How do procurement teams prove they met the "maximum extent practicable" standard for biobased purchasing before placing an order?

Attach a policy evaluation record at line-item level showing how the "maximum extent practicable" standard was met, and store the clause context with the contract file documentation. When a biobased option is not selected, document the practicability exception per FAR 23.107.

Clause Guide15 min readPublished February 22, 2026Updated February 23, 2026

FAR 23.103 in practice: a decision framework for biobased procurement

How FAR 23.103's "maximum extent practicable" standard translates into documented procurement decisions, practicability exception records, and contract file evidence at the order level.

AuthorPatriot BioSolutions Policy Desk

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Biobased product evaluation bench with sample containers and abstract category decision screen — Editorial image: biobased product samples arranged for category and evidence review.

FAR 23.103 in practice: a decision framework for biobased procurement

The "maximum extent practicable" standard

Product listing controls

Contract file evidence

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