The attached environmental regulatory alert is provided for your information from the Department of Commerce environmental manager. This alert provides information about a change in environmental law or regulation that may impact your operation. mailto:pwixted@doc.gov

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REGULATORY ALERT #2003-0003 Amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation

General: Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2001-15 amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) was published in the Federal Register on July 24, 2003. FAC 2001-15 includes coverage on energy-efficient standby power devices and leadership in environmental management (Executive Order 13148).

Key Requirements:

1. Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices (FAR Case 2001-028; effective August 25, 2003):

This final rule implements Executive Order 13221, Energy-Efficient Standby Power Devices, by providing guidance on energy-efficient standby power devices. The rule also clarifies requirements for the purchase of recovered material. The requirements of this rule apply to contracting officers that purchase products that use external standby power devices or that contain an internal standby power function, and products that are composed of recovered material. Government contracting and technical personnel will need to ensure that proposed acquisitions comply with the Government preference for energy- efficient products.

2. Leadership in Environmental Management (E.O. 13148) (FAR Case 2000-005; effective August 25, 2003):

This final rule provides policies and procedures for obtaining contractor information so that agencies can implement environmental management systems and complete facility compliance audits. The rule implements Executive Order 13148, Greening the Government through Leadership in Environmental Management. The requirements of this rule apply to facilities owned or operated by Federal agencies, except those facilities located outside the United States and its outlying areas.

Additional Information: For more information about this FAC, visit GSA's FAR site at http://www.arnet.gov. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please contact Peter Wixted, Environmental Manager, Department of Commerce, at (202) 482-3444, or via e-mail pwixted@doc.govmailto:Pwixted@DoC.gov.