Federal Agency Use of Biobased Products

Federal agencies are among the leaders in the use of biobased products.  This page provides information on various federal agencies’ use of biobased products.  Here you will find links to specific agencies using a variety of soy-biobased products, from cleaning products to furniture, from spray foam insulation to lubricants, to roof sealants to carpeting.  All of these products are being used now and are helping federal users meet their environmental requirements.

Federal Agency Actions

Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA) (7 U.S.C. 8102) requires Federal agencies to establish affirmative procurement programs for preferred purchasing of biobased products.

Because of the importance of biobased products, they were included in Executive Orders (EO) 13101 and 13134, issued in September 1998 and August 1999, respectively. On January24, 2007, a new Executive Order, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” (EO 13423) was issued. It replaces EO 13101 and EO 13134. The new EO 13423 requires each agency to include and expand purchasing of biobased products in the agency’s acquisition of goods and services. Agency heads are directed to implement sustainable practices for acquisition, reduce or eliminate the purchase of toxic or hazardous chemicals, and prevent waste and pollution. Agencies are directed to establish objectives and targets for implementing the order, to create leadership awards to recognize outstanding performance, and to collect and report on information to measure performance in implementing the order.

Here you will find links to Federal Register notices on Proposed and Final Rules, Federal Acquisition Requirements and letters and memos encouraging the use of biobased products.