Understanding AbilityOne
What is AbilityOne?
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled oversees the AbilityOne Program, a federal initiative designed to provide employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. The program ensures that these individuals can participate in the workforce by requiring federal agencies to procure certain goods and services from nonprofit agencies that employ them.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Employment of Individuals with Disabilities: Expanding job opportunities through federal procurement contracts.
- Procurement of Goods and Services: Managing contracts for office supplies, custodial work, call centers, and other essential services provided by nonprofit agencies.
- Compliance and Oversight: Ensuring nonprofit agencies meet the standards required to participate in the AbilityOne Program.
- Support for Participating Agencies: Helping nonprofit organizations develop capabilities to serve federal customers while employing individuals with disabilities.
- Advocacy and Outreach: Raising awareness of the program and increasing federal agencies’ participation in AbilityOne contracts.
Mission and Goals
The AbilityOne Program is committed to enhancing employment and economic independence for people who are blind or severely disabled. By leveraging the federal procurement process, the program fosters an inclusive workforce, supports nonprofit organizations, and ensures high-quality products and services for government agencies.
AbilityOne Organization
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled is an independent federal agency responsible for administering the program. It works closely with two central nonprofit agencies (CNAs):
- National Industries for the Blind (NIB): Focuses on creating jobs for individuals who are blind.
- SourceAmerica: Supports employment opportunities for individuals with a range of severe disabilities.
These CNAs partner with more than 500 nonprofit agencies across the U.S. that provide goods and services to federal customers.
Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with AbilityOne
Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:
- Understand AbilityOne’s Mission and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the Javits-Wagner-O’Day (JWOD) Act, the law establishing the AbilityOne Program, and other federal procurement policies.
- Stay Current with Government Procurement Guidelines: AbilityOne contracts operate under Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) Part 8.7, which mandates that agencies prioritize AbilityOne products and services.
- Master AbilityOne Systems and Reporting Tools: Gain expertise in tracking and compliance systems such as:
- Procurement List Information Management System (PLIMS)
- Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS)
- Prioritize Accessibility and Compliance: Ensure digital systems and workplace solutions align with Section 508 (IT accessibility standards) and AbilityOne employment requirements.
- Effective Communication: Engage with stakeholders, including government contracting officers, nonprofit agencies, and advocacy groups supporting employment for individuals with disabilities.
- Agile and Process Improvement Practices: Improve efficiency in AbilityOne contracts by applying Lean Six Sigma, Agile methodologies, and digital modernization strategies.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on emerging trends in assistive technology, workforce inclusion, and government contracting opportunities.
- Networking and Collaboration: Participate in industry events, AbilityOne Industry Days, federal small business outreach programs, and disability employment forums.
- Focus on Workforce Inclusion: Ensure that solutions and services prioritize hiring, training, and supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Document and Share Knowledge: Maintain clear documentation on contract compliance, best practices for workplace accessibility, and efficiency improvements.