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Build America, Buy America Clearfield's BABA Compliant Fiber Products

Clearfield is committed to helping customers meet federal funding requirements to bridge the digital equity gap. With a strong U.S. manufacturing presence, we continue to expand operations, ensuring customers have the compliant products needed for broadband expansion funded by BEAD, private equity, and other sources nationwide.

End-to-End Fiber Network Product Platform

Clearfield's extensive selection of fiber connectivity products ensure you have the best options available for your deployment needs. From patch cords to fiber distribution hub cabinets, our products can be manufactured to BABA compliant standards and ready for federally funded projects. Clearfield is here to answer questions about your network, and ready to quickly provide you the compliance and/or waiver documentation you require. For more information and to request a quote, please contact your Clearfield representative at 800-422-2537 or use the form below to start a conversation.

Simplifying the Path to BABA Compliance

Quoting

When submitting a quote request, customers specify the products needed that must meet BABA program requirements for BEAD-funded projects. In addition, customers should provide project names and/or BEAD funded project numbers to ensure all requirements are properly documented. By doing this, we can provide accurate pricing and delivery timelines tailored to a specific project.

Order Placement

When placing an order, quoted part numbers will indicate products that are built to BABA standards. This ensures all requirements are accurately incorporated into the procurement and production process. If a BABA certificate is required, please notify Clearfield with the BABA/BEAD project number and details before product ships.

Customer Service

Our BABA Compliance Team is available to help with any questions or concerns regarding BABA requirements. Reach out directly via our website or by contacting any of our individual sales representatives.

Purchase Through Our Distribution Partners

Our trusted distribution partners are equipped and available to provide product/part numbers and quotes for BABA compliancy, offering customer’s greater flexibility in sourcing solutions. Contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is BABA compliance and where to learn more?

    The Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, requires that products used in federally funded infrastructure projects be made in the United States. For fiber networks, this means that components like patch cords, cabinets, and enclosures must be manufactured in the U.S. using U.S.-sourced materials.

    BABA compliance applies to a wide range of federal broadband funding programs—including BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), NTIA Middle Mile, and USDA Rural Utilities Service grants. These programs impact telecommunications providers, ISPs, utilities, and municipalities deploying fiber networks with federal support.

    To learn more:

    For questions about how BABA affects your specific project, our team is here to help.

  • What BABA compliance documents does Clearfield provide?

    You will receive BABA compliance certificates and waiver documentation as needed for your project. Compliance certificates will require your BABA/BEAD project number when placing your order. We will ensure all necessary compliance documentation is included before your products ship.

  • How are mixed BABA and non-BABA orders handled?

    You can include both in the same order. BABA-compliant products are clearly labeled in our quotes and part numbers, so you know exactly which items meet federal requirements. Our team ensures that compliant and non-compliant products are handled separately, so there’s no confusion in your order.

  • Any performance difference with BABA products?

    No, BABA-compliant products perform exactly the same as our standard products. They are built to the same high-quality standards, with the only difference being that they use U.S.-sourced materials to meet federal requirements.

  • How does BABA affect lead times?

    We work hard to keep lead times as close as possible to standard products. Any differences in delivery timelines will be clearly communicated at the time of quoting. To get the most accurate estimate, please let us know early if your order requires BABA compliance.

  • Are custom BABA solutions offered?

    Yes! Many of our fiber products, including cabinets, patch cords, and connectivity solutions, can be customized to meet BABA requirements. If your project has specific needs, contact us to discuss a tailored, compliant solution.

  • How can I verify the BABA compliance status of my purchase?

    Check your original quote or order confirmation—BABA-compliant part numbers are clearly marked. If you’re unsure, contact your Clearfield sales representative, and we’ll verify your product’s compliance status and provide any required certification.

  • How does ordering through a distributor affect BABA documentation?

    Ordering through a distributor doesn't change your BABA documentation requirements. Our authorized distributors are equipped to provide BABA-compliant part numbers and necessary documentation just like direct orders. If you have any questions, your distributor or Clearfield representative can assist you.

  • If most of the project components are BABA-compliant, can I self-fund the non-compliant products?

    No. A Buy America preference applies to an entire infrastructure project, even if it is funded by both Federal and non-Federal funds under one or more awards.

  • Do products purchased with BEAD program matching funds need to comply with BABA?

    Yes, the entire BEAD project, including purchases made with matching funds (regardless of source), must comply with the BABA requirements.

DISCLAIMER:

These FAQs are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The requirements of the Build America Buy America Act (BABA), the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, and other federal, state and local programs, rules and regulations are subject to change and should be consulted regularly to ensure compliance.

Express Interest to Learn More

For more information and to request a quote, please contact your Clearfield representative at 800-422-2537 or use the form below to start a conversation.

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