Energy Efficient Computer Equipment

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

41 CFR Parts 201-17 and 201-20

[FIRMR Interim Rule 1]

Energy Efficient Computer Equipment

AGENCY: Information Resources Management Service, GSA.

ACTION: Interim rule with request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment implements provisions of Executive Order 12845

requiring agencies to purchase energy efficient computer equipment.

DATES: Effective Date: This amendment is effective on January 7, 1994.

Comments are due: February 7, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to General Services

Administration (KMR), Washington, DC 20405.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

R. Stewart Randall, GSA, Office of Information Resources Management

Policy, telephone FTS/Commercial (202) 501-3194 (v) or (202) 501-0657

(tdd).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (1) This change is being made to bring the

FIRMR into conformance with Executive Order 12845, dated April 21,

1993. This order recognizes that the Federal Government, the largest

purchaser of computer equipment in the world, should set an example in

the energy efficient operation of its facilities and the procurement of

pollution preventing technologies. The use of energy efficient

computers can help achieve this goal and also minimize the Government's

operating costs. The order requires, among other things, that the heads

of Federal agencies shall ensure that by October 18, 1993, all

acquisitions of microcomputers, including personal computers, monitors,

and printers, meet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ``Energy

Star'' requirements for energy efficiency. The heads of agencies may

grant exemptions, on a case-by-case basis, to this requirement based

upon the commercial availability of qualifying equipment, significant

cost differential of the equipment, the agency's performance

requirements, and the agency's mission. Any exemptions granted must be

reported to GSA annually. The FIRMR is revised to require by October

18, 1993, that all agency requirements analyses include requirements

for energy efficiency. These requirements must be reflected in request

for proposals (RFPs) released after that date. The FIRMR is further

revised to require that, at a minimum, agencies acquire microcomputers,

monitors and printers equipped with the energy efficient low-power

standby feature as defined by the EPA Energy Star computer program. The

address where exemptions must be sent is also provided in this change.

The first report is due October 18, 1994. FIRMR Bulletin C-35 will be

issued in the near future to provide more detailed guidance on energy

efficient requirements that should be included in RFPs.

(2) The General Services Administration has determined that this is

not a major rule for the purposes of Executive Order 12291 of February

17, 1981. GSA decisions are based on adequate information concerning

the need for, and the consequences of the rule. The interim rule is

written to ensure maximum benefits to Federal agencies. This

Governmentwide regulation will have little or no net cost effect on

society. It is certified that this interim rule will not have a

significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities

under the Regulatory Flexibility Act 1980 (5 U.S.C. et seq.).

(3) The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the proposed

changes to the FIRMR do not impose recordkeeping information

requirements or collection of information from offerors, contractors,

or members of the public which require the approval of OMB under 44

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 201-17 and 201-20

Archives and records, Computer technology, Telecommunications,

Government procurement, Property management, Records management, and

Federal information processing activities.

PART 201-17--PREDOMINANT CONSIDERATIONS

1. The authority citation for part 201-17 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and 751(f).

2. Section 201-17.001 is amended by revising paragraphs (l) and (m)

and adding paragraph (n) to read as follows:

Sec. 201-17.001 Predominant considerations.

* * * * *

(l) Review and evaluate existing resources and related management

and acquisition activities on an ongoing basis;

(m) Replace outdated resources that are no longer the most

advantageous alternative for satisfying the agency's requirements; and

(n) Acquire microcomputers, monitors, and printers that are energy

efficient.

PART 201-20.1--REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

3. The authority citation for part 201-20.1 continues to read as

follows:

Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c) and 751(f).

Sec. 201-20.1 [Amended]

4. Section 201-20.103-11 is added to read as follows:

Sec. 201-20.103-11 Energy efficiency requirements for microcomputers.

(a) Agencies shall include requirements for energy efficiency in

the requirements analysis. At a minimum, agencies shall require that

microcomputers, including personal computers, monitors, and printers,

acquired by the agency be equipped with the energy efficient low-power

standby feature as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency

Energy Star computer program. This feature shall be activated when the

equipment is shipped to the agency and shall be capable of entering and

recovering from the low-power state, unless the equipment meets the

Energy Star requirements at all times. To the extent permitted by law,

agencies shall include this specification in all existing contracts, if

any additional costs would be offset by the potential energy savings.

(b) Agencies shall consider the guidance contained in FIRMR

Bulletin C-35 in developing their requirements and for the specific

procedure for reporting exempted acquisitions.

(c) Agencies shall report annually, by October 18 on acquisitions

exempted from this requirement. Agencies shall periodically review

their exemptions, with the intent of bringing all purchases into

compliance. Reports shall be sent to: GSA, Acquisition Reviews Division

(KMA), 18th & F Streets, NW., Washington, DC 20405.

(d) Agencies shall ensure that Federal users are made aware of the

significant economic and environmental benefits of the low energy

efficient power standby feature and its aggressive use by including

this information in routine computer training courses.

Dated: October 15, 1993.

Julia M. Stasch,

Acting Administrator of General Services.

[FR Doc. 94-294 Filed 1-6-94; 8:45 am]

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