How to Work with AbilityOne
Process from start to finish:
- Contracting Officer identifies a requirement to offer to the AbilityOne Program, or is contacted by NIB or NISH about an existing requirement.
- Contracting Officer communicates with NIB or NISH about the requirement and timeframes.
- Contacting Officer provides Statement of Work (SOW) to NIB or NISH (who can assist in writing the SOW).
- Contracting Officer receives a “no-obligation” price proposal from NIB or NISH.
- Contracting Officer negotiates the proposal; upon completion, signs a letter concurring to the price.
- NIB or NISH send request and required documentation to Committee for Procurement List addition.
- Committee initiates review and rulemaking process, including Federal Register publication (90-120 days).
- NIB or NISH provide updates to the Contracting Officer on the Procurement List addition status.
- If the Committee approves addition to the Procurement List, a notice is issued to the Contracting Officer and NIB or NISH will contact to discuss performance start.
Quickstart
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS). Some AbilityOne items are on the FSS which provides the Contracting Officer the opportunity to purchase them while NIB and NISH are working through the Procurement List addition process. The FSS considers NIB and NISH commercial entities. The Contracting Officer may purchase the following services via the FSS:
- Document Destruction
- Supply Chain Management
- Logistics Management and Support Services (i.e. Fleet Management)
SeaPort-e: The U.S. Navy has an internal procurement process using SeaPort-e which provides the contracting officer the opportunity to purchase products and services while NISH and NIB are working through the Procurement Process. During this interim period NIB and NISH are considered commercial entities.
Catalog: Numerous products may be purchased immediately through the AbilityOne Catalog. Examples of these items are:
- Bedding Mattresses and Furniture
- Cleaning and Janitorial
- Food service and Operating Supplies
- General Office Products
- Hardware and Paints
- Medical and Surgical
- Personal Care and Safety
- Writing Instruments