Mandatory Sources of Supply Required by Federal Services Contracts

Fulfill Your Supply Needs. Support the Mission. Comply With the Law.

Background and Objectives

AbilityOne Program logo

FAR Clause 52-208.9 and U.S. AbilityOne Commission policy 51.542 require all services contract holders to purchase AbilityOne® Program products in the performance of their contracts.

This webpage is your one-stop resource to help your organization comply with these requirements. Read on to understand what products are available through the AbilityOne Program and how to purchase.

Your support matters! Purchasing products through the AbilityOne Program helps you fulfill your services contracts while supporting the program’s mission to create jobs for people who are blind or have significant disabilities.

Applicable Regulations and Policies

FAR Clause 52.208-9, Contractor Use of Mandatory Sources of Supply or Services

U.S. AbilityOne Commission® Policy 51.542, Nonprofit Agency Use of AbilityOne Products in the Performance of AbilityOne Service Contracts

U.S. AbilityOne Commission Memo, Purchasing Mandatory Source Products for Use in Janitorial and Food Service Contracts, November 4, 2019

Products Available Through the AbilityOne Program

  • Office Products 
  • Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies
  • Food Operating Supplies
  • Kitchen Supplies
  • Restroom Supplies
  • Safety Supplies
  • Waste Management Supplies
  • And more…

Visit AbilityOneCatalog.com for a full listing of AbilityOne products.

How to Purchase AbilityOne Products

AbilityOne Authorized Distributors. The AbilityOne Program has partnered with hundreds of independent suppliers who carry AbilityOne products. You may already have established relationships with these suppliers, so ordering AbilityOne products is seamless and convenient. Ask your supplier if they carry AbilityOne products or visit https://www.abilityone.gov/distributors/independent.html to find an AbilityOne Authorized Distributor.

AbilityOne Nonprofit Agencies. Services contract holders can purchase directly from the AbilityOne manufacturing agency. This is a great option for blanket purchase agreements and other bulk orders. Agency representatives are standing by to provide technical assistance and help you with the ordering process. Visit https://www.abilityone.gov/abilityone_network/nonprofit.html to find an agency.

AbilityOne Base Supply Centers (BSCs). There are more than 150 BSCs on federal and military installations across the country. These stores carry thousands of AbilityOne products and also provide extensive warehousing and distribution capabilities to meet your needs. Click here to find a BSC near you: https://www.abilityone.gov/distributors/base_supply.html.

Become an AbilityOne Authorized Distributor

For more information about the AbilityOne Program and how to become an AbilityOne Authorized Distributor, visit the U.S. AbilityOne Commission website: https://www.abilityone.gov/distributors/potential.html.

Frequently Asked Questions for AbilityOne Product Lines

Click the links below to access common FAQs for various AbilityOne products. Click the product category to view the full product line and product information from the AbilityOne Catalog.

Disposable Paper Products

Cleaning and Janitorial Supplies

Food Service and Operating Supplies

Personal Care Products

Bedding

Other Resources

AbilityOneCatalog.com — provides a full catalog of AbilityOne products.

AbilityOne.gov — access additional information on the U.S. AbilityOne Commission website.

NIB is available to provide training on the Commission’s policy and how you can purchase products from AbilityOne nonprofit agencies. Contact pricinginquiries@nib.org to learn more.