Defense Data Center Services Shift to Blind-Employing Nonprofits
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is updating its list to require certain contact center services to be provided by nonprofit groups that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities. This change affects the Defense Manpower Data Center at Fort Knox, KY, and involves two nonprofit agencies stepping up to help. Comments on this change are open until December 20, 2025, with no extra costs expected for small businesses.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Sourcing for Fort Knox Contact Center
The government will require the GSA PBS Region 3, Defense Manpower Data Center (CONUS), Fort Knox, KY to procure the listed Contact Center Service from nonprofit agencies that employ persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The Contractor must provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 customer support, personnel and program management, and operate within DMDC's cloud-native contact center during and after the transition planned by Q4 FY25.
Cloud-Native, AI-Powered Contact Center Requirement
The Contractor must operate within DMDC's modernized, cloud-native contact center solution on AWS and leverage AI-powered tools and expanded communication channels after the transition by Q4 FY25. The Contractor is responsible for scalable, secure, high-quality service delivery and adapting to changing legislative or policy requirements.
No Significant Small-Entity Impact Certified
The Committee certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this change will not have a significant impact on any small entities. The certification states there are no additional reporting, recordkeeping, or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the nonprofit agencies furnishing the services, and that the action authorizes nonprofit agencies to furnish the services to the Government.
Two Nonprofits Recommended as Mandatory Sources
Chimes District of Columbia (Washington, DC) and InspiriTec, Inc. (Philadelphia, PA) were recommended to the Committee to serve as mandatory sources to provide the Contact Center Service for the Defense Manpower Data Center at Fort Knox, KY. If authorized by the Committee, these nonprofits would be the required sources for the service.
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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!
2026-19551, 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.
2026-19046, Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing some products and services from the special Procurement List that supports people who are blind or severely disabled. Starting October 17, 2026, these items won’t be bought through this program anymore, but small businesses might get new chances to supply them. This change won’t cause extra paperwork or costs for small companies.
2026-19047, Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The government plans to add janitorial and custodial services to its official list, meaning these jobs will go to nonprofit groups that hire people who are blind or severely disabled. At the same time, some services currently on the list will be removed. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until October 17, 2026, to speak up—this could affect contracts and support for these nonprofits.
2026-18472, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The Committee is proposing to delete products from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20428, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
Starting December 21, 2025, new services will be added to the government’s Procurement List, meaning federal agencies must buy these services from nonprofit groups that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities. This change helps support these nonprofits without adding extra paperwork or costs. It’s a win-win that boosts job opportunities while keeping government buying smooth and fair.
Next: 2025-20430, Performance Review Board Members
The U.S. AbilityOne Commission just named four new members to their Performance Review Board, effective November 17, 2025. These folks will help review how well the agency is doing, making sure everything runs smoothly. This update mainly affects the Commission and keeps their oversight sharp—no extra costs or deadlines for the public.