No More Gov't Paper Bowls from Nonprofits List
Published Date: 4/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is removing some products and services from a special list that supports people who are blind or severely disabled. Starting May 11, 2025, items like paper bowls and medical transcription services will no longer be bought through these nonprofit agencies. This change won’t cause extra costs or paperwork and might open doors for other small businesses to step in.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Nonprofits Lose Mandatory Federal Purchases
Starting May 11, 2025, the Federal Government will stop buying certain items and services that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or have severe disabilities. The deletions include: 8 oz white paper bowls (NSN 7350-01-693-8670) supplied by The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, and multiple medical transcription and switchboard/telephone switchboard services for specific VA facilities previously supplied by Lighthouse for the Blind of Houston, The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans, and Alphapointe (Kansas City).
Opens Opportunities for Other Small Suppliers
The Committee certified that removing these items and services may authorize other small entities to furnish the listed products and services to the Government beginning May 11, 2025. The action also states it will not add reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements for small entities.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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!
2026-20621, Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing certain products and an office supply service from the special Procurement List that supports nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled. This change, effective November 8, 2026, means these items and services will no longer be bought through these agencies, but it won’t cause extra costs or paperwork. It’s a smooth update to keep things efficient and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20620, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The government plans to remove certain mop heads and Army caps from the list of products made by nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This change affects organizations like Mississippi Industries for the Blind and Goodwill Industries of South Florida. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until November 7, 2026, to speak up!
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.
2026-20089, 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.
2026-20090, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06194, Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Reinstatement of a Previously Approved Information Collection
The Federal Highway Administration wants to bring back a previously approved form that helps track state land purchases and relocations for highway projects. This affects state agencies involved in property deals and helps keep everything transparent and on schedule. Comments on this plan are open until May 12, 2025, with no new costs expected.
Next: 2025-06196, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The government plans to remove several products and services from a special list that supports nonprofits hiring people who are blind or severely disabled. This means these items, like laundry detergent and ice melt, might be bought elsewhere starting soon. If you have thoughts, speak up by May 11, 2025, before the changes take effect!