[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 7, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 6122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-2767]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

[Notice-FAS-2011-01; Docket No. 2011-0006; Sequence 22]


Providing Refurbishment Services to Federal Agencies

AGENCY: Federal Acquisition Service, U.S. General Services 
Administration.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Strategy for Electronics 
Stewardship recommendations (http://www.gsa.gov/estewardship), GSA is 
exploring whether and how best to make cost-effective refurbishment 
services available to Federal agencies to extend the useful life of 
non-functional electronic equipment. GSA seeks to determine whether 
providing refurbishment as a service to Federal agencies fits into 
viable business models, what appropriate standards and certifications 
ought to be considered, and how best to build Federal contracts for 
such services.

DATES: Effective date: Submit comments on or before March 8, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by ``Notice-FAS-2011-01'' by any 
of the following methods:
     Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by inputting ``Notice-FAS-
2011-01'' under the heading ``Enter Keyword or ID'' and selecting 
``Search.'' Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with 
``Notice-FAS-2011-01.'' Follow the instructions provided at the 
``Submit a Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if 
any), and ``Notice-FAS-2011-01'' on your attached document.
     Fax: (202) 501-4067.
     Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory 
Secretariat (MVCB), ATTN: Hada Flowers, 1275 First Street, NE., 7th 
Floor, Washington, DC 20417.
    Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite ``Notice-FAS-
2011-01'', in all correspondence related to this case. All comments 
received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, 
including any personal and/or business confidential information 
provided.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inquiries and clarifications may be 
sent to Mr. Chris Hoagland, Office of Governmentwide Policy, U.S. 
General Services Administration, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Purpose and Information Sought

    This notice is for data gathering and planning purposes only, does 
not constitute a solicitation, and is not to be construed as a 
commitment by the government to issue a solicitation, Blanket Purchase 
Agreement (BPA) or award a contract. The Government will not reimburse 
any respondent for any costs associated with information submitted in 
response to this notice.
    GSA seeks to determine whether providing refurbishment as a service 
to Federal agencies fits into viable business models, what appropriate 
standards and certifications ought to be considered, and how best to 
build Federal contracts for such services. GSA is seeking this 
information through voluntary responses to the following questions:
    1. If you currently provide refurbishment as a service to 
customers, including Federal, state, or local government entities, 
describe the process of obtaining equipment and returning it to the 
customer, including the typical amount of time between pick-up and 
return.
    2. Is there a minimum number of pieces of electronic equipment that 
must be provided (e.g., a pallet load, a truckload)?
    3. Does providing refurbishment as a service (rather than 
refurbished equipment) fit into viable business models for computer 
refurbishment companies?
    4. How do the fees you charge per refurbished item compare to the 
cost of new or used equipment?
    5. Describe the process for disposing and recycling of failed 
equipment. Have all facilities in your recycling and disposal process 
been certified to safely recycle and manage electronics? If so, what 
certifications do they hold?
    6. Who is responsible for disposition of equipment that cannot be 
refurbished, the customer or the provider of refurbishment services? Is 
there an additional fee for disposition of equipment that cannot be 
refurbished?
    7. What certifications should the government require of firms 
offering refurbishment services, including those developed specifically 
for recycling facilities (e.g., R2 and e-Stewards)?

    Dated: February 2, 2012.
Houston Taylor,
Assistant Commissioner, Office of Acquisition Management, Federal 
Acquisition Service, General Services Administration.
[FR Doc. 2012-2767 Filed 2-6-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-89-P