Buyers

Buyers should strive to procure goods and services that protect human health and the environment. The sidebar on this page leads state agency buyers to specific products that may be purchased through State's EPP contracts. Upon selection of a product and under the heading of "Contract," is a "Buy Green Now" button. "Buy Green Now" is the gateway to the EPP contract.

Laws and Regulations

The DGS EPP program is governed by California Laws, which are typically found in California codes. Laws are implemented through regulations, which are published in the California Code of Regulations (CCR). Policies are basic principles or objectives by which government is guided. The Federal government has laws and regulations and policies that may impact buyers as well.

The most commonly referenced laws and regulations include:

California Law

California Public Contract Code (PCC)

  • Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (sections 12400-12404)
  • State Agency Buy Recycled Campaign (SABRC) (sections 12153 et seq.)

California Public Resource Code (PRC)

  • Energy Conservation and Development (Div. 15)
  • Products Containing Toxic Metals (Div. 12.2)
  • Waste Management (Div. 30)

California Health and Safety Code (HSC)

  • California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Div. 25.5)
  • California Clean Air Act (Div. 26)
  • Hazardous Waste Control Law (Div. 20, Chapter 6.5)

California Regulations

California Code of Regulations (CCR) 

  • Title 8, Industrial Relations
  • Title 13, Motor Vehicles
  • Title 17, Public Health
  • Title 20, Public Utilities and Energy
  • Title 22, Social Security, Hazardous waste
  • Title 24, Building Standards Code
    • Part 6, Energy Efficiency Standards for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings
    • Part 11, CALGreen Code

Federal Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

  • Title 40, Protection of the Environment
  • Title 47, Telecommunication 
  • Title 49, Transportation
    Policy and Guidance

    The State of California, Department of General Services, Procurement Division (DGS PD) is responsible for the implementation of EPP (PCC, sections 12400-12404).  It is this law that sets the framework for EPP policies and guidance.

    The most commonly referenced policy and guidance include:

    • State Administrative Manual (SAM)
    • California State Contracting Manuals (SCM) Vol. 1, Vol. 2 and Vol. 3
    • California Executive Orders (EO)
    • California Department of General Services Management Memo (MM)
    • California Technology Agency (formerly California Office of the State Chief Information Officer) Information Technology Policy Letter (ITPL)
    Specifications and Certifications

    We “green” our purchases by incorporating EPP specifications into our bid solicitations.  EPP specifications are technical and administrative requirements that prescribe the desired positive environmental attributes of a product. Positive environmental attributes include energy efficiency, natural resource conservation, waste reduction, and reduced toxicity. The law provides the foundation for developing EPP specifications.  In addition, they can incorporate standards from other government agencies and technical organizations. 

     
    We want to have confidence that the products we buy meet our specifications.  One way is to require bidders, by signing their bid package, attest to compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) guidelines for environmental marketing claims.  Under these guidelines, the FTC has the right to prosecute false and misleading advertisement claims.  Another method for gaining product confidence is by requesting product certification.

    Worldwide, there are over 300 environmental certification and ecolabeling programs. It is challenging to decide what certification to use.  The State first chooses certifications that are recognized by the US Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - LEED®  . Examples of commonly used certifications include:

    • EcoLogo®
    • Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool - EPEAT®
    • Energy Star®
    • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)®
    • Green Seal®
    Striving for Best Value
    The State looks for suppliers who can meet performance and environmental requirements and overall offer best value. Optimizing environmentally preferred purchases requires balancing environmental specifications with cost, performance, and market competitiveness. The protection of human health and the environment, not just price alone, can factor into a contract award. Two procurement methods are typically used to achieve environmentally preferable purchasing goals: Invitation for Bid (IFB) and Request for Proposal (RFP).  When there are fewer competitors, we can use scoring methodologies to achieve best value.  
    References and Resources

    Products and Services

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    BUYERS

    Make a selection from the list below. Specific buyer information for individual products are organized by category.