MSA - Environmentally Preferable Procurement

Through a variety of laws and Executive orders, the MSA Prime Contract mandates a number of programs to encourage MSA and its subcontractors to make purchases which are environmentally preferable.

There are several programs which provide guidance to agencies on the implementation of environmentally preferable laws and regulations.

• Designated by EPA -   Currently, there are 24 recycled-content products in seven product categories designated by the EPA. (Listing provided at: http://www.hanford.gov/pmm/page.cfm/EPA) 
  
  
• Energy Star - This program was announced in 1992 to promote the development of energy-efficient equipment. This requires us to purchase ENERGY STAR computers, monitors and printers, as long as they meet other performance requirements and are available via competition.
   
• Water Sense – This is an EPA program which sets standards for water saving products and appliances. Information about the WaterSense Program is available at www.epa.gov/watersense.
   
• Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) – FEMP sets specifications for energy efficient products commonly used such as lighting, appliances, industrial equipment, office equipment, construction equipment, etc. This includes low standby power requirements.
   
• Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) – This is a program by the Green Electronics Council which sets out 23 required criteria and 28 optional criteria via IEEE 1680 standards. MSA is to purchase where possible electronic equipment meeting at least the Bronze level. To meet Bronze level, a product must meet all 23 required criteria, Silver is Bronze plus 50% of the optional criteria and Gold is Bronze plus 75% of the optional criteria.
   
• Biobased Products – This is a Department of Agriculture program for giving preference to acquiring designated biobased commodities. (listing provided at http://www.hanford.gov/pmm/page.cfm/Biobased)