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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

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.

To promote fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, consider using a SmartWay Transport Partneropens in new window for shipment of your products.

FAR clause 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts, requires contractors to report annually "on the product types and dollar value of any USDA-designated biobased products purchased by the Contractor during the previous Government fiscal year."  Reporting is done through the System for Award Management in the fall, following conclusion of a Federal fiscal year.

FAR clause 52.223-11, Ozone-Depleting Substances and High Global Warming Potential Hydrofluorocarbons, requires contractors to report annually "the amount in pounds of hydrofluorocarbons or refrigerant blends containing hydrofluorocarbons contained in the equipment and appliances delivered to the Government under this contact." Similarly, FAR clause 52.223-12, Maintenance, Service, Repair, or Disposal of Refrigeration Equipment and Air Conditioners, requires contractors to report annually “the amount in pounds of hydrofluorocarbons or refrigerant blends containing hydrofluorocarbons added or taken out of equipment or appliances.”  The reporting requirement applies to contracts issued on or after June 15, 2016 that contain this clause. It also applies for equipment and appliances that normally each contain 50 or more pounds of HFCs or refrigerant blends containing HFCs. For FY2016, the information is reported to the Contracting Officer. Thereafter, reporting is done through the System for Award Management in the fall, following conclusion of a Federal fiscal year.

References