Overview
This section defines the nature and core responsibilities of the Committee (the U.S. AbilityOne Commission), an independent federal body tasked with overseeing the mandatory procurement of products and services from nonprofit agencies employing individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.
Key Rules
- Independent Status: The Committee is an independent government activity whose members are appointed directly by the President of the United States.
- Mandatory Sourcing: The Committee has the authority to determine which specific supplies and services the government must purchase from AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies.
- Pricing Authority: The Committee is responsible for establishing the fair market prices for the supplies and services on the Procurement List.
- Regulatory Oversight: The Committee establishes the rules and regulations necessary to implement 41 U.S.C. chapter 85 (the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act).
Practical Implications
- Contracting officers are bound by the Committee’s decisions; if a requirement is on the Procurement List, it must be sourced through AbilityOne at the price set by the Committee rather than through open-market competition.
- Federal agencies must treat the Committee as the primary regulatory authority for socioeconomic sourcing requirements involving designated nonprofit agencies.