Biomedical Equipment and Supplies
Equipment and supplies that assist with activities and applications of clinical medicine.
References and Guidance
Additional Guidance
Category Specific Guidance
The Environmental Protection Agency
encourages the use of mercury free alternative products that are comparably priced and as effective as their mercury counterpart to comply with the Clean Air, Clean Water, Resource Conservation and Recovery, and Safe Drinking Water Acts.
The EPA has added phthalates to the list of chemicals of concern under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
February 2009 it became unlawful to manufacture for sale, distribute in commerce, or import any childcare article that contains phthalates DEHP, DBP or BBP at levels of higher than 0.1%.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a Public Health Notification in July of 2002 regarding a safety assessment of a phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) released from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as it is most prevalent in medical devices.
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 23.103, 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® 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:
- Environmentally preferable products or services, including environmentally sustainable electronic products, that meet or exceed specifications, standards, or labels recommended by EPA through the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (EPP);
- Water efficient products and services, including WaterSense® certified products and services;
- Safer Choice labeled products; and
- Freight delivery services from SmartWay® Transport partners.
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 23.103, 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® 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 Partner for shipment of your products.