[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 5 (Friday, January 7, 1994)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-294]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: January 7, 1994]


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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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