23.108-3 Products and services that are subject to EPA Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels
Source: FAR 23.108-3 on acquisition.gov
Federal contracts must prioritize products and services that meet EPA-recommended environmental standards and ecolabels, especially those verified by third-party certification.
Overview
FAR 23.108-3 outlines the requirements for federal agencies and contractors to prioritize products and services that meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels. The EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program provides guidance to help agencies procure environmentally preferable products and services, supporting federal sustainability and zero emissions goals. The EPP recommendations emphasize the use of multi-attribute or life-cycle based standards and ecolabels, particularly those verified by competent third-party certification bodies. Contractors and contracting officers are directed to consult the EPA’s online resources for up-to-date recommendations and guidance.
Key Rules
- EPA EPP Program Guidance
- Agencies must use EPA’s EPP recommendations to identify environmentally preferable products and services.
- Preference for Certified Standards and Ecolabels
- Preference is given to products/services meeting multi-attribute or life-cycle based standards, especially those with third-party certification.
- Reference to EPA Resources
- Contracting professionals should consult the EPA’s website for current recommendations and guidance.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure solicitations and contracts reference EPA recommendations and give preference to qualifying products/services.
- Contractors: Offer and document products/services that meet EPA-recommended specifications, standards, or ecolabels, preferably with third-party certification.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with sustainable procurement goals and maintain awareness of updated EPA guidance.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures federal procurement supports environmental and human health objectives.
- Contractors must be proactive in sourcing and documenting compliant products/services.
- Failure to follow EPA recommendations may result in non-compliance with federal sustainability mandates.
(a) Program. The EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program helps Federal agencies identify and procure environmentally preferable products and services to meet zero emissions and other sustainable procurement goals by providing Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels. The EPP recommendations give preference to multi-attribute or life-cycle based standards and ecolabels that address key environmental and human health impact areas and where product conformance is determined by a competent third-party certification body.
(b) Resource. For additional information on EPA Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels, see https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/recommendations-specifications-standards-and-ecolabels-federal-purchasing" target="_blank">https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/recommendations-specifications-standards-and-ecolabels-federal-purchasing.