Program administration

(a) In general In carrying out the Program, the Administrator shall— (1) establish, publish, and maintain procedures for submission and review of products for certification under the Program; (2) make determinations regarding whether a product meets the Safer Choice Standard or the Design for the Environment Standard, as applicable; (3) establish requirements and guidance for the use, display, and marketing of the Safer Choice label and the Design for the Environment label; (4) provide technical assistance, as appropriate, to manufacturers and other applicants seeking participation in the Program; (5) consult with interested stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, environmental and public health organizations, and scientific experts, to support continuous improvement of criteria and methodologies used under the Program; (6) conduct public outreach and education regarding the availability and benefits of products being certified under the Program; (7) convene not less frequently than annually a public stakeholder meeting regarding the scope, implementation, and planned improvements of the Program; (8) recognize, as appropriate, outstanding leadership and achievement by Program partners and stakeholders, including through a Partner of the Year Awards program; and (9) periodically review and update Program procedures and guidance to ensure transparency, efficiency, and scientific integrity. (b) Use of qualified third-Party profilers (1) In general The Administrator shall establish criteria and processes for the qualification and oversight of qualified third-party profilers to support technical evaluations of products and ingredients for purposes of the Program. (2) Determinations (A) In general A determination under the Program shall be made by the Administrator. (B) Use of qualified third-party profilers The Administrator may rely on information, analyses, or recommendations from a qualified third-party profiler in making a determination described in subparagraph (A). (3) Minimum requirements A qualified third-party profiler shall— (A) be independent of, and not have any financial conflict of interest with, the manufacturer or formulator of any product under review by the qualified third-party profiler; (B) not receive compensation contingent on the outcome of a review; and (C) maintain and implement policies to identify, disclose, and mitigate potential conflicts of interest, subject to oversight by the Administrator. (c) Interagency coordination In carrying out the Program, the Administrator shall, as appropriate, coordinate with other relevant Federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Product Safety Commission— (1) to promote consistency in guidance and review of chemical ingredients across product categories; (2) to minimize duplication of effort and clarify expectations for manufacturers and other Program participants; and (3) to support the safe development, marketing, and voluntary adoption of consumer products that meet the Safer Choice Standard or the Design for the Environment Standard.