Domestic content rules for knife gate valves
AIS, BABA, Buy American, Buy America. Similar names, different tests, and the funding source decides which one your project is under. Find your program below, then send us the clause and we will put Fabricast's compliance in writing.
The rules behind most water and wastewater jobs
Many projects carry more than one.
American Iron and Steel (AIS)
- Comes with
- EPA State Revolving Fund money, WIFIA loans, and USDA Rural Development water and waste programs.
- What it covers
- Iron and steel products. EPA lists valves among them.
- Fabricast
- Models and configurations that comply, and how castings and plate are sourced.
Build America, Buy America (BABA)
- Comes with
- Federal financial assistance for infrastructure awarded on or after May 14, 2022, including SRF and WIFIA.
- What it covers
- Iron and steel, manufactured products and construction materials. EPA guidance treats a valve that is predominantly iron or steel as iron and steel, so every step from melting to coating must happen in the United States. Other valves are manufactured products.
- Fabricast
- Models and configurations that comply, by category.
Buy American Act
- Comes with
- Direct federal purchases and federal construction contracts, such as work let by a federal agency.
- What it covers
- Domestic end products and construction materials, under the clauses written into that contract.
- Fabricast
- Models and configurations that comply.
Which rule comes with your funding?
The program named in the bid documents sets the rule. When in doubt, the funding agency and your contract documents govern.
| Funding program | Typical project | Domestic content rule |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF | Treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines | AIS and BABA |
| WIFIA (EPA loans) | Large water and wastewater programs | AIS and BABA |
| USDA Rural Development | Water and waste disposal in rural communities | AIS. Confirm BABA status with the RD office. |
| Other federal infrastructure grants | Resilience, storm water and other federally assisted work | BABA, unless a waiver applies |
| FHWA federal-aid highway | Drainage and utility work in highway projects | Buy America (23 CFR 635.410) |
| FTA transit | Transit facility utilities | Buy America (49 CFR Part 661) |
| FAA airports | Airport utilities and storm water | Buy American (49 U.S.C. 50101) |
| Direct federal contracts | Federal dams, hydropower and facilities | Buy American Act, per the contract clauses |
| State and local money | Utility capital projects | Depends on the state or utility. Check the bid documents. |
Summary based on EPA, USDA Rural Development and U.S. DOT guidance, current as of October 2026. Rules, thresholds and waivers change. This page is general information, not legal advice.
What we send with the submittal
- A signed letter naming the project, the rule it is written to, and the valves it covers
- The basis for compliance: where the valve is manufactured and, for iron and steel, where it was melted and poured or rolled
- Mill test reports and certificates of origin on request
Before you bid, check three things
- The funding source named in the bid documents, and the domestic content clause it brings with it
- Whether the spec asks for a specific certification form
- Whether any project waiver has been granted, and what it covers
Send us the clause and we will tell you which Fabricast configurations meet it, in writing, before bid day.
Need a compliance letter?
Give us the project name, owner, funding program and valve tags.