# HUD Applies Buy America Rules to Housing

HUD’s implementation of Build America, Buy America (BABA) sourcing requirements is adding cost and schedule risk to federally funded affordable housing projects, including projects in New Hampshire. Public housing authorities have cited potential cost increases of 15–20 percent, while project-specific waivers can take more than a year when domestic materials are unavailable. Developers also report uncertainty about compliance standards can make equipment purchases risky and lead to redesigns or canceled project features. HUD has sought industry input and is considering waiver and program changes, but no changes have been finalized and the signals identify no active procurement opportunity.

- Contractors, developers, and suppliers should account for domestic-material availability, sourcing documentation, and potentially lengthy waiver reviews when estimating project costs and schedules.
- Before committing to equipment purchases, project teams can evaluate whether domestic alternatives are available and whether sourcing uncertainty could affect design, financing, or delivery plans.
- Because HUD is considering changes but has not finalized them, firms working on HUD-funded housing should base current planning on the requirements and waiver process described in the signals, rather than assuming proposed changes are in effect.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- Cook Inlet Housing Authority

### Vendors
- Avesta Housing (affordable-housing developer)
- Lassel Architects (project architect)
- Hutter Construction Corp. (construction contractor)

### Sources
- [Buy America Rules Slow NH Affordable Housing Projects](https://hoodline.com/2026/11/buy-american-rules-snag-new-hampshire-affordable-housing-developers-say) - Hoodline
- [‘Buy America’ Drives Up Costs, Delays Affordable Projects](https://therealdeal.com/national/2026/11/10/buy-america-drives-up-costs-delays-affordable-projects) - The Real Deal