(a) If the Administrator determines that a product is a low-noise-emission product, then within one hundred and eighty (180) days of such determination, in consultation with the appropriate Federal agencies, the Administrator will decide whether such product is a suitable substitute for any class or model or product being purchased by the Federal Government for use by its agencies. Such decision will be based upon the data obtained under §203.2, the Administrator's evaluation of the data, comments of interested parties, and, as the Administrator deems appropriate, an actual inspection or test of the product at such places and times as the Administrator may designate.

(b) In order to compare the data for any class or model of product with any class or model of product presently being purchased by the Federal Government for which the applicant seeks to have its product substituted, the Administrator will enter into appropriate agreements with other Government agencies to gather the necessary data regarding such class or model.

(c) Immediately upon making the decision as to whether a product determined to be a low-noise-emission product is a suitable substitute for any product or class of products being purchased by the Federal Government for its use, the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register notice of such decision and the reasons therefor.

(d) If the Administrator decides that the product is a suitable substitute for products being purchased by the Federal Government, he will issue a certificate that the product is a suitable substitute for a product or class of products presently being purchased by the Federal Government and will specify with particularity the product or class of products for which the certified product is a suitable substitute.

(e) Any certification made under this section shall be effective for a period of one year from date of issuance.