On behalf of the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA), Copper Development Association Inc. (CDA), Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA), National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), and the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA), we are concerned about continued efforts in Washington to pass legislation that prefers specific materials at the expense of proven materials. Collectively, we represent many of the materials and industries that serve as the foundation for our nation’s infrastructure. With centuries of proven performance, our materials have provided reliable, resilient, safe, and sustainable infrastructure for millions of Americans. Building upon our proven success, our industries constantly innovate to serve Americans and our infrastructure into the future. Specifically, we oppose Sec. 2877 in the Senate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and Sec. 2807 of the House NDAA and encourage the elimination of these provisions in conference. These sections contain material preference language under the guise of so-called “open competition.” These provisions are part of a failed national material preference effort that has been ongoing for approximately fifteen years. The language in these sections is similar to language that has been rejected repeatedly by the federal government and at least fourteen states. This effort has failed time and time again for good reason. Despite the creative marketing terms to promote both Senate Sec. 2877 and House Sec. 2807, the goal is to use government to pick certain materials over others. This is a classic example of creating government preferences to address a problem that does not exist – and it is not without harm.