Governor Ritter Passes Executive Order Encouraging the "Buy American Provision"

Since this summer, I have been covering the ever growing movement of local governments adopting (or at the least formally encouraging) an internal purchasing preference to that which is local. This includes proclamations supporting local vendors as well as point systems that favor awarding contracts to local bidders. Now, I just got wind of an executive order issued by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter directing state agencies to adhere to the Buy American Provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Though this isn't the typical hyper-localized "buy local" proclamation you're used to seeing, it is very important to consider the relative perspective of government-sized purchasing initiatives. This legislation isn't necessarily going to fuel a small town's economy or support a community that's easily tangible to the individual, but it certainly is focused on keeping money within the United States, which will affect us all in the long run.

You can find more information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 here.

Executive Order D 027 09 

Pursuant to the authority vested in the Governor of the State of Colorado, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, hereby issue this Executive Order directing state agencies to adhere to the Buy American provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to the maximum extent possible and to request that the Governor's Office of Economic Recovery post waivers to this provision on the website www.colorado.gov/recovery.

I. Background and Purpose

On February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) into law. The ARRA provides funding for education, health care and human services, employment and workforce training, business and economic development, transportation, energy programs, programs related to the environment and natural resources, housing, public safety, and telecommunications. The law requires that the “Buy American” provision be applied in a manner consistent with U.S. obligations under international agreements. The overarching goal of ARRA is to support vulnerable citizens and stabilize communities while pushing the economy forward and creating jobs. To further this goal, section 1605 of ARRA (the “Buy American provision”) requires the purchase of iron, steel, and manufactured products produced in the United States. To more completely meet the goals of ARRA, this Executive Order gives direction to state agencies on compliance with the Buy American provision and requires greater transparency with respect to who is requesting a waiver from the Buy American requirements.

Continue reading the Executive Order here.