The USEPA conducted a nationwide search for companies with the technical capability and environmental commitment to serve the federal government's recycling needs. After reviewing more than 140 companies over the course of a year, Hesstech surfaced to the top and was selected as one of only seven firms nationwide approved for the Recycling Electronics and Asset Disposition (READ) program.

Why was the READ program created?

Environmental Reasons…The government disposes of approximately 10,000 computers every week, a significant number of which are ending up in storage closets, warehouses, improper resale channels, domestic landfills, or overseas, where environmental standards may not exist or be enforced. If mishandled, toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, and beryllium can be released into the environment. This complex waste stream poses challenging management issues and potential liability concerns for federal facilities. Reuse, recycling and proper disposal can keep tons of pollutants out of landfills and the environment.

Financial Reasons…Preventing waste in the first place is usually preferable to any waste management option, including recycling, and generally saves money in the long run. The option of reusing or reselling working systems and components will help offset processing costs and extend the budgeted resources to sustain an ongoing recycling program. Reuse can also benefit society and provide resources and learning tools to those who can't afford to buy a computer. Donating electronics is another way to extend the lives of valuable products and keeps them out of the waste stream for a longer period of time. Hesstech believes reuse or donations are only an environmentally preferable alternative if the recipient of the used equipment is afforded the opportunity to properly recycle the equipment at the end of its useful life. Hesstech offers charitable donation programs that include an allocation for future recycling services.

Security Reasons…The security of proprietary data stored on hard drives of all CPUs, laptops, and servers is of particular importance in the scope of services offered by the READ contractors. Each READ contractor’s data eradication policies have been examined to ensure compliance with federal policies.  Hesstech provides tours of its data eradication facilities upon request by clients.  Individual data wipe reports and certificates of destruction are available per drive.

The EPA’s Solution
After years of research and proposals, under Recycling Electronics and Asset Disposition (READ) services, EPA has awarded seven Government Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) to small businesses (three nationwide, three in the eastern U.S. and two in western U.S.). The basic contracts were approved on Dec. 16, 2004 and will run for one year with up to four possible one-year extensions. Under the contracts, companies will evaluate each item and its components, and then, in decreasing preference:

• Refurbish and resell them, using the proceeds to offset costs
• Donate them to charitable causes
• Recycle as much as possible
• Properly dispose of the remainder

Contractors must maintain an audit trail to the equipment's final destination to document reclamation and recycling efforts. The contracts will also maximize revenues from usable electronic equipment currently in storage through a Share-in-Savings (SiS) program. Under SiS, the contractor will attempt to identify opportunities to save costs associated with recycling efforts and share those savings with federal agencies to offset recycling costs. The SiS methodology will differ between contractors and may vary from Task Order to Task Order. The government-wide recycling contract will help federal agencies meet requirements of Executive Order 13101, "Greening the Government through Waste Prevention, Recycling, and Acquisition” and also Small /Disadvantaged Business Quotas.

How does the READ program work?

The program is designed to be simple for those with equipment in need of disposition. Simply contact Hesstech at 800-958-1404 x14. We will connect you with the READ contact who will help you create a Task Order for READ services. This Task Order will help identify the best contractor for the services needed.  After your agency and the USEPA have completed all required information, the following READ Program Action Steps will follow:

1. EPA Issues Task Order: The USEPA will issue the Task Order to all potential READ contractors.
2. Contractors Respond to Task Order: READ contractors reply to the Task Order by proposing “Share-in-Savings” service options.
3. EPA Selects READ Vendor: The USEPA will notify the selected READ vendor once they have been selected.

If selected, Hesstech will provide the following services:

• Packing/Removal/Transportation: Hesstech will schedule/oversee all logistics in compliance with Task Order guidelines.
• Receipt of Equipment at Hesstech: All jobs/equipment received at Hesstech facilities will be categorized in accordance with the Task Order.
• Data Eradication/Testing: Proper data eradication and diagnostics are performed for all salable equipment.
• Recycling: Non-working or obsolete equipment are properly dismantled and hard drives are shredded.
• Invoices or Credit Memos: Hesstech will complete all necessary invoice/credit documentation and provide this information to all appropriate parties.
• Job Reports Issued: Hesstech will notify the agency that job reports have been posted and are accessible via Hesstech’s secure client website.

The Contractor Performance Report: The final stage requires the participating agency to complete a contractor performance report.

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