The US Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the agency behind the Buy America contacted us today about this discussion. They said they have been dealing with confused questions / statements from industry people.
Here's what they tell me:
- The 'component' is the camera. The parts of the camera (lens, imager, power supply, etc.) are the 'subcomponents'
- A camera can still qualify even if all the subcomponents are made outside the USA. What has to be done inside the USA is the 'manufacturing' / combination / assembly of those subcomponents. You may disagree with this philosophically but that was direct from the FTA.
- It is possible to challenge people making cameras in their basement based on quality issues. For example, the FTA might check / disqualify if the 'manufacturing' lacks sufficient electronic testing / shock testing / weatherproofing.
- FTA says Canadian companies are excluded from the FTA's Buy America. Sorry Avigilon.
- Non 'USA' made products can be exempted if they can prove that the quantity or quality of made in the USA products is insufficient.
FTA said their understanding that the other act (Buy American) had a similar definition of manufacturing (i.e., the subcomponents inside a camera do not need to made in the USA to qualify).
Hope this helps.
NOTICE: This comment was moved from an existing discussion: Who Has Buy America (Not Buy American) Compliant Cameras?
