---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 46.105"
title: "43"
number: "46.105"
heading: "Using a bureau-directed contractor to prepare environmental documents."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/46.105"
---

# §46.105. Using a bureau-directed contractor to prepare environmental documents.

- (a) A Responsible Official may use a bureau-directed contractor to prepare any environmental document.
- (b) If a Responsible Official uses a bureau-directed contractor, the Responsible Official remains responsible for:
  - (1) Preparation and adequacy of the environmental documents; and
  - (2) **Independent evaluation of the environmental documents after their completion.** The Responsible Official must briefly document the bureau's evaluation of the environmental document and ensure that it meets the standards under NEPA, this Part, and any Departmental or bureau-specific procedures or guidance.
- (c) The Responsible Official shall require any bureau-directed contractor preparing an environmental document to submit a professional integrity statement certifying that the environmental document is prepared with professional and scientific integrity, using reliable data and resources, consistent with [42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(E)](/usc/42/4332.md?p=2-E) and Secretary's Order 3441, Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science and meets bureau needs for decision-making. In addition, the Responsible Official shall require any bureau-directed contractor preparing an environmental document to submit a disclosure statement specifying that the contractor has no financial or other interest in the outcome of the action.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347.

### Source

Source: 91 FR 8758, Feb. 24, 2026, unless otherwise noted.