Working on Federal projects limits source of materials to Domestic or FAR approved sources and YES delivery delays are a killer.

You don't go for alternative materials. You go for a secondary source of procurement for the same materials, unless you need better materials.

-I highly recommend a local supplier who ensures material availability in the long run. -Material component with low environmental impact.

Delays due to material deliveries are becoming part of everyday construction life. One thing I’ve found useful is early engagement. Get involved with suppliers/manufacturers at the design and programming stages. Choose products that work in terms of availability, quality and budget. Another thing that we have begun to do is to buy early and store in our warehouse until needed, we also have raw material available and workshops kitted out to enable us to produce some of the bespoke products ourselves should the supply chain breakdown. Early engagement helps to smooth the process and also resist changes post start. Change is the enemy of construction programs and cost control.

First of all I would try to figure out the root cause of delays. As I have worked with different service provider company I know some time delays are made intentionally to hike the price. Companies try to panic their clients so that they can charge huge amount of money. Second thing I would go to local market and contact local suppliers for availability. Many time local suppliers stock materials at their yard Third I would even go to the junk yard or auction yard. We can get better deal at this location also ( but may compromise with quality)