Acquisition from Nonprofit Agencies Employing People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
FAR Subpart 8.7 requires federal agencies to prioritize purchasing from nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or severely disabled, ensuring compliance with the Procurement List and related procedures.
Overview
FAR Subpart 8.7 establishes the requirements and procedures for federal agencies to acquire supplies and services from nonprofit agencies that employ people who are blind or severely disabled. This subpart implements the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act, which mandates federal procurement from these designated nonprofit agencies as a priority source. The subpart covers definitions, the Procurement List, purchase priorities, procedures, exceptions, pricing, shipping, payments, quality, specification changes, and communications with central nonprofit agencies and the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. It also addresses optional acquisitions, replacement commodities, and administrative procedures for name changes or successor organizations.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Source Requirement
- Agencies must purchase certain supplies and services from nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or severely disabled, as listed on the Procurement List.
- Procurement List Management
- The Committee maintains a Procurement List of required products and services, and agencies must consult this list before procuring elsewhere.
- Purchase Priorities and Exceptions
- Federal agencies must follow established purchase priorities and may only seek exceptions under specific circumstances outlined in the subpart.
- Procedures and Pricing
- The subpart details acquisition procedures, pricing policies, shipping, payment, and quality requirements for purchases from these nonprofit agencies.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must check the Procurement List, follow purchase priorities, document exceptions, and ensure compliance with procedures and reporting.
- Contractors: Nonprofit agencies must meet quality, shipping, and pricing standards, and respond to specification changes and complaints.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance, maintain communication with central nonprofit agencies and the Committee, and manage administrative updates.
Practical Implications
- This subpart ensures federal procurement supports employment for people who are blind or severely disabled, creating a mandatory source requirement. Contracting professionals must integrate Procurement List checks into acquisition planning and understand exception processes. Common pitfalls include failing to consult the Procurement List or improperly documenting exceptions, which can result in compliance issues.