Where do NIB and NISH derive their responsibilities under the AbilityOne Program?
The JWOD Act (41 CFR Part 51) directs the Committee to designate one or more “central nonprofit agencies” to assist community-based nonprofit agencies serving people who have disabilities participating in the AbilityOne Program. The Committee has designated National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH (serving people with a range of disabilities) to fulfill responsibilities as listed in 41 CFR Part 51-3. These responsibilities include evaluating nonprofit agency capabilities, providing nonprofit agencies with technical assistance and allocating Government orders among them. NIB and NISH also provide their associated agencies with many other services, including: assistance in complying with the JWOD Act, Federal contract provisions and the Committee’s regulations; legislative and regulatory assistance; communications and public relations materials; information technology support; engineering, financial and technical assistance; and professional training programs.
