How Contractors Participate in the AbilityOne™ Program

 

The Department of Defense (DoD) and other prime contractors are allowed to receive credit towards their small business subcontracting goals if they subcontract with qualified nonprofit agencies participating in the AbilityOne Program. This authority can be found at 10 US Code 2410(d).

 

DoD and other federal agencies are increasingly including an AbilityOne Program

subcontracting goal in their solicitations. This presents an opportunity for prime contractors to

access a skilled and dedicated labor pool through the AbilityOne Program and/or purchase

products and services provided by an AbilityOne agency while doing their part to increase

employment for people who are blind or severely disabled.

 

AbilityOne Vendor Capabilities

 

AbilityOne Vendors are a network of nonprofit organizations and agencies that provide services and/or employment to persons with disabilities, persons with special needs, and the disadvantaged. They are generally community based and are operated independently, including many Lighthouses for the Blind, or as part of a national affiliate-based organization such as Easter Seals or Goodwill Industries. These nonprofit agencies (NPAs) provide a wide range of services including vocational evaluation training & placement; mobility training; counseling; residential services; inclusive child care; medical, speech, and physical therapies; elder care; recreation and travel; and much more. Each organization has their own specific offering (or combination of offerings) for human services.

 

They also perform services and provide products via contractual arrangements with commercial industry, state and local government and the federal government.  Examples of services performed are Secure Mail Operations, Call Centers & Help Desks, Warehouse – Fulfillment and Supply Chain Logistics, Facility Support and Management (including custodial, grounds, O&M, etc.); Fleet Management, etc.

 

Companies seeking subcontract credit with AbilityOne participating NPAs may also purchase office supplies, cleaning and other supplies and products or a wide range of military and government-unique products.  The Procurement List (PL) provides a complete listing of products already manufactured under the AbilityOne Program today.  However, manufacturing capabilities and capacity exceed our current listing, so interested contractors are encouraged to contact AbilityOne for more information.

 

AbilityOne is working with the VA and the Army Wounded Warrior Transitioning Program at a national and local level and has a long history of working with veterans and performing services for the Department of Defense.  The NPAs would be a valuable source for many of the direct services and/or operation of the MOS requirement.

 

The Department of Defense (DoD) has a long history of partnering with AbilityOne and remains the largest customer of the Program which generates employment for Americans who are blind or have other significant disabilities to include wounded veterans and military dependents.

 

To learn more visit:  www.AbilityOne.gov

 

 

Sealed Air Partners with Alphapointe Adding Jobs for Americans who are Blind 

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About Alphapointe

 

Alphapointe is an AbilityOne vendor agency, AbilityOne Authorized Provider, an AbilityOne Authorized Distributor, and an affiliate of National Industries for the Blind (NIB).

 

Alphapointe produces products and services in nine locations in four states.

 

Our blind and low vision workforce manufactures products including

• pharma bottles and other plastic products

• high-precision small and micro molded components

• office products

• janitorial products.

 

We also operate Contact Call Centers, Base Supply Centers, and provide Contract Management Services.

 

Alphapointe provides important rehabilitation, education, and vocational services and training to people with vision loss.

 

Alphapointe is a first source provider of office supplies to the Federal Government and commercial customers throughout the country and offers over 50,000 name-brand products including office supplies, computer accessories, janitorial and break room supplies, and office furniture.

 

All purchases from Alphapointe provide employment and services to people who have lost sight.