NOTICE ONLY - Proposed Findings, Buy America Requirements for Door Hardware

This notice outlines a proposed waiver request under Oregon Revised Statutes 279C.303 and Oregon Administrative Rule [phone hidden] to exempt door hardware used in Department of Administrative Services (DAS) public works projects from Buy America requirements. The request is based on findings that compliance would be inconsistent with the public interest due to the long-standing reliability and functionality of the current hardware, which has been in use for 25 years and is fully compatible with the existing Medeco keyway system across approximately 10,000 door openings. Replacing it with U.S.-manufactured alternatives would incur significant costs—exceeding a 25% increase—and introduce logistical challenges including the need for dual inventory tracking, retraining of maintenance staff, and operational disruptions. The notice serves solely as a public comment opportunity, with a seven-day window ending May 12, 2026, during which feedback must be submitted via email to the designated Oregon DAS contacts. There is no competitive bidding process, no contract value specified, and no formal delivery schedule, as this is a regulatory exception for a standardized product class rather than a procurement action. The Department of Administrative Services in Salem, Oregon, is the sole administrative authority, with no designated contracting officer’s representative or technical reviewer identified beyond the procurement contact, Megan Saunders. No FAR clauses, packaging requirements, inspection protocols, invoicing methods, or socioeconomic certifications are applicable or referenced, as this is a state-level waiver proceeding governed exclusively by Oregon procurement statutes and internal DAS standards. The decision to grant the waiver rests with the State Chief Procurement Officer following public review and administrative determination.