Contract Policy - AbilityOne Program

The Department of Defense is the leading customer of the AbilityOne Program and, through contracts with AbilityOne companies, employs nearly 35,000 individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. The contracting workforce supports this mission through the procurement of AbilityOne products and services in compliance with FAR subpart 8.7. AbilityOne employees are a vital segment of the total force and proudly contribute to military readiness in many ways to include manufacturing office products used Department-wide, producing combat uniforms worn by our Armed Forces, operating 150 Base Supply Centers, providing award-winning food services at base installation dining facilities, and performing contract closeout services. By contracting with the AbilityOne nonprofit agencies, veterans and individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities have a greater opportunity to work, lead independent lives, serve in communities, and contribute to the strength of our Nation’s economy.

Policy Memorandums

2023 National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the AbilityOne® Program

Principal Director, DPC

September 29, 2023

Contracting with the AbilityOne Program

Director, DPAP

November 01, 2017

AbilityOne Representative (ABOR) Program

The objective of the DoD ABOR Program is to increase employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities through DoD contracts with AbilityOne contractors. The ABOR Program was a recommendation of the Panel on Department of Defense and AbilityOne Contracting Oversight, Accountability and Integrity. Under the program, each Component will develop a strategic plan and a procurement pledge for growth in AbilityOne Program participation. Participating DoD Components include Air Force, Army, Navy, DLA, DHA, MDA, and DCSA.

The memorandum below includes two relevant attachments:

  • DPC “National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the AbilityOne® Program,” of 8 October 2020, which directed DoD Components to establish an ABOR Program, and
  • Office of Federal Procurement Policy memorandum, “Increasing the Participation of Americans with Disabilities in Federal Contracting” of 30 October 2020 that announced the Federal level ABOR Program.

Call for Nominations – AbilityOne Representative (ABOR) Program

PD, DPC

December 23, 2020

Panel on DoD and AbilityOne Contracting Oversight, Accountability and Integrity

Purpose

Section 898 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 directed the Secretary of Defense to establish the "Panel on Department of Defense and AbilityOne Contracting Oversight, Accountability and Integrity" ("the Panel") of senior level representatives from Department of Defense agencies, the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, and other Federal agencies and organizations. The Principal Director, DPC, served as the Panel Chair. As required by section 898, the Panel submitted a progress Report to Congress and four annual reports to Congress on the Panel's activities, findings, and recommendations. The sunset of the Panel occurred with the submission of the fourth and final report to Congress.

Fourth and Final Report to Congress

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

December 2021

Third Annual Report to Congress

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

January 2021

Second Annual Report to Congress

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

January 2020

First Annual Report to Congress

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment

July 2018

Progress Report to Congress

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics

September 2017