SoyBiobased.org

Under the Federal procurement preference program, USDA designates categories of biobased products that are afforded a Federal purchasing preference under Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. 

Click here for a full listing of all currently designated categories and their biobased content.

USDA has issued a series of rulemakings, called “Rounds,” designating these biobased product categories.

• Round 10 - December 5, 2012.  USDA issued a proposed rule to add 8 new designated biobased product categories:  Aircraft and boat cleaners; automotive care products; engine crankcase oil; gasoline fuel additives; metal cleaners and corrosion removers; microbial cleaning products; paint removers; and water turbine bearing oils.  View the proposed rule here.

• Round 9 – November 19, 2012.  USDA issued a final rule adding 12 new designated biobased product categories: Agricultural spray adjuvants; animal cleaning products; deodorants; dethatcher products; fuel conditioners; leather, vinyl, and rubber care products; lotions and moisturizers; shaving products; specialty precision cleaners and solvents; sun care products; wastewater systems coatings; and water clarifying agents. View the final rule here.

• Round 8 - April 4, 2012, USDA issued a final rule adding 13 new designated biobased product categories: air fresheners and deodorizers; asphalt and tar removers; asphalt restorers; blast media; candles and wax melts; electronic components cleaners; floor coverings (non-carpet); foot care products; furniture cleaners and protectors; inks; packing and insulating materials; pneumatic equipment lubricants; and wood and concrete stains.  View the final rule here.

• Round 7 - July 22, 2011, USDA issued a final rule adding 14 new designated biobased categories: animal repellents; bath products; bioremediation materials; compost activators and accelerators; concrete and asphalt cleaners; cuts, burns, and abrasions ointments; dishwashing products; erosion control materials; floor cleaners and protectors; hair care products,; interior paints and coatings; oven and grill cleaners; slide way lubricants; and thermal shipping containers.  View the final rule here.

• Round 6 - October 18, 2010, USDA issued a final rule adding 8 new designated biobased categories: disposable tableware; expanded polystyrene foam recycling products; heat transfer fluids; ink removers and cleaners; mulch and compost materials; multipurpose lubricants; topical pain relief products; and turbine drip oils.  View the final rule here.

• Round 5 - October 27, 2009, USDA issued a final rule adding 9 new designated biobased categories: chain and cable lubricant; corrosion preventatives; food cleaners; forming lubricants; gear lubricants; general purpose household cleaners; industrial cleaners; multipurpose cleaners; and parts wash solutions.  View the final rule here.

• Rounds 2, 3 & 4 - May 14, 2008, USDA issued three final rules adding 27 new new designated biobased categories: adhesive and mastic removers; plastic insulating foam for residential and commercial construction; hand cleaners and sanitizers; composite panels; fluid-filled transformers; disposable containers; fertilizers; sorbents; graffiti and grease removers; 2-cycle engine oils; lip care products; films; stationary equipment hydraulic fluids; disposable cutlery; glass cleaners; greases; dust suppressants; carpets; carpet and upholstery cleaners; bathroom and spa cleaners; concrete and asphalt release fluids; general purpose de-icers; firearm lubricants; floor strippers; laundry products; metalworking fluids; and wood and concrete sealers. The final rules appeared in three separate Federal Register notices, viewable here 73 FR 27928 , 73 FR 27958 , and 73 FR 27978.

• Round 1 - March 16, 2006, USDA issued a final rule, Federal Register (70 FR 13686), listing the first six designated biobased categories: mobile hydraulic fluids; roof coatings; diesel fuel additives; penetrating lubricants; water tank coatings; and bedding, bed linens, and towels.

Federal agencies and their contactors are required to give preferential consideration to these designated product when making purchases. Click here to see full list of all designated product categories.