XL EagleAbilityOne (AbilityOne Program)
AbilityOne stands for AbilityOne Program. AbilityOne is a federal program that creates jobs for people who are blind or have significant disabilities. It is overseen by the U.S. AbilityOne Commission and works through central nonprofit agencies such as SourceAmerica and the National Industries for the Blind.
When a product or service is placed on the AbilityOne Procurement List, federal agencies generally must buy it from the assigned nonprofit. Common services include janitorial, grounds, food service, and base supply stores.
Why it matters to a small contractor
If a janitorial or grounds contract is on the Procurement List, it is not open for regular competition. Check the list before you invest time in a bid. Some for-profit firms partner with AbilityOne nonprofits as suppliers or subcontractors.
Example
A cleaning company looks into a federal building contract and learns the work is on the AbilityOne Procurement List, so it shifts its focus to other buildings.
AbilityOne: common questions
What is the AbilityOne Procurement List?
It is the list of products and services that federal agencies must generally buy from AbilityOne nonprofits. It is maintained by the AbilityOne Commission.
Is SourceAmerica a government agency?
No. SourceAmerica is a nonprofit designated as a central nonprofit agency for AbilityOne. It matches work to participating nonprofits.
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