1. What is AbilityOne?
2. What are the advantages of buying AbilityOne supplies?
3. What are some examples of the types of supplies and services nonprofit agencies can provide?
4. Are Government Purchase Card users exempt from buying AbilityOne supplies?
5. Where do NIB and NISH derive their responsibilities under the AbilityOne Program?
6. How do personnel in federal agencies who have purchasing authority know what items are on the Procurement List?
7. Can products be purchased anywhere other than AbilityOne.com?
8. Who is the operator of AbilityOne.com?

1. What is AbilityOne?

The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The AbilityOne Program, originated through the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, is a public-private partnership that uses the tremendous purchasing power of the government to create jobs for Americans with disabilities.

2. What are the advantages of buying AbilityOne products and services?

Advantages to buying products through the AbilityOne Program include high-quality, convenient delivery terms and reasonable prices. There is also the satisfaction of knowing that people who are blind or have other severe disabilities are able to lead more productive and independent lives, pay taxes, help support families, and join in the American work experience as a result of AbilityOne contracts.

3. What are some examples of the types of services nonprofit agencies can provide?

Nonprofit agencies vary widely in their interests and capabilities. The products and services that nonprofit agencies provide to the federal government are identified in several sources, including the General Services Administration (GSA) Supply Catalogs, the GSA Advantage, Online Shopping Service, and the AbilityOne Supplies and Services Catalog. Additional brochures and videos are available from the Committee for Purchase, NIB or NISH. You may also browse AbilityOne.com for many of the products available. Specific products include office supplies (pens, pencils, binder clips, notepads, paper, etc.), environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies, military specific items, medical supplies, etc. Services include temporary administrative office staff, contract management support, computer document scanning, customer service, janitorial services and food service.

4. Are government Purchase Card users exempt from buying AbilityOne supplies?

No! Government credit cardholders are like all other federal employees required to buy AbilityOne supplies produced by designated nonprofit agencies. Federal personnel should use credit cards to purchase locally only if required items are not available through the AbilityOne Program.

5. Where do NIB and NISH derive their responsibilities under the AbilityOne Program?

The JWOD Act directs the Committee to designate one or more “central nonprofit agencies” (NIB and NISH) to assist community-based nonprofit agencies serving persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities. These community-based organizations are participants in the AbilityOne Program. The Committee designated NIB and NISH to fulfill responsibilities as listed in 41 CFR Part 51-3.

6. How do personnel in federal agencies who have purchasing authority know what items are on the Procurement List?

Items included on the Procurement List are clearly identified in GSA and DLA print and electronic catalogs. You may also view or download the document from the AbilityOne.gov website. In addition, the Committee notifies the responsible contracting activity of all Procurement List additions, prices, price changes and other actions affecting a particular item. The Committee is taking action to ensure that Procurement List items are identified in federal automated procurement systems. The Committee will also provide an up-to-date summary listing (by NSN for commodities; by type of service and location for services) of items on the Procurement List on CD upon request.

7. Can products be purchased anywhere other than AbilityOne.com?

Yes. Although AbilityOne.com offers the largest and newest inventory of AbilityOne products, you may also purchase AbilityOne items through a number of other distribution channels. These channels include GSA depots (www.gsaglobalsupply.gsa.gov), DOD Emall (www.dla.mil), your installations Base Supply Centers and authorized MAS (Multiple Awards Schedule) vendors. For a comprehensive list of MAS vendors, please go to the Committee for Purchase website and click on “Current AbilityOne Authorized Distributors.”

8. Who is the operator of AbilityOne.com?

The operator of this website is National Industries for the Blind.