9-9. Sustainable Procurement

a. Cardholders are required to comply with Federal Government environmental quality (i.e., “green”) policies when acquiring supplies or services with the GPC. See GSA’s Green Procurement Compilation for the current lists of designated products, product sources, and other relevant information. The DoD Green Procurement Program:

1) Requires that sustainable supplies and services be considered as the first choice for all procurements,

2) Assigns responsibility to virtually every DoD employee, including CHs, and

3) Requires implementation at the organizational level where initial purchasing requirements are defined.

b. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and USDA oversee the designated product programs, which designate products that can be made with recycled or bio-based content and place them on the mandatory list for Federal purchasers. Some examples of mandatory items include the following:

1) Paper (including copy paper, computer paper, envelopes, index cards, folders).

2) Toner cartridges.

3) Office supplies (such as binders, clipboards, and plastic desktop accessories).

4) Office recycling containers.

5) Office trash cans.

6) Toilet paper.

7) Trash bags.

c. DoDI 4105.72, Section 1.2.b requires DoD to give preference to the procurement of sustainable

supplies and services using or supplying sustainable supplies unless certain conditions exist. Cardholders are encouraged to document if one or more of the following issues prevents purchase of mandatory green supplies and services:

1) The price of the supply/service is unreasonable.

2) The supply/service will not meet reasonable performance standards.

3) Availability does not meet the requirement timeframe.

4) An exception is provided by statute.

d. DAU course CLG 046, DoD Sustainable Procurement Program provides training on a comprehensive strategy for implementing environmentally preferred practices while sustaining the overall mission.