Federal Register #2026-08392

Proposed Regulatory Changes to AbilityOne Program Fee and Subcontracting Rules

This notice announces proposed regulatory changes by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, which oversees the AbilityOne Program. - Government Buyer: - Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (AbilityOne Program) - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (federal agency) - National Industries for the Blind (NIB) (central nonprofit agency) - SourceAmerica (central nonprofit agency) - Products/Services Requested: - No specific products or services are being procured - The notice concerns regulatory amendments, not a purchase - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Central nonprofit agencies (NIB, SourceAmerica) must have written agreements with the Committee before charging fees to nonprofit agencies - Clarifies and streamlines subcontracting requirements within the AbilityOne Program - Reduces regulatory and administrative burdens for subcontractor selection and approval - Seeks public comment on the proposed rule changes - The focus is on program structure, fee arrangements, and subcontracting processes, not on procurement of goods or services

Description

This proposed rule seeks to amend regulations governing the AbilityOne Program, specifically 41 CFR 51-3.5 and 41 CFR 51-4.4. It aims to codify requirements from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 that central nonprofit agencies must have written agreements with the Committee before charging fees to nonprofit agencies. Additionally, it clarifies the definition of subcontracting within the program, reduces regulatory requirements, streamlines the approval process for subcontracting, and lessens administrative burdens for selecting subcontractors. The proposal invites public comments by June 1, 2026.

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