The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represents a historic opportunity for infrastructure construction companies across the United States. With a total investment of $1.2 trillion, including $550 billion in new federal spending, the IIJA is an unprecedented investment in infrastructure projects the United States. IIJA funding is set to transform America’s infrastructure landscape over the next five years which in turn will impact job creation and the overall health of the economy.
Projects Available to Infrastructure Construction Companies
This comprehensive legislation addresses infrastructure problems by repairing and modernizing roads, bridges, and transit systems. Infrastructure grants are also allocated to expand broadband access and enhance our energy infrastructure. For infrastructure companies, understanding the IIJA’s provisions is beneficial, and following Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements is crucial for maximizing opportunities and ensuring compliance.
The video below is a snippet of the Comply When You Buy Webinar presented by NSI Industries. In this segment, Steven Koprince, a government purchasing expert, explains what the IIJA is and what it means to infrastructure construction companies.
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓
NEED TO LEARN MORE about federal funding available for construction and infrastructure companies through the IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)?
Attend our free “COMPLY WHEN YOU BUY” Webinar and hear what Stephen Koprince—a federal government contracts educator with over 20 years of experience advising clients on federal purchasing matters—shares on the subject.
**Immediate Access: FREE Comply When You Buy Webinar!**
Key Opportunities for Construction Infrastructure Companies
The IIJA provides substantial funding across various sectors, creating numerous opportunities for infrastructure construction companies. Here’s a brief IIJA funding breakdown:
- Transportation Projects: Approximately $400 billion is allocated to road and bridge programs over the next five years. Infrastructure companies can expect a surge in projects aimed at repairing and upgrading this transportation infrastructure. Functional roads and bridges are essential for enhancing connectivity and safety.
- Public Transit Expansion: Approximately $90 billion is dedicated to modernizing public transit systems. This investment supports the replacement of outdated transit vehicles with clean, zero-emission alternatives, offering infrastructure contractors opportunities to engage in projects that improve urban mobility.
- Broadband Deployment: The IIJA’s $65 billion investment in broadband aims to close the digital divide by expanding high-speed internet access to underserved areas. Construction companies specializing in telecommunications will play a pivotal role in deploying this essential part of American infrastructure.
- Energy Infrastructure: With $73 billion earmarked for rebuilding the electric grid and expanding renewable energy sources, there are significant opportunities for infrastructure construction companies involved in energy projects. This funding supports the development of new power lines and grid reliability enhancements.
Substantial funds are also available for other government projects, such as railway system upgrades, airport modernization and water infrastructure improvements.
The DoT Navigator is a great resource to explore these projects. It is also the primary source for a transportation infrastructure definition if contractors have questions about what qualifies for federal infrastructure grants.
Understanding BABA Compliance: Keeping it Made in USA
The Build America, Buy America (BABA) provision within the IIJA mandates that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used for projects receiving BIL grants be produced and assembled in America. For infrastructure construction companies, BABA compliance is crucial. Stay compliant by keeping these points in mind:
- Sourcing Materials: Ensure that your supply chains prioritize American-made materials. This supports domestic manufacturing in line with federal infrastructure grant requirements.
- Documentation and Reporting: Keep accurate records of material origins to demonstrate BABA compliance during project audits or evaluations.
- Leveraging Local Suppliers: Local partnerships can help construction companies streamline their procurement processes and support regional economies.
Strategic Planning for Infrastructure Law Success
To capitalize on the IIJA and ensure compliance with BABA regulations, everyone involved with federally funded projects should stay informed. This helps companies throughout the project benefit from the increased federal spending, including infrastructure construction companies and the distributors they shop from! Here are our top strategic tips:
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates related to the IIJA and BABA. We suggest starting with these Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act summary links:
- Our IIJA Resources page
- Typical questions may be found in our helpful IIJA FAQ
- The White House’s IIJA Guidebook
- Embrace Made-in-America: Using compliant products is essential, but that requires answering the question “what does made in USA mean?” Navigating the differences between Made in America, Assembled in America, Manufactured in America and more takes careful attention, supported by sources like the FTC’s Made in America definitions.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Construction infrastructure companies who collaborate with local governments and community organizations will have more successful project outcomes.
By keeping your supply chain firmly based in verifiable Made in USA products and supplies, you’ll almost always be on the right side of BABA’s requirements.
Long-Term Impact of the IIJA for Infrastructure Construction Companies
The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represents more than just a short-term economic stimulus; it’s an investment in America’s future and in infrastructure construction companies themselves. By modernizing infrastructure, creating jobs, and promoting domestic manufacturing, this Bipartisan act aims to enhance the nation’s competitiveness, improve quality of life for Americans, and set the stage for sustainable economic growth in the coming decades. For American infrastructure construction, the IIJA is a game changer.
As infrastructure policy progresses further, it will be crucial for contractors, policymakers, and citizens to stay informed about its impacts and opportunities. By understanding this historic legislation, we can all play a part in building a stronger, more resilient America for the future.
Next Steps
Now that you understand the IIJA, why not watch our FREE on-demand, sponsored webinar featuring Steven Koprince, Government Purchasing expert and former Government Project Attorney.
Can’t find time to attend the webinar? Get the complete Webinar content overview in the Executive Summary by clicking the link below.
Through government programs like BAA, IIJA, and BABA, over a trillion dollars is available for funding federal projects. Contractors need to understand how to identify what products are USA-made—and distributors need to carry Made-in-America brands their customers can use! Our infrastructure bill breakdown is the best place to start that journey.
Finally…
Whether you are a contractor looking to stay compliant, or a distributor looking to help your customers purchase the correct Made in USA products, the Comply When You Buy Webinar is the best starting point for you to learn the ins and outs of federal infrastructure procurement!
READ TO THE END BONUS: When you attend the webinar, you will also get access to Steven Koprince’s exclusive IIJA Buyer Checklist that will help you stay compliant for all your infrastructure project purchasing.
Thank you to our sponsor, NSI Industries, your Made in USA partner for electrical connectors and more. Visit NSIIndustries.com for more info!
Leave a Reply