Education Dept Seeks Feedback on Waiver Form for U.S.-Made School Supplies
Published Date: 5/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Education is asking for public feedback on keeping a form that helps schools request a waiver from the Build America, Buy America Act’s rules about using U.S.-made materials. This affects anyone applying for federal education grants who might need a break on the domestic sourcing requirements. Comments are open until July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
ED grants must use U.S.-made materials
If you get Department of Education grant funds for infrastructure projects (including construction and broadband), you may not use those funds unless: (1) all iron and steel used are produced in the United States, (2) all manufactured products used are produced in the United States, and (3) all construction materials are manufactured in the United States. This rule applies to grantees under Department of Education programs that allow grant funds to be used for infrastructure projects.
Waivers allowed for specific conditions
The Department may approve waivers to the Buy America sourcing rules for grantees when one or more conditions apply: a Public Interest Waiver, a Non-availability Waiver, or an Unreasonable Cost Waiver. The Unreasonable Cost Waiver can be approved when using U.S.-produced materials would increase the overall project cost by more than 25 percent.
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Key Dates
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