Pre-Procurement

1Identify Designated Categories

• ☐Review procurement requirements against the 139 USDA-designated BioPreferred categories
• ☐Determine the minimum biobased content threshold for each applicable category
• ☐Document which products in the procurement fall within designated categories
• ☐If no designated categories apply, document that determination and proceed normally

2Market Research

• ☐Search the USDA BioPreferred catalog for qualifying products in each category
• ☐Identify at least two biobased product options per category (if available)
• ☐Confirm products meet agency performance requirements
• ☐Document availability, pricing, and delivery timelines

Product Verification

3Verify Biobased Content

• ☐Confirm product is listed in the USDA BioPreferred catalog or carries the BioPreferred label
• ☐Obtain manufacturer's biobased content certification (ASTM D6866 test results preferred)
• ☐Verify biobased content meets or exceeds the category minimum threshold
• ☐Check for the USDA Certified Biobased Product label on packaging

4Collect Supplier Documentation

• ☐Manufacturer's biobased content certification with specific percentage
• ☐USDA BioPreferred category designation letter or listing confirmation
• ☐Safety Data Sheet (SDS) with biobased content information
• ☐TAA/BAA compliance documentation (country of origin statement)
• ☐Any applicable environmental or sustainability certifications

Exemption Handling

5Document Exemptions (if applicable)

• ☐Identify which exemption category applies: availability, performance, price, or unreasonable substitute
• ☐Record the specific product and designated BioPreferred category
• ☐Attach market research conducted to find biobased alternatives
• ☐Include price comparison analysis (if claiming price exemption)
• ☐Include performance test results (if claiming performance exemption)
• ☐Ensure documentation is thorough enough to withstand audit scrutiny

Post-Award

6Ongoing Compliance Monitoring

• ☐Verify delivered products match biobased specifications in the contract
• ☐Maintain updated biobased content certifications in the contract file
• ☐Track any product substitutions that may affect compliance status
• ☐Document any post-award exemption claims with full justification
• ☐Re-verify certifications annually for multi-year contracts