AFL’s position regarding BEAD/BABA:
AFL is an American-based company that has a long history of US-based manufacturing. The NTIA (who administers BEAD) recognizes AFL as a US-based manufacturer of fiber cable and connectivity and has put AFL on their map.
What products are compliant?
AFL has over 1,000 cable and connectivity part numbers which are already compliant for the BEAD program and/or BABA in general. See the overview below. For the full list of self-certified products for the BEAD program, click the link below.
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PRODUCT CATEGORY - DOC & NTIA DEFINITIONS - |
AFL PRODUCT EXAMPLES |
SUMMARIZED REQUIREMENT - PER BABA W/ BEAD WAIVER - |
BEAD COMPLIANCE |
BABA COMPLIANCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FIBER OPTIC CABLE >> LOOSE TUBE |
Cable, fiber, and preform manufacturing must all occur in the US |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
FIber optic cable >> RIBBON |
Cable, ribbonizing, fiber, and preform manufacturing must all occur in the US |
In Progress (Q1, 2025) to BEAD Compliance |
In Progress (Q1, 2025) to BABA Compliance |
|
|
Connectorized Cable Assemblies |
Trident® Drop Cables |
Cable and fiber must be made in US, but connectors can be made and terminated elsewhere |
✓ |
✓ |
|
PASSIVE OPTICAL COMPONENTS |
BABA requirements waived for BEAD program |
✓ |
|
|
|
Enclosures >> Vaults |
55% of component cost must come from US, and certain manufacturing steps must occur in the US |
✓ |
✓ |
|
|
Enclosures >> Cabinets |
IDEAA® Exterior Distribution Cabinet |
In Progress (Q4, 2024) to BEAD Compliance |
In Progress (Q4, 2024) to BABA Compliance |
|
|
Enclosures >> Closures & Terminals |
Apex® |
In Progress (Q4, 2024) to BEAD Compliance |
|
|
|
EQUIPMENT |
BABA only applies to products that are consumed in, incorporated into, or affixed to an infrastructure project. |
N/A |
N/A |
*AFL has confirmed that parts complying with the BABA/BEAD Waiver are marked with a check.
To ensure Build America, Buy America or any other domestic preference requirements are appropriately captured and maintained throughout the order fulfillment process, the specific requirements must be specified at the time of purchase order to AFL.