Biobased markets program
Federal procurement of biobased products
Definition of procuring agency
In this subsection, the term “procuring agency” means—
any Federal agency that is using Federal funds for procurement; or
a person that is a party to a contract with any Federal agency, with respect to work performed under such a contract.
Procurement preference
In general
Procuring agency duties
Except as provided in clause (ii) and subparagraph (B), after the date specified in applicable guidelines prepared pursuant to paragraph (3), each procuring agency shall—
establish a procurement program, develop procurement specifications, and procure biobased products identified under the guidelines described in paragraph (3) in accordance with this section;
with respect to items described in the guidelines, give a procurement preference to those items that—
are composed of the highest percentage of biobased products practicable; or
comply with the regulations issued under section 6914b–1 of title 42; and
establish a targeted biobased-only procurement requirement under which the procuring agency shall issue a certain number of biobased-only contracts when the procuring agency is purchasing products, or purchasing services that include the use of products, that are included in a biobased product category designated by the Secretary.
Exception
Flexibility
Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a procuring agency may decide not to procure items described in that subparagraph if the procuring agency determines that the items—
are not reasonably available within a reasonable period of time;
fail to meet—
the performance standards set forth in the applicable specifications; or
the reasonable performance standards of the procuring agencies; or
are available only at an unreasonable price.
Minimum requirements
Each procurement program required under this subsection shall, at a minimum—
be consistent with applicable provisions of Federal procurement law;
ensure that items composed of biobased products will be purchased to the maximum extent practicable;
include a component to promote the procurement program;
provide for an annual review and monitoring of the effectiveness of the procurement program; and
adopt 1 of the 2 polices described in subparagraph (D) or (E), or a policy substantially equivalent to either of those policies.
Case-by-case policy
In general
Exception
Minimum content standards
Certification
Guidelines
In general
Requirements
The guidelines under this paragraph shall—
designate those items (including finished products) that are or can be produced with biobased products (including biobased products for which there is only a single product or manufacturer in the category) that will be subject to the preference described in paragraph (2);
designate those intermediate ingredients and feedstocks that are or can be used to produce items that will be subject to the preference described in paragraph (2);
automatically designate items composed of intermediate ingredients and feedstocks designated under clause (ii), if the content of the designated intermediate ingredients and feedstocks exceeds 50 percent of the item (unless the Secretary determines a different composition percentage is appropriate);
set forth recommended practices with respect to the procurement of biobased products and items containing such materials;
require reporting of quantities and types of biobased products purchased by procuring agencies;
promote biobased products, including forest products, that apply an innovative approach to growing, harvesting, sourcing, procuring, processing, manufacturing, or application of biobased products regardless of the date of entry into the marketplace;
as determined to be necessary by the Secretary based on the availability of data, provide information as to the availability, relative price, performance, and environmental and public health benefits of such materials and items; and
take effect on the date established in the guidelines, which may not exceed 1 year after publication.
Information provided
Prohibition
Qualifying purchases
The guidelines shall apply with respect to any purchase or acquisition of a procurement item for which—
the purchase price of the item exceeds $10,000; or
the quantity of the items or of functionally-equivalent items purchased or acquired during the preceding fiscal year was at least $10,000.
Required designations
Administration
Office of Federal Procurement Policy
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy, in cooperation with the Secretary, shall—
coordinate the implementation of this subsection with other policies for Federal procurement;
annually collect the information required to be reported under subparagraph (B) and make the information publicly available;
take a leading role in informing Federal agencies concerning, and promoting the adoption of and compliance with, procurement requirements for biobased products by Federal agencies; and
not less than once every 2 years, submit to Congress a report that—
describes the progress made in carrying out this subsection; and
contains a summary of the information reported pursuant to subparagraph (B).
Other agencies
To assist the Office of Federal Procurement Policy in carrying out subparagraph (A)—
each procuring agency shall submit each year to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy, to the maximum extent practicable, information concerning—
actions taken to implement paragraph (2);
the results of the annual review and monitoring program established under paragraph (2)(C)(iv);
the number and dollar value of contracts entered into during the year that include the direct procurement of biobased products;
the number of service and construction (including renovations) contracts entered into during the year that include language on the use of biobased products; and
the types and dollar value of biobased products actually used by contractors in carrying out service and construction (including renovations) contracts during the previous year; and
the General Services Administration and the Defense Logistics Agency shall submit each year to the Office of Federal Procurement Policy information concerning, to the maximum extent practicable, the types and dollar value of biobased products purchased by procuring agencies.
Procurement subject to other law
Labeling
In general
Eligibility criteria
Criteria
In general
Exception
Renewable chemicals
Requirements
Criteria issued under subparagraph (A) shall—
encourage the purchase of products with the maximum biobased content;
provide that the Secretary may designate as biobased for the purposes of the voluntary program established under this subsection finished products that contain significant portions of biobased materials or components; and
to the maximum extent practicable, be consistent with the guidelines issued under subsection (a)(3).
Use of label
In general
Auditing and compliance
Assembled and finished products
Recognition
The Secretary shall—
establish a program to recognize Federal agencies and private entities that use a substantial amount of biobased products; and
encourage Federal agencies to establish incentives programs to recognize Federal employees or contractors that make exceptional contributions to the expanded use of biobased products.
Limitation
Inclusion
Manufacturers of renewable chemicals and biobased products
NAICS codes
The Secretary and the Secretary of Commerce shall jointly develop North American Industry Classification System codes for—
renewable chemicals manufacturers; and
biobased products manufacturers.
National testing center registry
Forest products laboratory coordination
Streamlining
In general
Not later than 1 year after
determined to be eligible for a Federal procurement preference under subsection (a); and
approved to use the “USDA Certified Biobased Product” label under subsection (b).
Initiation
Product designations
Requirement of procuring agencies
Reports
In general
Contents
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include—
a comprehensive management plan that establishes tasks, milestones, and timelines, organizational roles and responsibilities, and funding allocations for fully implementing this section;
information on the status of implementation of—
item designations (including designation of intermediate ingredients and feedstocks); and
the voluntary labeling program established under subsection (b); and
the progress made by other Federal agencies in compliance with the biobased procurement requirements, including the quantity of purchases made.
Economic impact study and report
In general
The Secretary shall conduct a study to assess the economic impact of the biobased products industry, including—
the quantity of biobased products sold;
the value of the biobased products;
the quantity of jobs created;
the quantity of petroleum displaced;
other environmental benefits; and
areas in which the use or manufacturing of biobased products could be more effectively used, including identifying any technical and economic obstacles and recommending how those obstacles can be overcome.