Fed Tweaks Must-Buy List for Blind-Run Nonprofits
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The government plans to add new products and services made by nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled, while removing some old ones. This means certain federal agencies must buy these items and services from these nonprofits, helping create jobs and support for these workers. Comments on these changes are open until January 10, 2026, so speak up if you want to!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Govwide Mandatory Electrician Tool Contract
The government proposes adding NSN 5180-00-650-7821, "Kit, Electrician's Tool, Quick Change, 23 PC," to the Procurement List. If approved, all federal agencies will be required to procure this kit from Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., West Allis, WI, as the authorized source of supply.
Removal of Governmentwide Shammy Purchase Requirement
The Committee proposes deleting NSN 7920-01-215-6569, "Cloth, Synthetic Shammy, Orange, 20'' x 23''," from the Procurement List. This item was previously mandatory for the Total Government Requirement and its deletion would remove the requirement for federal agencies to buy this shammy from the previously designated supplier.
Tinker AFB Must Use Local Nonprofit for Shredding
The Committee proposes adding a Document Destruction service that would be mandatory for the U.S. Air Force, Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Complex at Tinker AFB, OK. The proposed authorized source is The Meadows Center for Opportunity, Inc., Edmond, OK, and the requirement would be limited to the listed contracting activity and location.
NIH Rockville Warehouse Contract Removed
The Committee proposes deleting the Warehouse and Distribution Service mandatory for the National Institutes of Health, Information Resource Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. The authorized source previously listed is The ARC of the District of Columbia, Inc., Washington, DC; deletion would remove NIH's requirement to procure that service from that nonprofit.
Coast Guard Portsmouth Laundry Contract Removed
The Committee proposes deleting the Laundry Service mandatory for U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd., Portsmouth, VA. The authorized source listed is Louise W. Eggleston Center, Inc., Norfolk, VA; deletion would remove the Base's requirement to procure laundry services from that nonprofit.
St. Paul Reserve Center Support Contract Removed
The Committee proposes deleting Multi-Function Support Services that were mandatory for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Corps Reserve Center, 6400 Bloomington Road, St. Paul, MN. The authorized source listed is AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis, MN; deletion would remove the mandatory procurement requirement for that nonprofit at the listed location.
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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!
2026-10154 — Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing some services like shelf stocking and base supply from the list that requires hiring people who are blind or severely disabled. This change affects places like Camp Pendleton and Cherry Point and takes effect on June 20, 2026. It won’t cause extra costs or paperwork but might open doors for other small businesses to step in.
2026-10155 — Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The Committee is shaking things up by adding a new custodial service for the National Park Service in California, handled by Goodwill Industries of Southern California. At the same time, they’re removing a popular laminated wall planner and a binder from the list, which were supplied by nonprofit agencies. If you want to weigh in, make sure to send your comments by June 20, 2026!
2026-09746 — Procurement List; Additions
The government is adding new products to a special list that only nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled can supply. Starting May 31, 2026, these nonprofits will be the go-to source for these products, helping create jobs and support their missions. This change means federal buyers will have a new, trusted place to get these items, with no extra costs or paperwork for small businesses.
2026-09610 — Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The government wants to add some tasty new spices to its official shopping list, made by nonprofits that hire people who are blind or severely disabled. At the same time, it plans to stop using a grounds maintenance service for a Navy base in California. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 13, 2026—these changes mainly affect the Department of Defense and could shift who gets the contracts and how money flows.
2026-09611 — Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing some products and services from the special list that supports people who are blind or severely disabled. Starting June 13, 2026, items like carrying cases and fire hoses will no longer be bought through this program, mainly affecting nonprofit agencies that supplied them. This change won’t cause extra costs or paperwork but opens the door for other suppliers to step in.
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