Despite recent administration efforts to play down the impact of the “Buy America” provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), industry and business groups remain concerned that the provisions could cause delays on construction projects or be expanded to other programs.
“The perception and the fear is that more Buy America-type requirements could be passed, and that creates a level of fear with Canada and our other trading partners,” says Chris Braddock, senior director of procurement policy with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.