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.
References and Guidance
Additional Guidance
Category Specific Guidance
Dual-fueled AFVs (vehicles that can run on alternative fuel or conventional petroleum fuel) may qualify for alternative fuel use waivers only if the vehicle operates in a particular geographical area where (1) the alternative fuel required for use in the vehicle is not reasonably available (within a 5 mile or 15 minute drive of the vehicles' garaged location), or (2) the cost of the alternative fuel required for use in the vehicle is unreasonably more expensive compared to a gallon of gasoline. The U.S. Department of Energy reviews and approves or denies waiver submissions through the Federal Automotive Statistical Tool (FAST).
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.
The DfE program covers multiple car care products.
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.