[Skip to Content]

Vehicles and Vehicle Products

Alternative fuel vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and low greenhouse gas emitting vehicles. Products used in repairing and maintaining automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles, including lubricants, bumpers, mud flaps, and engine coolant. Also includes alternative fuels and refrigerated transport equipment. Products in this category may also apply to the acquisition of fleet maintenance and cafeteria & food services. Products in this category may also apply to the acquisition of fleet maintenance and cafeteria & food services.

References and Guidance

Additional Guidance

Category Specific Guidance

EPAct Section 701 (e (42 U.S.C. § 6374(a)(3)(E) requires federal agencies to use alternative fuel in dual-fueled vehicles when it is reasonably available and not unreasonably more expensive than gasoline.  Dual-fueled alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are vehicles that can run on both alternative fuel or conventional petroleum fuel. The U.S. Department of Energy reviews and approves or denies waiver submissions). Learn more hereopens in new window.

EPAct (42 U.S.C. 13212(b) requires that, beginning in FY 1999, and for each year thereafter, 75 percent of all covered vehicle acquisitions by federal agencies must be AFVs. Biodiesel consumption can also count towards federal agency AFV acquisition requirements. Agencies receive one (1) AFV credit for every 450 gallons of pure biodiesel (equivalent to 2,250 gallons of B20) used in diesel vehicles. Note that biodiesel credits cannot exceed 50% of the annual AFV acquisition requirements. 
Products

Federal agency customers are required to buy sustainable products such as energy efficient products and recycled content products, to the maximum extent practicable.

In accordance with FAR Part 23.103opens in new window, Federal agencies shall advance sustainable acquisition by ensuring that 95 percent of new contract actions for the supply of products and for the acquisition of services (including construction) require that the products are:

  • Energy-efficient (ENERGY STAR®opens in new window or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated);
  • Water-efficient;
  • Biobased;
  • Environmentally preferable (e.g., EPEAT®-registered, or non-toxic or less toxic alternatives);
  • Non-ozone depleting; or
  • Made with recovered materials.

Recommendations of Specifications, Standards, and Ecolabels for Federal Purchasing:

Services

Sustainable services also include construction and service contracts where sustainable products are delivered, furnished for Government use, or furnished for Contractor use at a federally controlled facility.

In accordance with FAR Part 23.103opens in new window, Sustainable Acquisitions, service contracts must require the use or supply of sustainable products covered by certain Federal environmental programs, when applicable. Sustainable products include energy efficient, recycled content, water efficient, biobased, and other environmentally preferable products.

Learn More
  • You can determine the specific sustainable requirements that apply to your acquisition by clicking on the individual product categories on the Left Side of this page
  • You can Learn more by visiting the Environmental Programs page
Other Considerations

Before buying new products, be sure to consider excess personal property from other federal agencies. It's not just the mandatory first source of supply, it's sustainable! Visit GSAXcess®opens in new window to search the federal government’s available excess personal property for transfer.

To promote fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, consider using a SmartWay Transport Partneropens in new window for shipment of your products.

References