“Made in America” Matters: What Government Contractors Need to Know

If you’re a government contractor—or looking to become one—there’s one phrase you’ve likely heard more frequently in recent years: “Made in America.” But this isn’t just a feel-good marketing slogan or patriotic tagline. It’s now a serious procurement priority.

Under a growing number of Executive Orders and policy directives, federal agencies are tightening their focus on domestic sourcing. Contractors bidding on everything from infrastructure to defense and healthcare are being asked to demonstrate how their products, materials, and services are sourced and manufactured right here in the United States.

This push is more than symbolic. It’s shaping procurement decisions, funding allocations, and the competitiveness of your business in the federal marketplace.

Let’s unpack what this means, how it could benefit your business, and the steps you should take to get aligned—starting with how you present yourself in SAM.gov, the Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), and your Capability Statement.

The Policy Backdrop: What’s Driving “Made in America”?

The federal government has long encouraged buying American-made goods through legislation like the Buy American Act (BAA) and the Berry Amendment. But enforcement and specifics have historically been inconsistent across agencies.

That started to change in recent years. Beginning with a series of Executive Orders signed during the Biden administration—including EO 14005: Ensuring the Future Is Made in All of America by All of America’s Workers—the federal government began laying down a more robust, government-wide policy.

Here’s what you should know about the current landscape:

1. Tighter Enforcement Across Agencies

Agencies are under strict orders to prioritize American-made goods and document why any exception is made. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) even launched the Made in America Office, tasked with reviewing and approving waivers from domestic preference laws.

2. Increased Domestic Content Thresholds

The minimum content that must be U.S.-produced to qualify under the Buy American Act has risen—from 55% to 60% in 2022, with a planned increase to 65% in 2024 and 75% by 2029.

3. Special Focus on Critical Sectors

Sectors like defense, infrastructure, energy, medical supplies, and semiconductors are under particular scrutiny. Contractors in these areas should expect more rigorous documentation and compliance requests.

What This Means for You as a Government Contractor

If you already have contracts with federal agencies—or plan to compete for them—Made in America compliance is more than a footnote. It could determine whether you win the contract or not.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Eligibility: Not meeting domestic sourcing thresholds could disqualify you from awards.
• Competitiveness: Companies that highlight their Made in America practices gain a competitive edge.
• Marketability: Buyers and procurement officers want to easily identify vendors that support domestic manufacturing.
• Audit & Compliance Risks: Failing to properly document and communicate your domestic content could lead to compliance issues down the line.

Step One: Update Your SAM and DSBS Profiles

Too often, contractors overlook the importance of their SAM.gov and DSBS registrations. But these profiles are where many contracting officers begin their vendor research—especially when searching for small, disadvantaged, or socio-economic certified businesses.

Here’s what you can do:

• Call it out clearly: Add language in your Capabilities Narrative stating that your products and services are Made in America.
• Include percentages: If 100% of your materials or manufacturing is domestic, say so. If it’s 65%, that matters too.
• Optimize for search: Procurement officers may use “Made in America,” “Buy American,” or “domestically sourced” as search terms. Including them helps ensure you show up.

FedBiz Access can help you get this right. We offer a full SAM & DSBS Optimization Service to ensure your profiles not only meet government standards but are crafted for visibility and clarity.

Step Two: Revise Your Capability Statement

Think of your Capability Statement as your elevator pitch—but in document form. It’s often your first impression with a contracting officer, so it must hit the right points.

When it comes to Made in America compliance, here’s what to include:

• Dedicated Section or Callout Box: Add a “Made in America” section to your capability statement to showcase your compliance and percentages.
• Certifications and Standards: Mention if your materials meet Buy American Act thresholds, Berry Amendment compliance, or other relevant domestic preferences.
• Highlight Your Supply Chain: If you work with U.S.-based suppliers or manufacturers, list them or describe the nature of your domestic partnerships.
• Visuals Matter: Incorporate icons or badges to make the message instantly recognizable.

Need help building or redesigning your capability statement? FedBiz Access creates government-formatted capability statements with a “Company Snapshot Video” option that can add even more clarity and marketing power to your outreach.

Step Three: Use It in Your Marketing

Once your compliance is documented, promote it. Here’s how:

• Website: Add “Made in America” claims on your government contracting landing page, and link to your updated capability statement.
• Email Outreach: Include a note or badge in your government-focused campaigns that calls out your U.S.-made goods.
• Social Proof: Use your social media platforms (LinkedIn especially) to share updates about your sourcing or manufacturing processes.
• Capability Briefings: Whether virtual or in-person, start making “domestically sourced” part of your talking points.

FedBiz Access also offers direct marketing campaigns to government buyers—including our powerful Federal Connections Package—to help you reach the right decision-makers with the right messaging.

Potential Benefits of Emphasizing “Made in America”

Besides compliance, there’s a strategic business advantage to leaning into this narrative:

• Increased trust and credibility with buyers who want to support U.S. businesses and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
• Better alignment with federal spending trends, especially as new funding is released under infrastructure and defense packages.
• Fewer barriers when bidding on set-aside contracts for agencies with strict sourcing requirements.
• More marketing material to promote your company in a patriotic and compelling way.

Simply put, highlighting your “Made in America” efforts isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about maximizing your appeal in a crowded government marketplace.

Upcoming Funding and Opportunity Areas

With trillions flowing through federal pipelines due to legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, agencies have significant funds earmarked for American manufacturing, construction, energy, and technology. These funds come with a caveat: the lion’s share must support American jobs, American suppliers, and American materials.

Here are a few high-priority verticals where Made in America compliance is becoming mission-critical:

• Infrastructure Projects: Roads, bridges, public transit, and broadband expansion.
• Clean Energy: Solar panel manufacturing, wind turbines, electric vehicle charging stations.
• Healthcare and PPE: Domestic production of pharmaceuticals, equipment, and hospital infrastructure.
• Defense and Aerospace: Materials and technology procurement must meet the Berry Amendment.

If you play in these spaces, it’s no longer optional to show your compliance—it’s essential.

How FedBiz Access Can Help

At FedBiz Access, we’ve spent over 24 years helping businesses of all sizes succeed in the government marketplace. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, our team specializes in the processes that make a difference.

We offer:

✅ SAM and DSBS Optimization
✅ Professional Capability Statement Design (with “Made in America” integration)
✅ Direct Marketing to Contracting Officers
✅ GSA Schedule Proposal Assistance
✅ Market Research and Opportunity Tools like FedBiz365
✅ Socio-Economic Certification Support

And most importantly, we can help you showcase your Made in America advantage at every level of your government marketing efforts.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Today

The federal marketplace is evolving fast—and the push for “Made in America” is only getting stronger. Contractors who adapt early will be positioned for long-term success, increased awards, and deeper relationships with buyers who share these values.

If you’re ready to align your registrations, capability statements, and marketing strategy with this federal priority, we’re ready to help.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with a FedBiz Specialist today.

Let’s make sure your business gets the visibility—and the credit—it deserves.