Jurisdictions invited to submit an application form include state or local government agencies, ranging from counties, cities and townships to intergovernmental agencies and associations. Deadline for submitting the application form is March 10.

Applicants will be judged on their agency’s commitment to harness institutional procurement as a means to reduce waste, cut greenhouse gas emissions, limit hazardous substances and improve community health.

The five selected jurisdictions will be announced on April 1. The period covered for the free environmental assistance will be from May 1 through December 31.

What will free assistance include?

The five winning jurisdictions will receive a range of services, including:

• Expert consulting on the procurement of high-impact products such as renewable energy, lighting and water, based on resources such as sample policy and/or contract language and access to qualified product lists;

• Calculation of environmental and economic benefits of replacing inefficient, wasteful and/or toxic products with more responsible options;

• Assistance with outreach to local citizens to involve them in green purchasing activities;

• Media outreach;

• Qualification to apply for funding to hire a joint staff person (extern), who will work in the local city.

To apply, fill out the form that can be downloaded from the Responsible Purchasing Network: http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/.

Then return the completed application via e-mail to rpn@newdream.org or to the postal address listed on the form.