FAQ
Common questions
Plain answers about Buy America documentation for lighting, and how we work.
Does Buy America apply to my project?
If the project is infrastructure built with federal financial assistance, a domestic-content requirement almost certainly applies. Federal-aid highway projects follow FHWA's Buy America rules; most other federal grant programs follow the Build America, Buy America Act.
The contract's Buy America special provision is the controlling document. The applicability review starts there.
What changed on October 1, 2026?
For federal-aid highway projects authorized on or after October 1, 2026, manufactured products must be assembled in the U.S. and more than 55% of their component cost must come from U.S.-made components. The final-assembly requirement already applied from October 1, 2025.
How the date is measured (advertisement, obligation or construction authorization) can vary by state program, so confirm it for your contract.
Do light fixtures really count?
Yes. Luminaires, drivers, photocells, controllers and solar lighting assemblies are manufactured products. Poles, mast arms, anchor bolts and steel hardware are held to the iron and steel standard: melted and manufactured in the U.S. from start to finish.
Who signs the Buy America certification?
The contractor does. CivicFrame prepares and checks the documentation behind the certification, so you sign with complete proof in hand.
What if a product can't comply?
The options are a compliant substitute or a waiver. The funding agency decides waivers, and approval has to come before the product is used. We organize the research a strong request needs: who makes a compliant product, quotes and cost comparisons.
Do you recommend products or manufacturers?
No. We don't sell, specify or recommend products, and we take no compensation from manufacturers or suppliers. We tell you what the documentation shows; product decisions stay with you and your engineer of record.
Do you need to visit the site?
No. Everything is done remotely. For delivery checks, your site staff send packing slips, labels and photos, and we match them against the certified items.
How long does it take?
The applicability review takes a few business days once we have the contract provision and lighting schedule. Collecting certifications usually takes one to three weeks, mostly waiting on manufacturers, which is why it pays to start before products are ordered.
How is pricing set?
A fixed fee per deliverable, quoted up front. We quote after we've seen the contract and lighting schedule, so the price matches the actual scope.
Is this legal advice?
No. We provide documentation preparation and review. For legal questions about your contract or a dispute, talk to your attorney.
Have a project in mind?
Send the basics and we'll tell you what applies.