Acquisitions and Climate

The Federal government has strong purchasing power and can drive shifts in the market. As the political landscape and policies shift, changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) take time and have long lasting impact. There are three open FAR cases tied to sustainability and climate change that were initiated in 2021 and 2022 in various states of the process (updates as of 4/12/2024).

• FAR Case 2022-006 – Sustainable Procurement
  • Implements Executive Order (EO) 14057 and OMB M-22-06, updates definition of “biobased product” and reorganizes FAR Part 23 for clarity/consistency
  • 3/20/2024 – Final rule to FARSEC for prep to FAC
• FAR Case 2021-016 – Minimizing the Risk of Climate Change in Federal Acquisitions
  • Implements part of EO 14030; consider FAR amendments to ensure major agency procurements minimize the risk of climate change
  • 9/20\9/2023 – OIRA and OFPP conducting concurrent review of draft proposed FAR rule
• FAR Case 2021-015 – Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate-Related Financial Risk
  • Implements part of EO 14030; consider FAR amendments to require major Federal suppliers publicly disclose GHG emissions and climate-related financial risk – and to set science-based reduction targets
  • Acquisition Environmental and Contract Management Team reviewing public comments, drafting final FAR rule. Report due 05/22/2024

We also know that individual agencies, other government organizations, nonprofits, and private industry pilots, practices and programs can inspire voluntary programs as well as future changes to the FAR.

This is an emerging project, and we are looking for volunteers to join our team to support government and industry.  Contact Nancy Delanoche if you would like join the Climate Change COI or this project.