FTA Softens Blow of Stricter Buy America Requirements for Rolling Stock
Client Alert | 1 min read | 04.12.16
On April 6, 2016, the Federal Transit Administration proposed a policy statement and a public interest waiver, both clarifying that the increased U.S. content percentages mandated by the FAST Act will not apply to contracts entered into before the act’s October 1, 2015, effective date and waiving application of the higher percentages to any other contracts resulting from solicitations advertised prior to December 4, 2015 (the date the law was enacted). The FAST Act itself provided some relief from the increased percentages by requiring the FTA, when denying non-availability waivers, to certify to the identity of domestic suppliers of the iron, steel, or manufactured good at issue and by allowing inclusion of domestically sourced iron or steel used in foreign manufactured car shells or rolling stock frames to be included in the calculation of the domestic cost percentage.
Insights
Client Alert | 10 min read | 07.01.25
Ninth Circuit Decision Underscores Increasing False Claims Act Risks to U.S. Importers
On June 23, 2025, the Ninth Circuit issued a long-awaited decision in Island Industries Inc. v. Sigma Corp. affirming a $26M False Claims Act (“FCA”) judgment against the defendant importer. Sigma had appealed the judgment after a jury found the company violated the FCA by failing to pay customs duties owed to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”). The Ninth Circuit’s decision addresses an important jurisdictional issue and illustrates the significant financial exposure importers can face under the FCA at a time of increased tariffs and enforcement by the government.
Client Alert | 8 min read | 06.30.25
Client Alert | 3 min read | 06.30.25
Client Alert | 3 min read | 06.26.25
FDA Targets Gene Editing Clinical Trials in China and other “Hostile Countries”