# House Advances AbilityOne Program Modernization

House lawmakers have introduced the American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026 (H.R. 10443) to modernize and rename the AbilityOne program, marking the first significant update in nearly 50 years. This legislation aims to expand eligibility for nonprofit agencies, accelerate the addition of new products and services to the AbilityOne Commission's procurement list, and enhance employment opportunities for Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities. The bill also updates pricing policies to balance cost with the program’s mission, mandates revised Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions, and requires annual reporting on federal procurement spending related to the program.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should anticipate expanded contracting opportunities with qualified nonprofits under the AbilityOne program as eligibility broadens and product/service offerings increase.
- The legislation encourages federal agencies to increase procurement from nonprofits employing individuals with disabilities, potentially impacting sourcing strategies and vendor engagement.
- Contracting officers should prepare for updated FAR provisions and enhanced oversight mechanisms that may affect solicitation and award processes.
- Industry stakeholders representing nonprofits and disability employment advocates can leverage this modernization to promote inclusion and growth within federal contracting portfolios.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- AbilityOne Commission (AbilityOne)
- Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Treasury Department

### Key Quotes
> The legislation would expand eligibility and help more Americans with disabilities get hired, promoted and grow in their careers.
> — Rep. Steny Hoyer

> The bill says price should not be driven solely by getting the lowest possible price if that would conflict with the program’s mission.
> — Representative Steny H. Hoyer

### Sources
- [
        House lawmakers want to give the AbilityOne program a makeover | Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/podcast/federal-newscast-podcast/house-lawmakers-want-to-give-the-abilityone-program-a-makeover) - Federal News Network
- [
        House lawmakers eye a makeover for the AbilityOne program | Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2026/09/house-lawmakers-eye-a-makeover-for-the-abilityone-program) - Federal News Network
- [Representative Steny H. Hoyer introduces H.R. 10443: American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026 | Quiver Quantitative](https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Representative+Steny+H.+Hoyer+introduces+H.R.+10443%3A+American+Procurement+Improvement+Act+of+2026) - quiverquant.com