What is an AIS Certification
When choosing metal doors and frames for a project, you may hear the term AIS Certification come up.
In my case, a distributor recently requested AIS documentation from Mesker, a manufacturer of hollow metal doors and frames that I represent.
With assistance from my Mesker team I learned that we are proud to be able to provide this certification.
I took the time to do a little digging to understand more about this initiative. Here is what I learned.
Understanding AIS Certification
In the construction and building materials industry, certifications play a crucial role in ensuring quality, compliance, and trustworthiness. One such certification that has recently come to the forefront is theAmerican Iron and Steel (AIS) certification. Let’s delve into what AIS certification entails, the requirements to obtain it, and its intended purpose.
What is AIS Certification?
An AIS certification is a mandate that requires certain iron and steel products used in projects funded by the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) to be produced in the United States. This certification ensures that all manufacturing processes, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, occur in the U.S.
Requirements for AIS Certification
To achieve AIS certification, materials must meet stringent criteria:
1. Domestic Manufacturing: The iron and steel must be melted, poured, and processed entirely in the United States.
2. Compliance with Standards: Products must comply with all relevant industry standards and specifications.
3. Traceability: Each product must be traceable back to the original U.S. manufacturer, ensuring transparency and accountability.
4. Documentation: Detailed documentation and certification from the manufacturer confirming that the product meets AIS requirements.
Background of AIS Certification: How It Started and Its Purpose
The AIS certification was introduced as part of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. This law requires that iron and steel products used in federally funded water infrastructure projects be manufactured in the United States, from start to finish.
Why Was AIS Certification Created?
The AIS certification was designed to:
Support American Manufacturing – By requiring that materials be made in the U.S., the law helps keep jobs in American steel mills and factories.
- Ensure High-Quality Materials – U.S.-produced steel follows strict quality and safety standards, ensuring stronger, more durable products.
- Strengthen National Infrastructure – The law was aimed at improving water systems, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent on materials that last.
- Reduce Dependence on Imports – By using domestic products, the U.S. reduces reliance on foreign-made materials, which can have unpredictable costs and quality.
What Kinds of Projects Require AIS-Certified Materials?
AIS rules apply to certain federally funded water infrastructure projects, such as:
- Drinking water treatment plants
- Wastewater facilities
- Sewer and drainage systems
The federal government provides grants and funding for these projects through programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF), which require all materials used to be AIS-certified.
How the AIS Documentation Process Works:
- Municipality Applies for SRF Funding
- A city, town, or utility applies for funding under the DWSRF or CWSRF through their state environmental agency (each state administers its own SRF program).
- As part of this process, the project is reviewed for compliance with AIS requirements.
- Assignment of an AIS Number
- If the project is approved for SRF funding, it is assigned a unique AIS Project Number by the state agency.
- This number is used to track compliance with AIS provisions and ensure all materials used meet the “Made in America” requirements.
- Material Compliance & Certification
- The municipality (or its contractor) must ensure that any iron and steel products used in the project—such as pipes, valves, fittings, hydrants, structural steel, and doors/frames—meet AIS requirements.
- Manufacturers (like Mesker) must provide an AIS certification letter stating that their products comply. However, to issue the letter, the manufacturer must reference the project’s AIS number in its documentation.
When Requesting an AIS Document from a manufacturer
✔ Check with the project owner (municipality) or general contractor to obtain the AIS Project Number assigned by the state agency.
✔ Provide that AIS number to the manufacturer so they can include it in the certification letter.
This process ensures that federally funded projects adhere to Buy American provisions and receive proper documentation for grant compliance.
The Impact of AIS Certification
Since its introduction, AIS certification has had a positive impact on both the manufacturing and construction industries:
✔ More Jobs in U.S. Steel & Iron Production – The law helps sustain jobs in steel plants and fabrication facilities across the country.
✔ Better Quality Materials in Public Projects – U.S.-made iron and steel must meet strict guidelines, reducing failures and maintenance costs.
✔ Stronger Domestic Supply Chains – Keeping manufacturing within the U.S. ensures stability, reducing supply chain disruptions.
For manufacturers like Mesker, the AIS certification requirements give manufacturers like Mesker an edge over imported products and allows their products to qualify for these federally funded projects. This makes them a strong choice for projects that need high-quality, American-made doors and frames.
If you’re working on a project that requires AIS-certified materials, let us know! We can help you find the right Mesker products to meet these standards.