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Safer Choice 

Third Party Profiler Application

Instructions for Application Form

Background: Safer Choice is a voluntary partnership program that is grounded in more than 40 

years of EPA experience in evaluating the human health and environmental characteristics of

chemicals. The Safer Choice label represents leadership in safer product formulation. Every 

chemical used in a Safer Choice-labeled product, regardless of percentage, is evaluated against 

stringent toxicological criteria. A product is only allowed to carry the Safer Choice label if each 

ingredient is among the safest in its ingredient class.

EPA works with certified third party profilers to review applications from product 

manufacturers interested in qualifying their products for the Safer Choice label. The third party 

profiler compiles all hazard information available on each chemical, including detailed structure, 

physical-chemical properties, human health and environmental toxicology, and 

regulatory/administrative status. This compilation of data is known as a profile. Qualified third

party profilers have the expertise and objectivity needed to ensure a quality review, with high 

confidence in its accuracy and reliability.

Safer Choice has set stringent requirements, as outlined in Section 7 of EPA’s Safer Choice 

Standard, for parties applying to become qualified third party profilers. Before filling out the 

application in Section 2B, please review and consider the roles and responsibilities you will be 

asked to undertake as a third party profiler (TPP):

A. Supporting the Safer Choice Program. Safeguard and uphold the integrity, quality, 

and trustworthiness of the Safer Choice product and chemical evaluation processes, 

program, and label, including development of strong and effective working relationships 

with Safer Choice staff.

B. Meeting and Maintaining the TPP Provisions in the Safer Choice 

Standard. Satisfy the provisions of the Safer Choice Standard, section 7—“Profiler 

Requirements,” which include technical competence in chemical hazard and fate reviews; 

staffing with experts in the various profiling disciplines; facility with toxicological models 

and estimation tools; program managerial skills; credibility and good standing; and 

success at a pilot review that simulates an actual product evaluation. (See Safer Choice 

Standard at http://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/safer-choice-standard.)

C. Following the Procedures in the TPP Handbook. Use the Third Party Profiler 

Handbook/Guidance Manual to inform its profiling activities, including, for example, 

searching the approved set of data sources; digesting the key, distinguishing hazard 

data; and preparing a dossier on each chemical ingredient in a candidate 

product. Beyond regular oversight, the TPP will conduct annual partner surveillance, 

including triennial on-site audits, to ensure compliance with program requirements.

D. Submitting to Performance Review. In addition to regular feedback and 

recommendations from Safer Choice staff, engage in annual performance reviews and, 

once every five years, a full performance evaluation. 

E. Adopting and Using the Salesforce Data System. Use the Safer Choice Salesforce 

data system to manage all Safer Choice product review and partnership activities, 

including purchase and maintenance of the necessary computer hardware and system 

licenses.
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F. Performing Supplemental Duties. Fulfill other requests and functions related to its 

TPP duties that may arise, if Safer Choice deems it necessary to the successful operation 

of the program.

G. Adhering to Good Business Practices. Demonstrate and follow good business 

practices in dealing with companies working with Safer Choice. Good business practices 

include: offering open access to your services to legitimate potential clients in the TPP’s 

sole discretion; adopting and implementing customer service standards; and avoiding 

potential conflicts of interest.

Application Process: To apply to serve as a Safer Choice third party profiler, a candidate 

should complete this application and have it signed by an authorized company or organization 

official. 

EPA may request additional information in support of your application. Failure to provide the 

information may result in a delay or suspension of your application review.

The application is available online and may be filled out, scanned and emailed (preferred), or 

submitted in hard copy by mail or fax. Online applications must be electronically signed and 

sent to SaferChoice_Support@abtassoc.com.

As part of the application process, an applicant who meets the basic TPP qualifications will be 

asked to perform a trial review (i.e., a simulated or mock product review) to demonstrate 

technical competence and will be screened for their history of civil or criminal enforcement 

actions. Safer Choice will reach out to schedule a pilot review after the paper application has 

been received.

If you choose to send a hard copy, the application may be mailed to the following address 

maintained by our contractor (EPA Contract No. EP-W-08-010):

Safer Choice TPP Application

c/o Abt Associates Inc.

Attn: Klara Zimmerman

4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 800 North

Bethesda, MD 20814-5341

P: 301-634-1722

F: 617-386-8882

Confirmation of Receipt: You will receive an email within one week confirming any materials 

you submit. It will be sent to the contact provided in the application. If you do not receive 

confirmation within one week, please contact Klara Zimmerman.

Questions: Questions about eligibility, application procedures, or the Safer Choice Program

should be directed to David Difiore at difiore.david@epa.gov.
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Safer Choice Partner of the Year Awards 2016

SECTION 1:

Contact 

information.

Enter requested 

information for the 

authorized 

representative.

Organization Name

Contact Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone Fax

Email

Website

SECTION 2: Technical Competence and Credibility

Please describe your company or organization’s abilities and experience as a third party profiler, using 

the sections below to guide your response. Your narrative should be no more than five pages, not 

including any additional documentation referenced in section 2.1 and 2.7.

2.1 Staff

____/10

A profiler shall have the appropriate personnel to perform hazard 

assessments. Staff shall include chemists, biologists, toxicologists, or others 

with science/technical backgrounds.

 Please list and attach resumes of personnel qualified to support the 

Safer Choice program.

2.2 Assessment and 

interpretation 

abilities

____/10

A profiler shall have the ability to assess and interpret diverse toxicological 

and other health and environmental information. This includes maintenance of 

appropriate staffing; a track record as a data reviewer; experience as a 

standards developer or certifier to standards or criteria.

 Describe your organization’s experience and expertise with assessing 

and interpreting chemical hazard and fate information.

 Identify whether your organization currently meets all ISO 65 

criteria.1

 

1

ISO 65/ISO 17065 provides a standard for organizations that certify products to ensure that 

certifications are objective and consistent with international standards: 

http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store/catalogue_ics/catalogue_detail_ics.htm?csnumber=46568
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2.3 Access and 

management of 

hazard information

____/10

A profiler shall have the ability to access and manage chemical, health and 

environmental hazard information, including fluency with chemicals at the 

structural level. 

 Describe your information technology expertise; protocol and 

equipment for data searching, storage and retrieval; and relevant 

experience and work products.

2.4 Use of estimation 

models and software

____/10

A profiler shall demonstrate skill at using EPA and other physical-chemical 

and environmental estimation models and software.

 Describe experience with EPA’s Sustainable Futures Program and/or 

other relevant hazard modeling software and work products.

2.5 Secure handling 

of proprietary 

business information

____/10

A profiler shall have the appropriate systems and procedures in place to 

ensure the protection of all proprietary business information obtained through 

the review process for this program.

 Describe protocols and procedures in place for handling proprietary 

business information.

2.6 Safer Choice 

training and 

interaction

____/10

The profiler shall have the skills, experience, and training necessary to uphold 

the integrity, quality, and trustworthiness of the Safer Choice product and 

chemical evaluation processes, program, and label.

 Describe any previous interaction or training with Safer Choice or 

companies interested in Safer Choice recognition.

 Demonstrate your adoption of good business practices – e.g., your 

policy on how to avoid conflict of interest.

2.7 Additional 

information

 You may include testimonials, sample case studies, or other materials 

as attachments.

2.8 Pilot Review

____/40

Safer Choice will reach out to schedule a pilot review that simulates an 

actual product evaluation after the paper application has been received.

Total

____/100
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SECTION 3:

Certification of 

Application

Please have the appropriate company or organization official (e.g., CEO, vice 

president for governmental affairs, division head, or other authorized signatory) 

sign here to verify the accuracy of the application.

Signature of Authorizing Official Date

Printed Name and Title Date

I hereby affirm that the contents of this application are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that I am 

a representative of the company or organization named above and am duly authorized to sign on its behalf.