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!
2026-16475, Procurement List; Deletions
This action deletes product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
2026-16474, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The Committee is proposing to delete products and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
2026-15952, Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The Committee is proposing to add service(s) to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and delete product(s) previously furnished by such agencies.
2026-15954, Procurement List; Deletions
This action deletes product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
2026-15349, Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The Committee is proposing to add service(s) to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and delete product(s) and service(s) previously furnished by such agencies.
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.