Section 1.4540  Gas Mileage

a)         Passenger automobile specifications shall require compliance with minimum gas mileage requirements established in Section 45-40 of the Code.  Passenger automobiles must achieve at least the minimum average fuel economy in miles per gallon imposed upon manufacturers of vehicles under Title V of the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. (15 USC 2001)

b)         Passenger automobiles that do not meet the minimum gas mileage requirements may not be procured unless and until the SPO makes a written determination that a non-compliant automobile is necessary to carry out the function of the agency, the SPO's determination is signed by the executive head of the procuring agency and the signed determination is reviewed and approved by the CPO.

c)         The CPO may require use of a uniform form or format for the SPO's determination.

d)         In response to the SPO's determination, the CPO may suggest a more economical alternative to the agency head.  If such a suggestion is made, the agency head must state in writing why the alternate vehicle will not allow the agency to carry out its functions.  If the agency head confirms need for the non-compliant passenger automobile, that vehicle may be procured.  Except in the case of a covert vehicle, notice that a non-compliant passenger automobile is being purchased will be placed in the Bulletin along with the reasons for such a decision.

e)         Passenger automobile does not include station wagons, vans, four-wheel drive vehicles, emergency vehicles, or police or fire vehicles.