Federal Register Publication - Buy America Requirements; End Product Analysis and Waiver Procedures

September 21, 2007

Mass Mailout Number III-2007-82

Subject:  Federal Register Publication – Buy America Requirements; End Product Analysis and Waiver Procedures

Dear Transit Colleague:

FTA issued a Federal Register Publication on September 20, 2007 concerning the Buy America Requirements; End Product Analysis and Waiver Procedures.  The publication is included as an attachment to this email.  This is a notice of Final Rule.  SAFETEA-LU requires the FTA to make certain changes to the Buy America requirements.  This Final Rule creates a new publication process for public interest waivers to provide an opportunity for public comments; clarifies Buy America requirements with respect to microprocessor waivers; issues new provisions to permit post-award waivers; clarifies the definition of “end products” with regards to components, subcomponents, and major systems, and provides a representative list of end products; clarifies the requirements for final assembly of rolling stock and provides representative examples of rolling stock components; expands FTA’s list of communications, train control, and traction power equipment; and updates debarment and suspension provision to bring them into conformity with statutory amendments made by SAFETEA-LU.

For further information please contact from Richard Wong, FTA Headquarters in Washington, DC, Office of the Chief Counsel at (202) 366-4011 or Richard.wong@dot.gov

Please feel free to distribute this throughout your organization as appropriate.

Sincerely,

Letitia A. Thompson

Regional Administrator