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!
2026-20252, 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.
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