National American Indian Housing Council

New Guidance on Applicability of Build America Buy America Act (BABA) Requirements to Housing Projects

The OMB Made in America Office has provided additional guidance to Federal Agencies regarding the applicability of BABA requirements to housing projects.

Consistent with Implementation Guidance on Application of Buy America Preference in Federal Financial Assistance Programs for Infrastructure (M-24-02), single family housing projects (buildings consisting of 1-4 dwelling units) are considered β€œprivate.” Accordingly, BABA requirements will not apply to HUD Federal Financial Assistance used to fund the construction, maintenance, alteration, or repair of such housing, as such projects are not properly classified as public infrastructure projects for purposes of BABA. However, BABA requirements will apply to projects involving the construction, maintenance, alteration, or repair of housing with 5 or more units (multifamily housing projects).

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ONAP will issue additional guidance and update existing guidance for Tribal Recipients relating to BABA and housing projects soon. For now, ONAP encourages all Tribal Recipients to review PIH Notice 2024-35 closely and hold clarifying questions to ONAP staff. We are working on FAQs and will be updating BABA guidance soon to incorporate this new guidance from OMB.

🏑 The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy Home Energy Rebates Program and the National Laboratory of the Rockies, invites Tribal leaders, TDHEs, Tribal Housing Authorities, and housing professionals to a special Tribal High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) Information Session!

Learn how your TDHE can access federal formula funding to improve housing conditions, reduce utility costs, and make homes more energy-efficient and affordable.

πŸ’° Up to $14,000 in combined rebates per eligible dwelling unit.

πŸ“‹ Learn about funding allocations, eligibility requirements, applications, and technical assistance.

πŸ“… Webinar: Monday, November 9, 2026

πŸ’» Location: Virtual

πŸ”— Register: https://natlabrockies.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/8oDGxIEXRB2fem2caPohFQ#/registration

⏰ Federal Application Deadline: December 11, 2026

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring valuable energy-efficiency investments to your Tribal community!

Please share with your Tribal leadership, housing departments, and community partners.