Fed Tweaks Must-Buy List for Blind-Run Nonprofits
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
The government plans to add new products and services made by nonprofits that employ people who are blind or severely disabled, while removing some old ones. This means certain federal agencies must buy these items and services from these nonprofits, helping create jobs and support for these workers. Comments on these changes are open until January 10, 2026, so speak up if you want to!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Govwide Mandatory Electrician Tool Contract
The government proposes adding NSN 5180-00-650-7821, "Kit, Electrician's Tool, Quick Change, 23 PC," to the Procurement List. If approved, all federal agencies will be required to procure this kit from Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Inc., West Allis, WI, as the authorized source of supply.
Removal of Governmentwide Shammy Purchase Requirement
The Committee proposes deleting NSN 7920-01-215-6569, "Cloth, Synthetic Shammy, Orange, 20'' x 23''," from the Procurement List. This item was previously mandatory for the Total Government Requirement and its deletion would remove the requirement for federal agencies to buy this shammy from the previously designated supplier.
Tinker AFB Must Use Local Nonprofit for Shredding
The Committee proposes adding a Document Destruction service that would be mandatory for the U.S. Air Force, Oklahoma City-Air Logistics Complex at Tinker AFB, OK. The proposed authorized source is The Meadows Center for Opportunity, Inc., Edmond, OK, and the requirement would be limited to the listed contracting activity and location.
NIH Rockville Warehouse Contract Removed
The Committee proposes deleting the Warehouse and Distribution Service mandatory for the National Institutes of Health, Information Resource Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD. The authorized source previously listed is The ARC of the District of Columbia, Inc., Washington, DC; deletion would remove NIH's requirement to procure that service from that nonprofit.
Coast Guard Portsmouth Laundry Contract Removed
The Committee proposes deleting the Laundry Service mandatory for U.S. Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd., Portsmouth, VA. The authorized source listed is Louise W. Eggleston Center, Inc., Norfolk, VA; deletion would remove the Base's requirement to procure laundry services from that nonprofit.
St. Paul Reserve Center Support Contract Removed
The Committee proposes deleting Multi-Function Support Services that were mandatory for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Marine Corps Reserve Center, 6400 Bloomington Road, St. Paul, MN. The authorized source listed is AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis, MN; deletion would remove the mandatory procurement requirement for that nonprofit at the listed location.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05868 — Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The government plans to add new base operations and maintenance services at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska to be done by a nonprofit that helps people with severe disabilities. At the same time, some webbing strap products supplied by another nonprofit will be removed from the list. Comments on these changes are open until April 25, 2026, so interested folks can weigh in before the final decision.
2026-05869 — Procurement List; Additions and Deletions
Starting April 25, 2026, new products and services will be added to the government’s must-buy list from nonprofit groups that employ people who are blind or have severe disabilities. At the same time, some services will be removed from this list. This change helps support these nonprofits while making sure the government gets what it needs on time and without extra hassle.
2026-05367 — Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing some punch head replacements from the list of products it buys from nonprofit groups that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This change takes effect on April 19, 2026, and means these products won’t be required to be bought from the usual supplier anymore. It won’t cause extra costs or paperwork for small businesses and might even open up new opportunities for others.
2026-05368 — Procurement List; Proposed Additions and Deletions
The Committee is updating its Procurement List by adding a new custodial service for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Guam, provided by a nonprofit that employs people who are blind or severely disabled. At the same time, several safety lighting kits and a helicopter landing zone kit are being removed from the list. Comments on these changes are open until April 18, 2026, so stakeholders have time to weigh in before the updates take effect.
2026-05431 — Public Meeting
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is hosting a virtual public meeting on April 22, 2026, to share updates and discuss new ideas for making AbilityOne products more innovative and made in the USA. This affects people with disabilities who get jobs through federal contracts and anyone interested in supporting domestic manufacturing. If you want to speak or comment, register by mid-April—this is your chance to shape future products and jobs!
2026-04815 — Procurement List; Deletions
The government is removing some products from the special Procurement List that supports people who are blind or severely disabled. Starting April 12, 2026, these items—like wooden coaster sets and combat ID panels—won't be bought through this program anymore. This change won’t cause extra costs or paperwork and might open doors for new suppliers to step in.
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