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Buy America waiver delays parts of Renton senior-center renovation, staff say
Summary
City staff told the committee that Buy America/Build America domestic-content rules prevented timely procurement of HVAC and glazing, prompting a federal waiver request that could take up to five months and has extended the project schedule and added expedited fees.
City construction staff told the committee that federal domestic-content requirements are delaying some procurement for the Don Pearson Senior Activity Center renovation. Alicia Smothers said parts of the HVAC, glazing and other materials did not meet the Buy America/Build America (BABA) 55% domestic-content threshold, so the city filed a federal waiver request.
"So we filed for a waiver with the federal government, which could take up to 5 months," Smothers said. She explained the waiver, if approved, will permit procurement outside BABA requirements and allow project work to proceed on affected items; until then some portions cannot be completed.
Council members pressed staff on whether the waiver notice and implications had been communicated earlier in design. Staff said they were aware of federal requirements during design work and that some items must be checked individually with manufacturers; they noted the selection and manufacturer letters affect BABA approval timelines. The committee was told expedited mechanical fees of "at least about $100,000" have been incurred while waiting for compliant materials or waivers.
