FIRE RATED GLASS IN GOVERNMENT FACILITIES

In the realm of government infrastructure, safety, security, and sustainability are paramount. Fire-rated glass is a crucial component in fortifying courthouses, city halls, state capitols, administrative buildings, post offices, police stations, fire stations, military bases, government hospitals, embassies, and consulates against potential threats, while offering the additional benefits of transparency and energy efficiency.

As the leading USA manufacturer of fire-rated glass and framing, SAFTI FIRST® offers customizable solutions that not only meet the stringent safety and performance standards of these important civic spaces, but also address their design and sustainability goals.

Below are some key benefits of fire rated glass in government facilities:

Elevating Security and Resiliency. Government facilities require uncompromising protection against various hazards, with fire safety being a top priority. Fire rated glass creates a formidable, reliable barrier against fire, smoke, and radiant heat for up to 2 hours. Additional protective features, such as ballistic, blast, forced entry, and hurricane can easily be incorporated as well.

Meets USA-Made Standards. Choosing USA-made fire rated glass for government projects is not just a matter of preference—it’s often a requirement. SAFTI FIRST®’s products meets the Buy America, Buy American and Build America, Buy American requirements.

Environmental Stewardship. Government facilities leading the way in LEED and bird-friendly glazing requirements. SAFTI FIRST® fire-rated glass products can easily incorporate these high-performance products into their make-ups.

SAFTI FIRST AND BUILD AMERICA BUY AMERICA ACT

The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) is a pivotal regulation that impacts federally funded infrastructure projects, shaping the materials and products used in construction. Signed into law as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)—also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021—BABAA expands and strengthens “Buy America” requirements for U.S.-based projects.

Understanding the BABAA is essential when designing or specifying materials for projects funded by federal financial assistance. The good news is that when these projects call for fire rated glass and framing, SAFTI FIRST® can meet the BABAA requirements, which we explain below.

What Is the BABAA?

Effective May 14, 2022, the BABAA mandates that federally funded infrastructure projects use iron, steel, construction materials, and manufactured products that are produced in the United States. This requirement applies to any infrastructure project funded through federal financial assistance, making the BABAA a permanent regulation for public works beyond the BIL and the Inflation Reduction Act.

What Types of Projects Require BABAA Compliance?

The BABAA covers the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of public infrastructure financed with federal assistance. Its definition of “infrastructure” is broad, encompassing a wide array of facilities, structures, and systems critical to public services and utilities.

Examples of projects that require BABAA compliance include:

Transportation Infrastructure: Roads, highways, bridges, public transit, intercity railroads, and airports and other transit centers.

Water Systems: Drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure.

Energy and Utilities: Electrical transmission systems, energy facilities, electric vehicle charging stations, and broadband infrastructure.

Buildings and Facilities: Public buildings, ports, and real property improvements.

What Products Are Covered by the BABAA?

BABAA applies to three primary categories of materials and products used in infrastructure projects:

Category	BABAA Requirement	Examples
Iron and Steel	All manufacturing processes, from initial melting through the application of coatings, occurred in the United States.	Steel beams, rebar, and structural steel components.
Construction Materials	All manufacturing processes occurred in the United States.	Non-ferrous metals, lumber, drywall, glass, optical fiber, coatings, clay bricks, and engineered wood products.
Manufactured Products	Final assembly of the product occurred in the United States, and 55% of components are domestic origin.	Windows, doors, HVAC systems, and composite building materials.

Note that the classification of a product depends on its composition:

Single-material items like glass or lumber are considered construction materials.

Multi-material products, such as steel-framed windows, are classified as manufactured products. In additional, manufactured products are permanently affixed, like doors and windows.

How does SAFTI FIRST® meet the BABAA?

Since the BABAA mandates that materials and products used in federally funded infrastructure projects must be produced in the United States, SAFTI FIRST®’s domestic manufacturing capabilities is in a unique position to ensure BABAA compliance while delivering high-performance fire rated glazing solutions. This reduces the need to apply for BABAA waivers whenever fire rated glass and framing is required in federally funded infrastructure projects.

SAFTI FIRST® produces its fire rated glass and framing products within the United States, meeting the critical requirement that all manufacturing processes occur domestically. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Merced, CA uses highly automated equipment to ensure the highest product quality. We also partner with domestic suppliers in sourcing our raw materials.

Under the BABAA, fire rated glass is considered a construction material when used as a single-material product. Our fire rated glass products can meet the BABAA because all the processes needed to make this product what it is happens in our facility.

When our fire rated glass is combined with our framing systems to make a fire rated glazed assembly, such as a fire rated glass door, wall, storefront, curtain wall or floor, it is considered a manufactured product. Our products can meet BABAA because the final assembly is completed domestically in our own facilities and the components used complies with the 55% threshold being of domestic origin.

Per the BABAA, manufacturers must self-certify compliance by providing a signed letter on company letterhead that includes the project name, product details, manufacturing location, and a compliance attestation. This is something that SAFTI FIRST® can provide.

Plan Your Project with Confidence

As the leading vertically integrated, single-source, USA-manufacturer of advanced fire rated glass and framing, SAFTI FIRST® not only meets the technical and safety demands of various infrastructure projects but also aligns with the U.S. manufacturing standards required under the BABAA. Our commitment to domestic production ensures architects, contractors, and federal agencies can confidently specify compliant materials for public infrastructure projects.

For more information on SAFTI FIRST®’s BABAA-compliant fire rated glass products or to request compliance documentation, don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts at 888.653.3333 or info@safti.com.

How does SAFTI FIRST® meet Buy American, Buy America and Build America, Buy America Requirements?

We’ll explain each requirement and how SAFTI FIRST®, as a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of fire-rated glass, framing, doors, walls, and floors, meets all these standards. Whether you’re working on government, infrastructure, or publicly funded projects, learn how our products comply with federal regulations and deliver high-performance solutions.

featured projects

Sparks your imagination with selected photos of our USA-made fire rated glass and framing products used in fire rated doors, openings, walls and floors in various projects.