Simplifying BAA & BABA Compliance for Lighting Products
Navigating the complexities of BAA (Buy American Act) and BABA (Build America, Buy America) requirements can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. At Cree Lighting, we’re here to help simplify the process.
In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know about both BAA and BABA in clear, straightforward language. We’ll also introduce a new resource designed to give you the confidence to meet these important requirements.
What is BAA?
The Buy American Act (BAA), passed by Congress in 1933, typically applies to U.S. Federal government purchases over $10,000. To qualify for BAA compliance, a lighting product must meet two key conditions:
- It must be manufactured in the U.S.
- At least 65% of its components must be sourced from U.S. mines, producers, or manufacturers.
This ensures that federal funds are used to support American businesses and labor.
What is BABA?
The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) was enacted in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). While it builds on BAA, BABA extends the requirement beyond direct federal purchases to projects that are funded by the federal government—whether or not they are procured by the government itself. This includes infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and buildings, where lighting products and other materials are permanently incorporated.
For lighting products to comply with BABA, they must meet two conditions:
- They must be manufactured in the U.S.
- 55% of the product’s components must be mined, produced, or manufactured in the U.S.
BABA applies to recipients of federal funding, so if your project is federally supported, it’s crucial to ensure compliance.
Why Compliance Matters
Whether you’re supplying lighting products directly to the federal government or to projects funded by federal dollars, it’s essential to provide products that meet BAA and BABA standards. Non-compliant products can jeopardize contracts or delay project timelines.
Our Resource: The BAA-BABA Solutions Page
To help you navigate these requirements with ease, we’ve developed a dedicated BAA-BABA Solutions Page on our website. This page is designed to clarify both BAA and BABA requirements in simple terms. It includes:
- A clear overview of both BAA and BABA requirements
- An FAQ section to answer common questions
- A list of Cree Lighting products that are compliant with BAA and BABA standards
- The ability to submit specific products for evaluation to confirm compliance
We invite you to explore the page and take advantage of these helpful tools. By ensuring that you have the right products for BAA and BABA compliance, you’ll be able to confidently support your projects and stay on track.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit our BAA-BABA Solutions Page today and simplify your path to compliance!