23.002
Policy
Federal agencies and contractors must prioritize sustainability and emission reduction in all procurement activities, aligning with Executive Order 14057.
Overview
FAR 23.002 establishes the federal policy for environmental and sustainability considerations in government contracting, as mandated by Executive Order 14057. The section directs agencies to take proactive steps to reduce emissions (including greenhouse gases), promote environmental stewardship, strengthen supply chain resilience, foster innovation, and encourage the use of sustainable products and services. This policy sets the foundation for integrating sustainability into acquisition planning and contract execution, impacting how agencies and contractors approach procurement decisions and performance requirements.
Key Rules
- Emission Reduction
- Agencies must implement measures to reduce overall emissions, with a focus on greenhouse gases.
- Environmental Stewardship
- Agencies are required to promote practices that protect and sustain the environment throughout the acquisition process.
- Resilient Supply Chains
- Agencies should support supply chains that can withstand environmental and operational disruptions.
- Innovation and Sustainable Markets
- Agencies are encouraged to drive innovation and incentivize markets for sustainable products and services.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must incorporate sustainability and emission reduction considerations into acquisition planning and contract requirements.
- Contractors: Should be prepared to offer sustainable solutions, reduce emissions, and demonstrate environmental stewardship in their proposals and performance.
- Agencies: Must oversee compliance with sustainability objectives and report on progress as required by policy and executive orders.
Practical Implications
- This policy ensures that sustainability is a core consideration in federal procurement, affecting solicitation, evaluation, and contract management.
- Contractors may need to adapt offerings to meet sustainability requirements and demonstrate compliance.
- Common pitfalls include overlooking sustainability requirements in proposals or failing to document emission reduction efforts.