A recent article published by Roads and Bridges magazine reports that the Office of Management and Budget is working to broaden the scope of the Buy America and Buy American Acts. Some of these efforts were intended by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). But the latest effort goes beyond the intended scope of the IIJA by expanding application from steel and iron to lumber, drywall, glass, and more. As the Biden Administration tries to close a purported “giant loophole” in domestic preferences, contractors may have to pay the price. Previously, I’ve written about the Build America, Buy America provisions in the IIJA. Although the White House and OMB assert that waivers may be granted, historically they are few and far between.
Roads & Bridges | Reshaping Agreements
RESHAPING AGREEMENTS | Oral Agreements Must Be Written in Stone
Reuse, reshaping, and/or reapplication of existing materials was the goal in this roadway […]
IIJA | Does Closing a “Giant Loophole” Cost Contractors?
A recent article published by Roads and Bridges magazine reports that the Office of Management and Budget is working to broaden the scope […]
Roads & Bridges | Buy American Plan Gets an Update
Buy American Plan Gets an Update | Roads & Bridges
The Office of Management and Budget is developing standards […]
Roads & Bridges
Where Does the Buck Stop?
Jon is a monthly contributor to Roads & Bridges magazine. He has been writing the law section for the magazine since January […]
Pay-If-Paid Unenforceable in Virginia Starting Jan. 1, 2023
As of Jan. 1, 2023, pay-if-paid clauses are unenforceable, regardless of whether a surety/payment bond claim is involved. This is only for […]
How Short is Too Short
A limitations period is too short when it’s unreasonably short.
Construction Contracting Without Relief Clauses During COVID-19
What to do if your contract lacks the parts to handle COVID-19? Considerations for creating new contracts during COVID-19.
Your Contract Can Handle COVID-19
Uncertainty and risk are not new or novel to contractors. Contracts reduce uncertainty and share the risk of doing or providing something. COVID-19 may have contributed to, but it has not single-handedly created, uncertainty and risk.
Contractors Can Use RFI to Notify the Government
The Board (and the government) should not elevate form over substance in evaluating the sufficiency of a contractor’s notice.

Jonathan J. Straw
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