Potential Distributor Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be authorized before distributing AbilityOne products?
Yes, any firm wishing to distribute AbilityOne products must be authorized
first.
How do I become an authorized AbilityOne distributor?
You should first obtain and review the criteria for authorization
available on the Potential Distributor page of this website. Then,
fill out the application (also located on the Potential Distributor
page) and submit it to the Committee staff. Vendors are not automatically
authorized when they submit an application. Vendors will be notified
in writing when their authorization is final, and should not advertise
themselves as AbilityOne-authorized or pending prior to the Committee's
notification.
How long does it take to become authorized?
It depends on several factors, including how complete your application
is, whether or not you currently have Government contracts or significant
Government business, and how long it takes your firm to implement
an effective blocking system, etc.
Is there a cost or fee to become an authorized AbilityOne distributor?
The Committee does not charge any fee for authorization. The only
costs involved would be any necessary programming to add AbilityOne items
and cross-reference files to a distributor's order-taking system,
and any desired marketing literature or efforts.
Once I am authorized, am I authorized indefinitely?
Authorizations are typically effective for one year at which time
they may be renewed at the discretion of the AbilityOne Program or the
authorized firm.
Once I am authorized, how do I obtain AbilityOne products?
AbilityOne office products must be obtained from an authorized wholesaler.
AbilityOne hardware/industrial products must be purchased and brought
into stock. The Committee staff will work with you in this process
to discuss product mixes and recommended ordering levels.
How will becoming an authorized AbilityOne distributor benefit my
firm?
Federal personnel are required to purchase AbilityOne products. As a result,
you are more likely to secure Federal business if you are able to
supply AbilityOne products. In addition, becoming AbilityOne authorized fits
nicely into Supplier Diversity programs.
Would I be responsible for distributing every item on the Procurement
List to Federal customers?
No, the Committee would work with you to determine which products
fit into your current product line and are appropriate for you to
carry. Within the office products and hardware/industrial products
categories, the Committee has established a required list of items
that all commercial distributors must make available.
Can AbilityOne products be sold to commercial entities?
The vast majority of AbilityOne products on the required list can be sold
to commercial entities. There are several items that are on our
"restricted items list" that can only be sold to Federal personnel.
Upon authorization, you will be provided the restricted list and
asked to confirm that such items will not be sold outside your Government
accounts.
Do you authorize every firm that applies?
No, due to limited resources, we must prioritize authorizations
for firms that have an existing Government single-award or multiple-award
contract for like items.
How can authorized AbilityOne distributors participate in Federal
electronic commerce?
Any authorized AbilityOne distributor that has a GSA Multiple Award Schedule
contract will have the opportunity to post their products in the
GSA Advantage! website. Additionally, Department of Defense contractors
may load their items on the DOD Electronic Mall (EMALL).
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