Government Buys Boxes and Batteries from Blind-Made Nonprofits
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
New Weather-Resistant Shipping Box Added
The Committee proposes adding NSN 8115-01-724-4243 (Box, Shipping, 15'' x 15'' x 10'', Weather Resistant, Double Wall) to the Procurement List. The authorized source is ReadyOne Industries, Inc., El Paso, TX, and the item is listed as Mandatory for Broad Government Requirement under DEPT OF DEFENSE, DLA TROOP SUPPORT. Comments are due by June 6, 2026.
Multiple Batteries Proposed for Procurement List
The Committee proposes adding these battery items to the Procurement List: NSN 6135-01-619-4423 (AA, 1.5V, Lithium Manganese Dioxide, PN L91), NSN 6135-01-669-4691 (1/2AA, 3.6V, Lithium Thionyl Chloride, PN LS14250), NSN 6135-01-659-5393 (AA, 1.5V, Alkaline, PN E91), and NSN 6140-01-531-6834 (12V sealed lead acid, 880 CCA). The authorized source is Eastern Carolina Vocational Center, Inc., Greenville, NC, listed as Mandatory for the Department of Defense, Contracting Activity: DEPT OF DEFENSE, DLA LAND AND MARITIME. The notice also states the Committee may consider a request to limit distribution so these products would not be available through the AbilityOne Commercial Distribution Program. Comments due June 6, 2026.
Many Products and Services Proposed for Deletion
The Committee proposes deleting numerous products and services from the Procurement List that were previously furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. Examples include peel-and-stick nonskid items (NSNs such as 7220-01-658-8039) from Louisiana Association for the Blind (Mandatory for Total Government Requirement), Army physical fitness sweatpants and sweatshirts (multiple NSNs) from Blind Industries & Services of Maryland and Alabama Industries for the Blind (listed as Mandatory for Department of Defense/Army), and many floor pad NSNs from Beacon Lighthouse, Inc. The notice lists several additional deletions of services (administrative support, janitorial, base supply center, custodial) with authorized sources and contracting activities; comments are due by June 6, 2026.
Custodial Service Mandatory at Mountain Home AFB
The Committee intends to add a Custodial Service requirement as mandatory for US Air Force, Mountain Home AFB (366 Gunfighter Ave., Mountain Home AFB, ID) with Nobis Enterprises, Inc., Marietta, GA named as the authorized source of supply. The Committee will consider geographic limitation of the requirement under 41 CFR 51-5.3(b) and will consider comments received by June 6, 2026.
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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!
2026-16964, Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The Committee is proposing to add products and service(s) to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and delete product(s) and service(s) previously furnished by such agencies.
2026-16966, Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
This action adds service(s) to the Procurement List that will be furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities, and deletes service(s) from the Procurement List previously furnished by such agencies.
2026-16474, Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The Committee is proposing to delete products and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
2026-16475, Procurement List; Deletions
This action deletes product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
2026-15954, Procurement List; Deletions
This action deletes product(s) and service(s) from the Procurement List that were furnished by nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
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