8.703 Procurement List
Source: FAR 8.703 on acquisition.gov
Federal agencies must purchase designated supplies and services from the AbilityOne Procurement List, ensuring compliance with mandatory source requirements.
Overview
FAR 8.703 outlines the requirements for the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (AbilityOne Program). This list includes all supplies and services that federal agencies are mandated to purchase from participating nonprofit agencies employing people who are blind or severely disabled. The Procurement List is publicly accessible online, and questions about specific items can be directed to the Committee via email, phone, or mail. Many items on the list are also marked in GSA, DLA, and VA catalogs, making them easy to identify as mandatory sources for federal procurement.
Key Rules
- Procurement List Maintenance
- The Committee maintains an up-to-date list of supplies and services that must be purchased from AbilityOne-participating nonprofits.
- Access and Identification
- The Procurement List is available online and items are marked in major federal supply catalogs as mandatory sources.
- Inquiry Process
- Agencies and contractors can inquire about the status of items on the list via email, phone, or mail to the Committee.
- Mandatory Source Requirement
- Federal agencies must purchase certain items from the Procurement List through designated central supply agencies (GSA, DLA, VA).
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must check the Procurement List and ensure mandatory sources are used for applicable items.
- Contractors: Should be aware of the Procurement List to understand sourcing requirements and eligibility.
- Agencies: Must comply with mandatory source requirements and use central supply agencies for listed items.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures federal procurement supports employment for people who are blind or severely disabled.
- Failure to comply can result in procurement violations and missed opportunities for AbilityOne nonprofits.
- Contracting professionals must verify item status on the Procurement List before making purchases.
The Committee maintains a Procurement List of all supplies and services required to be purchased from AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies. The Procurement List may be accessed at: http://www.abilityone.gov" target="_blank">http://www.abilityone.gov . Questions concerning whether a supply item or service is on the Procurement List may be submitted at Internet e-mail address info@abilityone.gov or referred to the Committee offices at the following address and telephone number:
Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, 1401 S. Clark Street, Suite 10800, Arlington, VA 22202-3259, (703) 603-7740.
Many items on the Procurement List are identified in the General Services Administration (GSA) Supply Catalog and GSA’s Customer Service Center Catalogs with a black square and the words "NIB/NISH Mandatory Source," and in similar catalogs issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). GSA, DLA, and VA are central supply agencies from which other Federal agencies are required to purchase certain supply items on the Procurement List.