8.702
General
The AbilityOne Committee determines which products and services federal agencies must buy from designated nonprofits, sets their prices, and issues binding rules for compliance.
Overview
FAR 8.702 outlines the general responsibilities of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (also known as the AbilityOne Commission). This independent government body, with members appointed by the President, oversees the AbilityOne Program, which mandates federal agencies to procure certain supplies and services from designated nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or severely disabled. The Committee determines which products and services must be sourced through AbilityOne, sets their prices, and establishes the rules and regulations to implement the statutory requirements under 41 U.S.C. chapter 85.
Key Rules
- Committee Authority
- The Committee independently determines which supplies and services federal agencies must purchase from AbilityOne-participating nonprofits.
- Price Setting
- The Committee establishes fair prices for these supplies and services.
- Regulatory Oversight
- The Committee creates and enforces rules to ensure compliance with the AbilityOne Program and its statutory basis.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must comply with the Committee’s determinations regarding mandatory sources and pricing for applicable supplies and services.
- Contractors: Should be aware of which products/services are on the AbilityOne Procurement List and understand pricing is set by the Committee.
- Agencies: Must follow the Committee’s rules and ensure purchases are made from designated nonprofit agencies when required.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures a centralized, consistent approach to supporting employment for people who are blind or severely disabled through federal procurement.
- Contracting professionals must check the Procurement List and adhere to Committee-set prices and rules, or risk noncompliance.
- Common pitfalls include overlooking mandatory sources or misunderstanding pricing authority.