2. 1 Contracting/Subcontracting with National Industries for the Blind – The Value Proposition of Utilizing the Blind Community….What’s In It For Me Breakout Session # 243991 Name John Qua Date July 31, 2012 Time 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

3. Agenda 2 AbilityOne Program and NIB Today Blind Community Value Proposition Dispelling Myths Prime Contract/Subcontract Requirements Subcontract Benefits Examples…Blind “Knowledge Workers” Summary

4. 3 National Industries for the Blind like most business entities, serves as Prime and Subcontractor on government and commercial contracts Technology and training level the playing field for blind employees Subcontracts are ‘credited’ to DoD primes but are also win- win solutions for non-DoD primes, creating jobs for people who are blind, providing real contractor benefits, and increasing compliance with the ADA and Rehabilitation Acts There is no ‘mystery’ to subcontracting with NIB Executive Summary

5. AbilityOne Program - Beginnings 4  Wagner-O’Day Act (1938)  Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (1971)  “JWOD” now “AbilityOne” Program (2006)  The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled operates as the “U.S. AbilityOne Commission” (2011)

6. Federal Customers AbilityOne Commission President of the United States NISH National Industries For the Blind (NIB) Nonprofit Agencies employing persons with severe disabilities Nonprofit Agencies employing persons who are blind AbilityOne Program

7. The NIB Mission 6 Seven out of ten working age Americans who are blind are not employed…Our Mission: To enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.

8. NIB Today 7  More than 90 associated agencies in 36 states  Employ more than 5,400 people who are blind  Operate 138 military base supply centers around the U.S.  Deliver more than $717 million worth of products and services to federal, state and commercial markets per year (FY11)

9. NIB Today 8

10. NIB Services 9  Integrated suite of business services  Delivered individually or in bundled form  Program Management  133 Active Service Requirements, AbilityOne and Commercial  43 of 90 associated NPA’s Providing Services  $60 MM in sales FY11

11. Blind Community Value Proposition 10 NIB and its affiliated agencies provide solutions to customers with a need for high quality product and service levels. High quality is ensured through ISO certifications, customizable training programs, and our dedicated staff boasting the lowest turnover in industry. The nationwide reach of NIB’s affiliated agencies allows them to provide their clients with the scalability they need as they grow.

12. Dispelling Myths 11 ‘No Fear” - Technology levels the playing field…NIB brings personnel ‘savvy’ with all necessary Assistive technology Screen Readers Dual Use headphones Mobility Skills Job Ready Testing Past Performance/productivity Customer technology remediated/made accessible with minimal expense Workplace Blindness Awareness Training

13. Dispelling Myths 12 People who are blind want to work with information and technology Next Generation - The next generation of blind employees have the expectation that technology will be an integral part of their employment, whether using computers or other types of technologies

14. Dispelling Myths 13 Education levels From U.S. Census Survey 2009: 3.186 million working age people (21-64) with a visual disability 11.2% have a college degree or higher 27.9% have an Associates degree or some college 32.1% have a high school degree (vs 26.9% for entire US working age population) NIB Employee base: 76% high school diploma or GED 30% some college 11% College degree

15. Prime Contract/Subcontract Requirements 14 NIB Prime Contract under AbilityOne Program reasonably understood in the community: Identification of opportunity Development/feasibility assessment Commission staff analysis  Rulemaking  Impact  Capability  Pricing  PL Addition decision by the Commission Contract Award Performance

16. Prime Contract/Subcontract Requirements 15 NIB Prime Contract Streamline Advantages: Regulations allow for a simplified acquisition mechanism Can go directly to a NIB producer with a SOW/PWS No formal notice, no solicitation, no synopsis, no sources sought Can immediately begin negotiation….directed procurement under FAR 8.7 Nationwide supplier network Long term, win-win relationships

17. Prime Contract/Subcontract Requirements 16 Subcontract opportunities less well known Subcontracts with government prime contractors create employment for the blind too! DoD prime contractors receive credit toward meeting Small Business subcontracting goal when purchasing from qualified nonprofit agencies for the blind (Master, Commercial, or Individual Plan goals) DoD primes should consider NIB when developing goals Process leverages NIB to match Nationwide supplier network with prime requirement Long term, win-win relationships

18. Prime Contract/Subcontract Requirements 17 Subcontract opportunities less well known Public Law 108-87 not applicable to non-DoD requirements Yet, increasingly, AbilityOne clauses/language included in government solicitations in support of JWOD Act Evaluation credit during award process Specific outcome goals similar to small business Directed subcontract sourcing for prime vendors, strategic supplier alliances and other logistics contracts Encouragement Even without language, subcontractor arrangement provides “two-fer” for the government agency

19. Prime Contract/Subcontract Requirements 18 Subcontract opportunities less well known Process not governed by AbilityOne rulemaking Typical B2B subcontracting relationship…NDAs,Teaming Agreements executed but with NIB and affiliated nonprofit agencies Subcontracts with NIB demonstrably shown to be appropriate for risks, consistent with policy and sound business judgment While not goal enhancing for non-DoD primes, focuses attention and compliance with ADA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act iaw direction set by the Administration

20. Subcontract Benefits 19 B2B relationship creates value for the prime contractor… Competitive advantages…Low attrition rates drive significant annual savings. Focus on high quality drives growth and profits Lost sales capture Social Consciousness…a subcontract solution provides ready made compliance with ADA and eliminates ‘mysteries’ of hiring the blind. (Proposed Rule establishes 7% hiring goal of those with disabilities for federal contractors). Corporate reputation enhanced locally and with federal government Generates increased loyalty

21. Subcontract Examples Blind “Knowledge Workers” 20 DoD Call Center enclave for large health care support services requirement Supply Chain Management support for warehousing and distribution requirement Data Analyst/Project Management personnel for Agency “Clean Audit” support Non-DoD Help Desk support for HHS Agency Section 508 “assurance” service for DHS Agency

22. Subcontract Examples Blind “Knowledge Workers” 21 B2B Quality Scoring Services Mystery Shopping Welcome Calls 508 Assurance Services Supply Chain Management Fulfillment

23. Summary 22 National Industries for the Blind like most business entities, services as Prime and Subcontractor on government and commercial contracts Technology and training level the playing field for blind employees Subcontracts are ‘credited’ to DoD primes but are also win- win solutions for non-DoD primes, creating jobs for people who are blind, providing real benefits, and increasing compliance with the ADA and Rehabilitation Acts There is no ‘mystery’ to subcontracting with NIB