Feds Force-Buy Services from Blind and Disabled Nonprofits
Published Date: 1/22/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting February 1, 2026, 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 for the government and amazing workers making a difference!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Federal Contract Reserved for Nonprofit
Starting February 1, 2026, the U.S. AbilityOne Commission added the Base Operating Service at NAVFAC West Sound, Silverdale, WA to the Procurement List. Federal agencies must buy this service at that location from the authorized nonprofit Skookum Educational Programs (Bremerton, WA).
New Jobs for People with Disabilities
The addition is intended to create new jobs for people with significant disabilities under the AbilityOne program by directing the Federal Government to buy the listed service from nonprofits employing those workers. The Committee stated this addition will help people with significant disabilities who otherwise face challenges finding work.
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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!
2026-20621, Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing certain products and an office supply service from the special Procurement List that supports nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled. This change, effective November 8, 2026, means these items and services will no longer be bought through these agencies, but it won’t cause extra costs or paperwork. It’s a smooth update to keep things efficient and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20620, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The government plans to remove certain mop heads and Army caps from the list of products made by nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This change affects organizations like Mississippi Industries for the Blind and Goodwill Industries of South Florida. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until November 7, 2026, to speak up!
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.
2026-20089, 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.
2026-20090, 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.
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