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
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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!
2026-13391 — Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The government plans to add new services like courier and fleet management to a special list that supports nonprofits employing people who are blind or severely disabled. At the same time, some products and services will be removed from this list. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by August 1, 2026—these changes affect agencies like Homeland Security and the Air Force and help direct government contracts to these nonprofits.
2026-13390 — Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing a grout scrubber and some admin support services from the list of products and services bought from nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This change takes effect on August 2, 2026, and won’t cause extra costs or paperwork for small businesses. It might even open doors for new suppliers to step in and help out!
2026-12785 — Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
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2026-12601 — Draft FY 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the U.S. AbilityOne Commission
The U.S. AbilityOne Commission is rolling out a new plan for 2026-2030 to create more jobs for people who are blind or have serious disabilities by improving how the program works and teaming up with others. This plan affects workers, federal buyers, and partner organizations, aiming to boost job opportunities and program efficiency. Public comments are open until July 22, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts before it’s finalized.
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