Ethics for Federal Employees

 BioPreferredSM Awareness Self Tests
Directions:  Complete the sentences by choosing the best answers from the choices below.  Compare your answers.

Module One Self-test:  What is BioPreferredSM?

1. Biobased products are commercial or industrial products that are composed in whole, or in significant part of:
  (a). Biological products.
  (b). Renewable agricultural materials.
  (c). Forestry materials.
  (d). All of the above.
2. To be classified as a BioPreferredSM designated item means that USDA has:
  (a). Banned the use of that product.
  (b).  Identified and established the minimum biobased content for that item.
  (c). Negotiated a government-wide price with the vendor for that item.
  (d). Tested the item and found it to be an excellent substitute for other similar items.
3.

Procurement preference must be given to qualified biobased products when:

  (a). They meet performance standards, are available within a reasonable time, and are available at a reasonable price.
  (b). They contain biological products, are water-based, and the price is not more than 10% above the GSA pricing index.
  (c). They are available within 10 days, have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on file, and the biobased content is more than 90%.
  (d). They are manufactured outside the United States, not available within a reasonable time, and not manufactured by a small business.

Module Two:  Why Purchase Biobased Products?
1. If we increase the use of biobased products, we can help:
  (a). Increase our energy security and independence.
  (b). Increase economic development.
  (c). Improve our environment, inside and out.
  (d). All of the above.
2. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 requires Federal agencies to:
  (a). Establish green buying programs.
  (b). Purchase BioPreferredSM qualified biobased products.
  (c). Use biobased products in every field office.
  (d). Buy recycled farm equipment.
3. The use of biobased products may improve our environment because:
  (a). They promote the use of renewable resources.
  (b). Their use can help create safer, healthier work environments
  (c). Many biobased products are biodegradable.
  (d). All of the above.

Module Three: What is My Role in BioPreferredSM?
1. The BioPreferredSM Program Guidelines, authorized by section 9002 of FSRIA, required Federal agencies to establish an affirmative procurement program by January 11, 2006 that included:
  (a). A preference for purchasing designated items.
  (b). A promotion program to promote the use of soy based ink.
  (c). Provisions for the annual review and monitoring of the requirements officials.
  (d). Testing programs to evaluate the effectiveness of the products purchased.
2. The requirement to purchase BioPreferredSM qualified products is only exempt by products that are:
  (a). Subject to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA).
  (b). Identified by USDA as having a “mature market.”
  (c). Motor vehicle fuels or electricity.
  (d). All of the above.
3. It is your responsibility to:
  (a). Be familiar with your agency’s BioPreferred SM policies and program requirements.
  (b). With every purchase, consider buying BioPreferred SM qualified products.
  (c). Assist your agency in meeting section 9002, FSRIA requirements.
  (d). All of the above.