Government Dumps Shammy Cloths and Talking Calculators from Special Buy List
Published Date: 1/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The government plans to remove several products from its special list that supports nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled. This means items like splitting mauls, shammy cloths, talking calculators, and Navy promo gear might no longer be bought through these groups. If you want to speak up, you’ve got until February 1, 2026, to send your comments—so don’t miss out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Government Purchases May Stop Supporting Blind Workers
The Committee proposes removing many products from the Procurement List that nonprofits use to supply the government. Items listed for deletion include splitting mauls, synthetic shammy cloths, talking calculators, and various Navy promotional items; affected suppliers named include Keystone Vocational Services (Sharon, PA) and MidWest Enterprises for the Blind (Kalamazoo, MI). If you want to comment, send your remarks by February 1, 2026 to the Committee at 355 E Street SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20024.
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!
2026-20252, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-24194, Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From China; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
The U.S. is checking if stopping special taxes on wood mouldings and millwork from China would hurt American businesses again. Companies and folks involved have until February 2, 2026, to share their thoughts, with final comments due by March 16, 2026. This review could affect prices and trade rules, so keep an eye out if you’re in the wood products game!
Next: 2025-24196, Determination That MYSOLINE (Primidone) Suspension, 250 Milligrams/5 Milliliters, Was Withdrawn From Sale for Reasons of Safety or Effectiveness
The FDA has decided that MYSOLINE (primidone) suspension, 250 mg/5 mL, was taken off the market because it wasn’t safe or effective. This means no new generic versions of this medicine will be approved or sold. Patients and drug makers should note this change to avoid confusion and ensure safety starting now.