AbilityOne Program Guide 2025: Contracting with Nonprofit Agencies
Learn about the AbilityOne Program for federal contracting. Understand how the program works, eligibility, procurement list, and opportunities for contractors.
Quick Answer: What is AbilityOne?
AbilityOne is a federal program that provides employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities through government contracts. Federal agencies must purchase products and services on the Procurement List from authorized nonprofit agencies. The program generates over $4 billion annually and employs 40,000+ individuals with disabilities.
What is the AbilityOne Program?
AbilityOne, formerly JWOD (Javits-Wagner-O Day), creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities through federal procurement.
Program Structure
U.S. AbilityOne Commission
Government agency that oversees the program, maintains the Procurement List, and sets fair market prices.
National Industries for the Blind (NIB)
Central nonprofit agency representing agencies employing people who are blind. Focuses on manufacturing and services.
SourceAmerica
Central nonprofit agency representing agencies employing people with significant disabilities. Broad range of products and services.
How AbilityOne Works
The Process
Product/Service Added to List
Commission adds items to Procurement List
Nonprofit Agency Designated
NIB or SourceAmerica assigns to authorized agency
Fair Market Price Set
Commission establishes pricing based on market
Agencies Must Purchase
Federal agencies required to buy from AbilityOne source
Mandatory Source
If a product or service is on the Procurement List, federal agencies MUST purchase from the designated AbilityOne source. This is a priority above small business set-asides.
The Procurement List
Products and Services
Products
- • Office supplies
- • Clothing and textiles
- • Furniture
- • Cleaning supplies
- • Food products
Services
- • Janitorial and custodial
- • Food service
- • Administrative support
- • Contact center operations
- • Grounds maintenance
Finding AbilityOne Products
- →Search AbilityOne.gov for Procurement List items
- →Products available through GSA Advantage
- →Direct ordering from designated agencies
For Government Contractors
How AbilityOne Affects You
Priority Over Set-Asides
AbilityOne is a mandatory source that takes priority over small business set-asides. You cannot compete for work on the Procurement List.
Subcontracting Opportunities
AbilityOne nonprofits need commercial subcontractors for specialized work. This creates partnership opportunities.
Competition on Non-Listed Items
Items not on Procurement List remain open for normal competition. Check the list before bidding on services.
Subcontracting Opportunities
Partnering with AbilityOne Agencies
AbilityOne nonprofit agencies often need commercial partners for:
- →Specialized technical work they cannot perform
- →Surge capacity for large contracts
- →Geographic coverage in areas without facilities
- →Specialized equipment or expertise
Finding Partnerships
- →Contact NIB or SourceAmerica directly
- →Attend AbilityOne networking events
- →Reach out to local AbilityOne nonprofit agencies
AbilityOne Compliance
Key Requirements
- ✓75% of direct labor hours by people with disabilities
- ✓Nonprofit agency status (501(c)(3))
- ✓Compliance with Commission regulations
- ✓Annual compliance reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Can for-profit companies participate in AbilityOne?
Only as subcontractors to authorized nonprofit agencies. AbilityOne contracts go directly to nonprofit agencies designated by the Commission.
How do I know if a service is on the Procurement List?
Search AbilityOne.gov or check with the contracting officer. Before competing for janitorial, food service, or similar work, verify it is not an AbilityOne requirement.
Are AbilityOne products competitive?
Prices are set at fair market value by the Commission. Quality standards must be met. Many agencies find AbilityOne products and services meet their needs well.
Find Non-AbilityOne Opportunities
Track open-market opportunities not reserved for AbilityOne with BidFinds.
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