Feds Force-Buy Services from Blind and Disabled Nonprofits

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!

2026-09746 — 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.

2026-09045 — Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions

The Committee is updating the Procurement List by adding new products made by nonprofit agencies that employ people who are blind or severely disabled, and removing some old items. This means government buyers will soon get certain supplies, like weather-resistant shipping boxes and batteries, from these special agencies. Comments on these changes are open until June 6, 2026, so anyone interested can share their thoughts before the updates take effect.

2026-08393 — Procurement List; Deletions

The government is removing certain straps and combat ID kits from the list of products bought from nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This change takes effect on May 30, 2026, and won’t cause big problems for small businesses. It means these items won’t be required to come from these special agencies anymore, opening the door for other suppliers.

Previous: 2026-01159 — FDA Records Access Authority for Cosmetics; Draft Guidance for Industry; Availability

The FDA just dropped a draft guide to help cosmetic companies understand how the agency can check their product records. If you make or sell cosmetics, this guide explains what info the FDA might ask for and how the process works. You’ve got until March 23, 2026, to share your thoughts before the FDA finalizes the rules—no extra costs yet, just clear steps ahead!

Next: 2026-01161 — Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Renewal an Information Collection; Correction

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service is fixing a previous notice about renewing their survey that predicts crop yields like corn and soybeans. This update clears up details and invites the public to comment by March 16, 2026. Farmers, researchers, and anyone interested in agriculture stats should take note—no big cost changes, just smoother info collection ahead!