The government has adopted a variety of policies favoring domestic sources. The Buy American Act establishes a general preference for domestic articles, materials and supplies. The act is designed to protect the American worker by saving and creating jobs. Congress recognized strict application might restrict a procuring agency's ability to meet its needs and established a number of exceptions. Applicability Used in all contracts for the acquisition of supplies, or for services involving furnishing of supplies for use within the United States.
Subcontractors are also subject to the requirements.
The offerer certifies each end product is considered to have been substantially mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States. Penalty for Non-Compliance Can lose recovery capabilities for equipment or supplies purchased if foreign when American products were available. In addition, a false certification may be deemed fraudulent, and cause debarment. For construction contracts, if the University finds in the performance of the contract there has been a failure to comply with the act, no other contract for construction shall be awarded to that contractor, its subcontractors, or suppliers with which the contractor is associated or affiliated, within a period of three years after the findings are made public. Minimum Compliance Action Ensure purchasing only American made products.