Feds Dump Cold Weather Socks, Add Janitors to Blind Jobs List

2026-08392, Revising Central Nonprofit Agencies' Requirements To Charge Fees and Clarifying the Permissibility of Subcontracting Within the AbilityOne Program

The AbilityOne Program is updating rules so central nonprofit agencies must get written approval before charging fees, making things clearer and easier when subcontracting work. These changes help nonprofits save time and reduce paperwork, affecting agencies involved in AbilityOne starting soon. Comments on these updates are open until June 1, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts!

2026-20252, Public Meeting

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is hosting a virtual public meeting on October 28, 2026, to share updates and discuss ways to break down job barriers for people with disabilities. Anyone interested can join via Zoom, register by October 27, and even speak if they register by October 20. This meeting helps shape federal contracts that create jobs for people who are blind or have significant disabilities, with no cost to attend.

2026-20090, Procurement List; Deletions

Starting November 1, 2026, the government will stop buying certain products and services from nonprofit groups that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This change removes a remanufactured toner cartridge and a stamp packaging service from the official Procurement List. No big money or paperwork changes are expected, and small businesses might get new chances to supply these items.

2026-20089, Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions

The government wants to add new first aid kits to the list of products made by nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled, especially for the Department of Defense. At the same time, some older products will be removed from this list. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until October 31, 2026, to share them—these changes could impact who supplies important gear and how money flows in defense contracts.

2026-19551, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions

The government plans to remove several products from a special list that supports nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled. This change affects items like survival food packets, USB drives, and forest fire rakes, mostly used by the Department of Defense. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 24, 2026, to speak up before these deletions take effect.

2026-19552, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions

Starting October 25, 2026, some products and services will be added to or removed from the government’s special Procurement List. This list supports nonprofit agencies that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities, helping them get government contracts. These changes mean certain federal purchases will now come from these nonprofits, boosting their opportunities without extra cost to the government.

Previous: 2025-04111, Notice of Public Meetings for the Draft Amended Analysis to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for EA-18G “Growler” Airfield Operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Complex

The Navy is updating its environmental report about EA-18G Growler jet operations at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, affecting local communities and the environment. They’re holding public meetings from March 14 to April 28, 2025, to share info and gather feedback—so locals can have their say. No big money changes are mentioned, but it’s a key step to keep operations safe and community-friendly.

Next: 2025-04113, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions

Starting April 13, 2025, some cleaning jobs at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research will be officially assigned to nonprofit groups that hire people who are blind or have severe disabilities. At the same time, some services previously done by these groups will be removed from the list. This change helps support these nonprofits without causing extra costs or paperwork for others.