Green Procurement Fact Sheet.pdf

“JOINT BASE CHARLESTON”

GREEN PROCUREMENT PROGRAM

Fact Sheet For Contractors

What is Green Procurement?__________________________________________________

The Green Procurement Program (GPP) is a mandatory federal acquisition program that focuses on the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products and services. Many different items are covered by the GPP. Recycled-content products are designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

“Biobased” products made from renewable plant materials are designated by the Department of

Agriculture (USDA). Energy and water efficient products are designated by the Department of Energy

(DOE). GPP also requires us to avoid purchasing Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and EPA-designated Priority Chemicals. Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) is a voluntary program, and it encourages the purchase of goods and services that have decreased effects on human health and the environment (compared to competing goods that serve the same purpose), but are not already required by one of the mandatory GPP elements.

How does the GPP apply to contractors?________________________________________

GPP applies to all federal agencies and to their contractors. The specifications for this contract include requirements for products designated by EPA, USDA or DOE. Do not substitute products that fail to meet the applicable procurement requirements. See the reverse side of this page for more information about these requirements and where to find compliant products.

If recycled-content products are needed, the Contracting Office has included FAR clause 52.223-4 in this contract. For contract amounts in excess of $100,000, FAR clause 52.223-9 is also included.

FAR 52.223-4, Recovered Material Certification, is used in solicitations that are for, or specify the use of, EPA-designated products containing recovered materials. This document is accompanied by contract specifications that specify the percentage of recovered materials required by the contract.

This clause states that by signing the bid or proposal for the contract, the contractor is certifying that it will comply with AP requirements.

FAR 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA-Designated

Products, is used in solicitations and contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold that include the provision at 52.223-4.

This clause requires the contractor to estimate the amount of recycled material in use on the project and provide this information to the Contracting Officer.

What should a contractor do if a GPP-compliant product is unavailable?______________

If you are unable to locate a specified product meeting the GPP requirements, identify the issue to the

Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative for guidance. GPP is based on legal requirements and

Air Force bases are subject to enforcement action if these requirements are ignored.

Contact the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative for further assistance with GPP.

GPP Product Listings (Mandatory Programs)

EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Recycled-Content Products, including Construction Products, Landscaping Products, Paper and Paper Products, Nonpaper Office Products, Park and Recreation Products, Transportation Products, Vehicular Products, and Miscellaneous Products: http://www.epa.gov/cpg/products.htm

USDA Biobased Item List: http://www.biobased.oce.usda.gov/public/index.cfm (The regulations are still in development – this site will eventually contain the approved list.) Until the USDA list is complete, consider products from the Biobased Manufacturers Association “Biobased SuperCenter” www.thefarmdepot.com/tfd/bma/departments.jsp

Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Low-Standby Power Products:

http://oahu.lbl.gov

Energy Star®: http://www.energystar.gov/products (note: Energy Star® does not sell products, but provides a list of manufacturers and their certified products)

Alternatives to Ozone-Depleting Substances:

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/lists/index.html

The EPA Priority Chemicals include cadmium, lead, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and naphthalene. Look for alternatives to these five priority chemicals or products containing them. The base Pollution Prevention program manager can assist with identifying alternatives for these and other hazardous chemicals.

Resources for EPP Product Selection (Voluntary Program)

EPA Database of Environmentally Preferable Products and Services:

http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf

Air Force contractors can also request free assistance with product identification from the PROACT environmental research service: http://www.afcee.brooks.af.mil/pro-act/ http://www.epa.gov/cpg/products.htm http://www.biobased.oce.usda.gov/public/index.cfm http://www.thefarmdepot.com/tfd/bma/departments.jsp http://oahu.lbl.gov/ http://www.energystar.gov/products http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/lists/index.html http://yosemite1.epa.gov/oppt/eppstand2.nsf http://www.afcee.brooks.af.mil/pro-act/