Manufacturer's Guide: Getting Your Products Into the Federal BioPreferred Channel

Step 1: Get USDA Certified

The USDA Certified Biobased Product label is the gold standard for federal procurement. While the mandatory purchasing program technically applies to all products meeting biobased content thresholds (even without the label), having the USDA certification eliminates friction at every stage of the buying process.

The certification process involves:

• Submit product samples for ASTM D6866 testing at a USDA-approved laboratory
• Complete the application on biopreferred.gov with product specifications
• Provide biobased content percentage for each product SKU
• Pay the annual certification fee ($500 per product family)
• Maintain documentation for annual recertification

Step 2: Partner With a Federal Distributor

Federal agencies rarely buy directly from manufacturers. They buy through distribution channels that carry the compliance certifications they need. The three primary channels are:

• GSA Schedule holders: Products listed on GSA Advantage are immediately visible to all federal buyers
• Small business set-aside distributors: SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, and WOSB-certified distributors give your products access to set-aside contracts
• Agency-specific BPAs: Blanket Purchase Agreements with individual agencies for recurring product needs

The most effective strategy combines GSA Schedule visibility with small business distribution. Your products appear in the government marketplace while also qualifying for set-aside contracts that large distributors cannot access.

Step 3: Prepare Compliance Documentation

Every federal purchase requires documentation. For BioPreferred products, this means:

• Certificate of conformance linking the specific product to its BioPreferred designation
• USDA Certified Biobased Product label or biobased content test results
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) meeting GHS format requirements
• Country of origin documentation for Trade Agreements Act compliance
• Lot traceability from manufacturer to end user