Construction Projects
Required Use of Iron and Steel Products Produced in the USA

Effective Sept. 1, 2017, contracts and bid documents for a project in which iron or steel products will be used must include a requirement that any iron or steel product produced through a manufacturing process and used in the project must be produced in the United States (USA).

This requirement does not apply to a project if the governing body of the state agency responsible for the project determines that:

• Use of iron or steel products produced in the USA will increase the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent.
• Compliance with this requirement is inconsistent with public interest.
  –or–
• Iron or steel products produced in the USA are not:
  • Produced in sufficient quantities
  • Reasonably available
    –or–
  • Of satisfactory quality

This requirement does not apply to a contract subject to Transportation Code, Section 223.045 or 23 C.F.R., Section 635.410.

Electrical components, equipment, systems and appurtenances (including supports, covers, shielding and other appurtenances related to an electrical system) necessary for operation or concealment are not considered iron or steel products for the purpose of this requirement. An electrical system includes all equipment, facilities and assets owned by an electric utility as that term is defined in Texas’ Utilities Code, Section 31.002.

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