FAR 23.000—Scope.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 23.000 is the scope statement for FAR Part 23, which tells readers what this part is about and why it exists. It covers acquisition policies and procedures that support the Government’s environmental objectives, including protecting and improving environmental quality, promoting and expanding markets for sustainable products and services, and ensuring proper handling and notification of hazardous materials. In practice, this means Part 23 is the starting point for understanding how environmental considerations are built into federal buying decisions, from green purchasing and sustainability requirements to hazardous material controls and related notices. The section does not itself impose detailed operational requirements, but it frames the policy purpose for the more specific rules that follow in the rest of Part 23. For contracting officers, it signals that environmental and safety issues are not optional add-ons; for contractors, it signals that compliance with environmental, sustainability, and hazardous material requirements may be part of contract performance and offer preparation.
Key Rules
Environmental protection purpose
Part 23 exists to support acquisition policies and procedures that protect and improve environmental quality. This means environmental considerations are part of federal procurement policy, not separate from it.
Sustainable products and services
The part also aims to foster markets for sustainable products and services. In practice, this supports procurement choices that encourage environmentally preferable offerings and broader market development for sustainable solutions.
Hazardous material handling
Part 23 includes policies and procedures for the proper handling of hazardous materials. This signals that acquisitions may need specific controls, instructions, or contract terms to manage hazardous substances safely and lawfully.
Hazardous material notification
The scope expressly includes notification related to hazardous materials. Contractors and agencies must be alert to disclosure, labeling, or communication requirements tied to hazardous material presence or use.
Policy framework only
This section is a scope provision, so it defines the subject matter of Part 23 rather than setting out detailed compliance steps. The specific obligations are found in the later sections of the part and any incorporated clauses or agency supplements.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officers
Recognize that environmental protection, sustainability, and hazardous material issues are within the scope of the acquisition rules in Part 23. Use the more specific provisions in the part and applicable clauses to address these issues in solicitations and contracts.
Contractors
Understand that federal contracts may include environmental, sustainability, and hazardous material requirements. Be prepared to comply with any applicable handling, notification, reporting, or product-related requirements that flow from Part 23 and the contract.
Agencies
Implement acquisition policies and procedures that advance environmental quality, sustainable purchasing, and proper hazardous material management. Ensure internal guidance and procurement practices align with the objectives identified in this part.
Practical Implications
This section tells you where to look when an acquisition involves green purchasing, sustainable products, or hazardous materials: Part 23 is the governing framework.
Because it is only a scope statement, it is easy to overlook; however, it matters because it establishes the policy basis for later requirements and contract clauses.
A common pitfall is treating environmental issues as optional or purely programmatic when they may affect solicitation terms, evaluation, performance, or reporting.
Contractors should watch for hazardous material disclosure, handling, and notification obligations early, since these can affect pricing, logistics, safety planning, and compliance.
Contracting officers should confirm whether the acquisition implicates sustainability or hazardous material issues so the solicitation includes the right requirements and avoids post-award surprises.
Official Regulatory Text
This part prescribes acquisition policies and procedures supporting the Government's program to protect and improve the quality of the environment, to foster markets for sustainable products and services, and to ensure proper handling and notification of hazardous materials.