Unique Construction Project Considerations
Environmental Objectives
The Acquisition Planning Team must consider all applicable environmental objectives associated with the acquisition, the applicability of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement, proposed resolution of environmental issues, and any environmentally-related requirements to be included in the solicitation.
The Acquisition Planning Team should review and list any environmentally-related permits that will need to be obtained and a description furnished as to any restrictions. If your agency already has an environmental impact statement (EIS) then include this in the acquisition plan with dates. If not already covered in the EIS, include any information concerning disposal of any known contaminated material, such as, if asbestos has been identified as part of the project.
Since courts have delayed, stopped, and or, imposed fines on construction projects in the past, the acquisition planning stage is crucial in discussing any and all environmental issues.
Recoverable Materials
In addition to the above environmental aspects contracting officers must also give specific consideration in acquisition planning to inclusion of recoverable materials and "environmentally preferable and energy-efficient products and services" (FAR Subpart 23.4 and Subpart 23.7
FAR Subpart 23.405 requires all agency acquisitions of EPA-designated products, including all types of micro-purchases. The requirement includes one-time purchases over $10,000 and annual cumulative purchases that exceed $10,000. For construction the EPA currently list the following products:
- Building insulation
- Carpet
- Carpet Insulation
- Cement and concrete containing:
- Coal ash
- Ground granulated blast furnace slag
- Consolidated and reprocessed latex paint
- Floor tiles
- Flowable Fill
- Laminated paperboard
- Patio blocks
- Railroad grade crossing surfaces
- Shower and restroom dividers/partitions
- Structural fiberboard