Can nonprofit agencies bid competitively on Federal contracts?
Yes, participating in competitions and offering products and services on the GSA Schedules is a means of increasing opportunities for nonprofit agencies to create jobs for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. By reaching a larger procurement audience, the reputation for quality of AbilityOne products and services will be enhanced. After participating in Federal contracting through the unrestricted competitive bidding process, the nonprofit agency may then request that the Committee consider the product or service for addition to the Procurement List. Nonprofit agencies cannot bid on contracts designated for small business since they do not meet the “for-profit” requirements as currently defined by the Small Business Administration. In accordance with their missions to create jobs for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities, NIB and NISH may assist nonprofit agencies bidding on competitive and commercial contracts as well.
Nonprofit agencies serving persons with severe disabilities are in a unique position. Agencies that contract with the Federal Government do so through the JWOD Program because of the stability and longevity that JWOD jobs offer to their employees. However, nonprofit agencies are also eligible to participate in Federal contracting through other means. Nonprofit agencies may participate in the unrestricted, competitive bidding process as long as they participate under the same terms and conditions as other commercial offers and meet all requirements set forth in the Government’s solicitation. Once awarded a contract, the nonprofit agency may then propose the item for addition to the Procurement List.
Yes, participating in competitions and offering products and services on the GSA Schedules is a means of increasing opportunities for nonprofit agencies to create jobs for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. By reaching a larger procurement audience, the reputation for quality of JWOD products and services will be enhanced. After participating in Federal contracting through the unrestricted competitive bidding process, the nonprofit agency may then request that the Committee consider the product or service for addition to the Procurement List. Nonprofit agencies cannot bid on contracts designated for small business since they do not meet the “for-profit” requirements as currently defined by the Small Business Administration. In accordance with their missions to create jobs for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities, NIB and NISH may assist nonprofit agencies bidding on competitive and commercial contracts as well.
