AIS + BABA compliance · Effective April 7, 2026

AIS & BABA compliant

Taking “Built Here” to its highest standard

Beginning April 7, 2026, Fernco’s core repair coupling families are AIS and BABA compliant, with every component sourced exclusively in the United States. These products have long been made in the U.S. This milestone completes the final steps.

Davison, MI · April 7, 2026

Compliant product lines

Specify Fernco on federally funded projects with confidence

The same products you’ve always trusted, now formally qualified for federally funded infrastructure projects under AIS and BABA requirements.

Fernco Standard Flexible Coupling

Fernco’s core flexible repair coupling. Now AIS and BABA compliant, with no separate SKU and no special ordering required.

15″ and below
Fernco Strong Back RC Coupling

The shielded RC coupling built for demanding repair applications, now carrying full AIS and BABA compliance.

15″ and below
Fernco Proflex Coupling

The complete Proflex specialty coupling range is AIS and BABA compliant across the full lineup with no size exceptions.

Full lineup compliant

The table below provides a quick reference to qualifying product families. Download the official PDF scope list for submittal use.

Product familyCompliance statusNotes / exclusions
Standard Flexible CouplingsCompliant15″ and below
Proflex® Specialty CouplingsCompliantFull lineup
Strong Back® RC CouplingsCompliant1000RC only · 15″ and below · Excludes 5000RC and HTRC Series
XL CouplingsCompliantFull lineup
Eccentric Bushings & CouplingsCompliant15″ and below
Tee & Wye Tap SaddlesCompliantFull lineup
Pipe SleevesCompliantFull lineup
Expansion JointsCompliantFull lineup
Qwik Tees & EllsCompliantFull lineup
Plastic Socket CouplingsCompliantFull lineup

Last updated: April 7, 2026 · For the complete list, download the PDF scope list below.

AIS + BABA Scope List (PDF)Official included-products list for use in submittal packages
Download scope list
Documentation guidance

Building your submittal package

For projects requiring AIS and BABA compliance, Fernco recommends including the following. Requirements can vary by project and agency.

  1. AIS + BABA Scope List (PDF)The official included-products list confirming which Fernco families qualify under this compliance update.View scope list →
  2. Product cut sheetThe cut sheet for the exact series and size being specified.View cut sheets →
  3. Compliance letter (when required)A project-specific letter from Fernco when requested by the owner, engineer, or agency for formal documentation review or bid packages.Request a letter →
Request a letter

Need a formal AIS/BABA compliance letter?

If your project requires a formal statement for a bid package, documentation review, or municipal approval, submit the form and Fernco will provide the requested compliance documentation.

Before you requestHave your series, part number, and project information ready to speed up processing.

“As the country celebrates 250 years in 2026, we’re proud to reinforce what ‘Built Here’ means at Fernco. We’ve manufactured these lines in the U.S. for years. This milestone completes the final steps.”

Mark Cooper · President, Fernco Inc.
FAQ + support

Common questions

What are AIS and BABA?

AIS stands for American Iron and Steel, and BABA stands for Build America, Buy America. These requirements apply to many public works and infrastructure projects where domestic sourcing is expected or mandated.

Which Fernco products qualify?

The primary compliant lines are Standard 1000 Series (15″ and below), Strong Back® 1000RC (15″ and below), and the full Proflex® lineup. A number of additional product families also qualify. Refer to the scope list above or download the PDF for the complete list.

Do all Fernco products qualify?

No. This update applies to specific repair coupling product families. Use the scope list to confirm whether a product is included before specifying for a compliance-required project.

When does this take effect?

The compliance update is effective April 7, 2026.

What should I include in a submittal package?

Fernco recommends including the scope list PDF and the applicable product cut sheet. Some agencies may also require a compliance letter. Always follow the project specifications for your particular job.

Why is Fernco making this change?

Fernco’s core repair coupling lines have always been manufactured in the United States, with the vast majority of materials sourced domestically. This milestone completes the final steps of domestic sourcing, making compliance simpler for everyone who specifies Fernco on public projects.

Need help?

We’re here to help you get it right

Need help confirming a product or building a submittal package? Contact the Fernco team directly or reach out to your rep.

America 250 ★

Made in America. For 60+ years.

Fernco has called Davison, Michigan home since 1964. This compliance milestone isn’t a new direction. It’s the completion of a commitment that’s been decades in the making.

Our story
★ Founded in Davison, MI, 1964★ 100% U.S.-sourced components★ AIS + BABA compliant, April 7, 2026