Code of Federal Regulations Title 49. Transportation § 49.661.11—Minimum Requirements for Final Assembly

(a) Rail Cars:  In the case of the manufacture of a new rail car, final assembly would typically include, as a minimum, the following operations:  installation and interconnection of propulsion control equipment, propulsion cooling equipment, brake equipment, energy sources for auxiliaries and controls, heating and air conditioning, communications equipment, motors, wheels and axles, suspensions and frames;  the inspection and verification of all installation and interconnection work;  and the in-plant testing of the stationary product to verify all functions.

(b) Buses:  In the case of a new bus, final assembly would typically include, at a minimum, the installation and interconnection of the engine, transmission, axles, including the cooling and braking systems;  the installation and interconnection of the heating and air conditioning equipment;  the installation of pneumatic and electrical systems, door systems, passenger seats, passenger grab rails, destination signs, wheelchair lifts;  and road testing, final inspection, repairs and preparation of the vehicles for delivery.

(c) If a manufacturer's final assembly processes do not include all the activities that are typically considered the minimum requirements, it can request a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) determination of compliance. FTA will review these requests on a case-by-case basis to determine compliance with Buy America.