GSA - Promoting the Administration's Domestic Sourcing/Buy American Goals - MRAS

The General Services Administration (GSA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback from industry stakeholders on enhancing domestic preference in GSA acquisition programs. This initiative aligns with Executive Order 14392, "Ensuring Truthful Advertising of Products Claiming to be Made in America," which aims to revitalize American manufacturing and support American workers. The RFI is part of the Administration's broader policy goal to bolster the American economy by making it easier for federal agencies to purchase American-made products through GSA Advantage.

The RFI invites input on strategies to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and support the President's commitment to prioritize American-made goods. Specifically, GSA is exploring methods to streamline the procurement process for products that meet the Buy American Act (BAA) component test. This involves identifying products that qualify as made in America by allowing companies to voluntarily represent their compliance with BAA criteria and introducing an icon on GSA Advantage that highlights these qualifying products.

Under the proposed changes, companies could voluntarily declare their products meet the BAA component test, which requires that for non-iron or steel items, over 65% of component costs must originate from U.S. sources rising to 75% by 2029. The introduction of an icon would further assist federal purchasers in easily identifying compliant products within GSA Advantage, thus facilitating adherence to domestic sourcing initiatives and supporting U.S.-based manufacturing.