Buyer Resources
Using Acquisition Life Cycle Tools
There are a number of tools and resources provided by the federal government to promote cost-effective and sustainable acquisition (e.g. energy and water efficient products, reduced life cycle costs). This webpage provides guidance for how each of the tools can be utilized during each phase of the procurement life cycle.
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SFTool's Green Procurement Compilation: Identify federal sustainable acquisition requirements for products and services. |
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SFTool: Use modules within Learn and Plan sections (e.g. water efficiency and healthy indoor environments) to research best practices. Use the Procurement Professional User Guide to explore how SFTool can assist you in purchasing sustainable products and services. |
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GSA Environmental Program Aisle on GSA Advantage: Allows you to search and buy thousands of individual sustainable products available through GSA Multiple Award Schedules, Best-in-Class contracts, and more. |
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SFTool Framework for Managing Climate Risks to federal Agency Supply Chains: This risk management framework provides guidance to federal agencies ready to assess observed and expected climate or weather-related risks to supply chains. |
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Market Research as a Service: Strategically target GSA contract holders via Requests for Information or Sources Sought Notices to get industry input. |
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Climate Change Risk Management Checklist: Follow a simple checklist to assess and manage climate change risk at each stage of the acquisition life cycle. |
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EPA's Sustainable Marketplace: Identify best practices for cost-effective, sustainable acquisitions and learn more about EPA recommended ecolabels |
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Federal Procurement Data System: When documenting contract award, the contracting officer should ensure applicable sustainability fields (8K and 8L) are completed. |
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SFTool Product Search : Utilize this tool to learn about sustainable products that align with many of the requirements identified in the Green Procurement Compilation. |
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SFTool Sustainable Procurement Strategies Module: This module can be used to identify best practices and resources for promoting sustainable procurement, including post award strategies for validating that contractors provide compliant sustainable products and services. |
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System for Awards Management: Contains resources (e.g. Biobased Reporting Quick Start Guide) to help applicable service and construction contracts submit biobased and/or HFC report in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations. |
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Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS): Contracting Officers can capture the contractor’s compliance with sustainable acquisition requirements. |
Training
- DOE | Download the Sustainable Acquisition Training Resources
- DOE | Download the Sustainable Acquisition Training Inventory
- WBDG.org | DOE Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) Contracting for Efficiency: In-Depth Training for Contracting Officers
- DOE FEMP | Take Five
Policy/Guidance
- GSA | Sustainability Policies for Leased Buildings
- DOE's FEMP | How To Buy Energy- and Water-Efficient Products for the Federal Government
Other Resources
- Helpful Tools within SFTool
- SFTool Recycling Checklist
- Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits Calculators: Available calculators can assist with determining any cost savings and other environmental benefits resulting from the contract (e.g. Energy Star Cost Savings Calculator, EPEAT Cost Savings Calculator, FEMP Energy Efficient Cost Savings Calculators).
- Recognition Programs: Consider recognizing successful projects through an awards program (e.g. DOE GreenBuy Awards, Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards, EPA SaferChoice Awards)