Waiver of ORS 279C.303 Buy America Requirements - Door Hardware

The State of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services is issuing a notice regarding the proposed findings for a waiver of the "Buy America" requirements for door hardware in public improvement and public works projects. The notice provides a seven-day period for public comment on the draft findings. The waiver is being considered due to the inconsistency of the requirement with the public interest, as the currently used door hardware does not meet the requirements of being produced in the United States. The notice includes the basis for the finding, which is that purchasing door hardware made in America would not serve the public interest, primarily due to the significant time and monetary investment required to change the currently used door hardware. • The door hardware products currently listed under DAS construction standards do not meet the "Buy America" requirements. • The requirement is inconsistent with the public interest. • The products required are not produced in the United States in sufficient quantities. • Using steel, iron, coatings for steel and iron, or manufactured products produced in the United States will increase the cost by more than 25 percent.