Federal Strategic Alliances

The AbilityOne Program has entered into "Strategic Alliances" with Federal entities. The purpose of the alliances is to increase awareness of the AbilityOne Program and promote its mission to create employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.

U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration

On January 19, 2021, the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (operating as the U.S. AbilityOne Commission) and Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) executed a Memorandum of Understanding through which the Federal agencies agree to work together to increase communication and understanding regarding which opportunities are appropriate for persons who are blind to operate vending facilities under the Randolph-Sheppard Act and which are appropriate for placement on the Procurement List under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act. Furthermore, AbilityOne and RSA agree to work together to expand entrepreneurial and other employment-related opportunities for individuals who are blind or who have significant disabilities. Employment outcomes and entrepreneurial opportunities for individuals who are blind or who have significant disabilities can be improved through a closer working relationship between AbilityOne and RSA. This Memorandum of Understanding establishes the framework for the Federal agencies to work more closely together and to encourage their respective stakeholders to also work cooperatively together to promote improved services and entrepreneurial and employment opportunities to their mutual participants. The definitions, published on June 1, 2021, as an appendix, are pertinent to this agreement that will facilitate both clearer communication and adherence to the agreement.

Defense Acquisition University

The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish a strategic cooperative relationship between the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and the AbilityOne Program, and to define the scope and framework of the relationship.

DAU is one of the nation's most honored corporate training institutions. It is leading the transformation of the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce through cutting edge curriculum development and innovative delivery of learning resources. The AbilityOne Program, formerly known as the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program, is the single largest employer of people who are blind or severely disabled in the United States. The AbilityOne Program enables participating nonprofit organizations across the country to employ these individuals and to provide quality goods and services to the Federal Government at a fair price.

The goal of this cooperative relationship is to promote awareness, understanding of and preference for Federal purchases of products and services provided by nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or have other significant disabilities throughout the country. To that end, this strategic partnership will seek to identify educational opportunities that are mutually beneficial to both parties.

The authority for this MOU is the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act, 41 U.S.C. 46-48c, as amended, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and DoD Directive 5000.57. The participants hereby agree that principles of good faith partnership and steadfast adherence to the purposes of this MOA will govern their conduct hereunder.

Air Force Office of Small Business Programs

The AbilityOne Program, as administered by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (Committee), creates jobs and training opportunities for Americans who are blind or have other significant disabilities.

The mission of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs (SAF/SB) is to create and deliver strategies that bring innovative, agile and efficient small business solutions to the Air Force to fly, fight and win in the Air, Space and Cyberspace.

The goal of this cooperative relationship is to promote awareness, understanding of, and preference for federal purchase of products and services provided by nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or have significant disabilities throughout the country. To that end the strategic partnership will seek to identify opportunities that are mutually beneficial to both parties.