The Procurement List
Background
The word “procurement” just means “buying,” but it also means buying within a framework of rules. The rules for Federal purchasing are detailed by the Federal Acquisitions Regulations, and within the FAR are the rules that apply to the AbilityOne program products. The FAR follows established laws and regulations so that any purchases made with federal funding are done responsibly, transparently and with consistency. Laws such as the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act established the AbilityOne® program and their mandatory procurement items. The U.S. AbilityOne Commission®, the federal agency that oversees the AbilityOne® Program, maintains the list of specific products and services known as the AbilityOne Procurement List. The items on this list are fulfilled by nonprofit agencies (NPAs) that employ people with disabilities, as well as people who are blind.
Federal agencies are required to procure products on this list ahead of any similar products.
The Details
Rules and Law
The Law and Statutes:
• Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, 41 U.S.C. Chapter 85
• Committee Regulations - 41 CFR Chapter 51
• FAR Subpart 8.7 – Acquisition from Nonprofit Agencies Employing People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
• FAR 6.302-5, Authorized or Required by Statute
• DFARS Subpart 208.7, Acquisition from Nonprofit Agencies Employing People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled
• DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI), 207.105, Contents of written acquisition plans
• OMB Circular A-122, Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations
