When you are sourcing precision-machined parts for a federally funded infrastructure project, the question is no longer just whether your supplier can meet your specifications. It is whether they can prove compliance.
That is what the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requires and why your choice of manufacturing partner matters more than ever.
At Hartmann’s Inc., we work with companies that need both precision parts and the documentation to support them.
What the Build America, Buy America Act Requires
The Build America, Buy America Act was signed into law in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. It established domestic sourcing requirements for projects that use federal funding.
In practical terms, this means:
- Iron and steel must be produced in the United States
- Manufactured products must be made domestically
- Construction materials must meet U.S. sourcing requirements
For manufactured products, this also includes a current domestic content threshold of 55 percent of component costs must be sourced within the United States.
These requirements apply across a wide range of federally funded projects, including transportation, energy, water systems, and federal facilities.
How BABA Impacts Your Supplier Network
BABA compliance does not stop at the prime contractor. It extends through the entire supply chain.
That means the parts and components you source must meet domestic production standards, and your suppliers must be able to verify that compliance with proper documentation.
In many cases, this includes:
- Product-specific, project-specific certification letters
- Identification of manufacturing locations
- Ongoing documentation for audit or review
If a supplier cannot provide this information, it can create delays or complications during project execution. For OEMs and contractors, this makes supplier selection a more critical decision than it has been in the past.
What to Look for in a BABA-Compliant Manufacturing Partner
As compliance requirements continue to tighten, it is important to work with suppliers who are prepared to support you throughout the process, not just at the point of delivery.
A BABA-ready manufacturing partner should be able to:
- Manufacture parts entirely within the United States
- Provide clear and accurate compliance documentation
- Maintain traceability across materials and processes
- Respond quickly to documentation requests from contractors or agencies
This level of readiness helps reduce risk and keeps projects moving forward without unnecessary delays.
What BABA Compliance Looks Like at Hartmann’s Inc.
Hartmann’s Inc. is a domestic precision CNC machining company, operating out of Abilene, Texas, since 1955. All machining is performed in the United States, within our 100,000-square-foot facility, by our in-house team.
For our customers, that means:
- U.S.-based manufacturing on every part
- The ability to provide BABA self-certification documentation when required
- A consistent, traceable production process
We understand that compliance is not a one-time requirement. It is an ongoing part of working on federally funded projects, and we are structured to support that over the life of a program.
Supported by Established Certifications
In addition to our domestic manufacturing model, Hartmann’s Inc. maintains certifications that support quality, traceability, and regulatory compliance:
- ISO 9001:2015 / AS9100D
- ITAR Registration
- HUBZone Certification
These standards help ensure that the parts we produce and the documentation that supports them meet the expectations of customers operating in regulated industries.
Why Domestic Manufacturing Matters More Now
BABA reflects a broader shift toward strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on overseas production.
For companies working on infrastructure, energy, and government-funded projects, this shift is already shaping how suppliers are evaluated and selected.
Working with a domestic manufacturing partner can help:
- Simplify compliance requirements
- Improve supply chain transparency
- Reduce the risk of delays tied to sourcing issues
At Hartmann’s Inc., this approach is not new. We have built our operations around U.S.-based manufacturing for decades, and that consistency is what allows us to support customers in today’s regulatory environment.
A Practical Approach to Compliance
BABA compliance does not need to complicate your sourcing process, but it does require the right partners.
When your supplier is already aligned with domestic manufacturing requirements and prepared to provide the necessary documentation, compliance becomes part of the process rather than a disruption to it.
That is the role we aim to play for our customers.
Ready to Work with a BABA-Ready Supplier?
If you are sourcing parts for a federally funded project or evaluating your supply chain for compliance readiness, Hartmann’s Inc. is available to help.
Submit an RFQ today. Our team will review your project requirements and respond within 72 hours.