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.

Acquisition Planning
		SFTool: Access Helpful Tools, including the Learn, Plan, Explore, Apply, and Train modules for best practices, strategies and solutions for energy efficiency, resilience, healthy buildings, and sustainable procurement.
		EPA's Sustainable Marketplace: Identify best practices for cost-effective, sustainable acquisitions and learn more about EPA recommended ecolabels.
		SFTool's Green Procurement Compilation: Identify federal sustainable acquisition requirements for products and services.
		SFTool Product Search: Utilize this tool to learn about sustainable products that align with many of the requirements identified in the Green Procurement Compilation.
		SFTool Recycling Checklist: Consider minimizing waste before making a purchase by following a checklist of considerations including assessing the recyclability of the item(s).
Solicitation
		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.
		Market Research as a Service: Strategically target GSA contract holders via Requests for Information or Sources Sought Notices to get industry input.
Selection & Award
		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).
		Federal Procurement Data System: When documenting contract award, the contracting officer should ensure applicable sustainability fields (8K and 8L) are completed.
Contract Administration
		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.
		Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System: 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

Recognition Programs: Consider recognizing successful projects through an awards program (e.g. DOE GreenBuy Awards, Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards, EPA SaferChoice Awards)