Action
Notice of proposed Buy America waiver to allow bidder to certify compliance; Request for comment.
Summary
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has asked the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to waive its Buy America requirements on the basis of public interest to permit the low bidder for a contract to construct the 86th Street Station for the Second Avenue Subway project to certify compliance with Buy America. The bidder certified non-compliance based on a misunderstanding of how FTA would apply its rules to certain construction materials. In fact, the low bidder is willing and able to comply with the Buy America rules. Without a waiver, MTA may spend an additional $32.9 million on the 86th Street Station without furthering the goals of Buy America. FTA seeks public comment before deciding whether to grant MTA's request. This Notice sets forth the justification for a public interest waiver in this instance.