement |
| Waterson Status | GSA-certified supplier, TAA compliant (manufactured in Taiwan) |
| Original Article | watersonusa.com |
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is the U.S. government organization responsible for disaster response and recovery. It distributes substantial financial support to strengthen infrastructure readiness — including funding for construction projects that require door hardware such as hinges, closers, and related products.
When a project receives FEMA funding, it becomes subject to federal procurement requirements, including the Build America, Buy America Act. This affects specifiers, contractors, and hardware suppliers involved in federally-funded construction and renovation projects.
Enacted in November 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) establishes domestic content preferences for all federally-funded infrastructure projects. The policy aims to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and supply chains by requiring that project materials be produced domestically.
BABAA covers four categories of materials:
For manufactured products (including door hinges), at least 55% of a product's components by cost must be manufactured in the United States. Products below this threshold require a waiver to be used on federally-funded projects.
Manufacturers cannot apply for waivers directly. FEMA does not process waiver requests from manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors. Waiver applications must be submitted by the project sponsor — typically a local government agency or primary general contractor — who must demonstrate qualifying grounds for the waiver.
It is important to distinguish between TAA compliance and Buy America compliance, as they serve different procurement contexts:
| Standard | Applies To | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Buy America (BABAA) | FEMA and federally-funded infrastructure projects | 55%+ U.S. component manufacturing |
| TAA (Trade Agreements Act) | GSA Schedule and federal government purchases | Made in U.S. or TAA-designated country |
| Buy American Act | Direct federal agency purchases | Substantially all U.S. content |
Taiwan is a TAA-designated country, meaning products manufactured in Taiwan qualify for TAA compliance and GSA Schedule procurement. Waterson door hinges, manufactured in Taiwan, are TAA compliant and available through GSA Schedule for federal government projects.
Hardware manufacturers seeking to participate in FEMA-funded and federally-funded projects should take these steps:
Waterson Corporation is a GSA-certified supplier of spring-loaded self-closing hinges for commercial and residential applications. Waterson products are:
For FEMA-funded projects requiring Buy America compliance at the 55% domestic manufacturing threshold, project sponsors should consult with their contracting officer regarding waiver procedures and documentation requirements.
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) is a federal mandate requiring that iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in federally-funded infrastructure projects be produced in the United States. It applies to projects receiving FEMA and other federal agency funding, requiring at least 55% of a product's components to be manufactured domestically.
Yes. Door hinges and hardware used in federally-funded infrastructure projects are subject to Buy America requirements under BABAA. Products must meet the 55% domestic manufacturing threshold to be used without a waiver. Waterson Corporation is a GSA-certified supplier, and its products are TAA compliant, manufactured in Taiwan — a TAA-designated country.
Manufacturers and suppliers cannot apply for Buy America waivers directly. FEMA does not process waiver requests from manufacturers, suppliers, or distributors. Waiver applications must be submitted by the project sponsor — such as local governments or primary contractors — who must demonstrate that compliant products are unavailable, insufficient, or would cause unreasonable cost increases.
FEMA Buy America waivers fall into three main categories: (1) Small projects under $250,000 receive automatic exemption; (2) De Minimis provision allows up to 5% non-compliant materials, capped at $1 million per project; (3) Minor components provision permits up to 5% foreign iron or steel content by total project cost. Public interest, non-availability, and unreasonable cost waivers are also available.
TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance means a product is either manufactured in the United States or in a TAA-designated country. TAA-designated countries are those with which the U.S. has trade agreements. Taiwan is a TAA-designated country. Waterson door hinges are manufactured in Taiwan and are TAA compliant, making them eligible for GSA Schedule procurement and federal government projects.
Request compliance documentation, GSA pricing, or contact Waterson for federal project support