Passing the Torch

Today is the end of my term as Chairman of the US AbilityOne Commission

During these years, over and over I’ve been inspired and amazed by the courage and determination of those employed through the program and those who make it work.

I’ve seen NPA employees take enormous pride in working under federal contracts and understanding their contribution to the success of the DoD or the federal agency they support.? They were America’s front-line workers and I saw what went into keeping federal buildings open and operating during the pandemic.? I’ve seen them operating call centers, (in the US) and serving as the only domestic production point for a range of critical products.??

I’ve seen NPA employees performing an array of mission essential jobs, low tech and high tech, and services of all sorts.? I’ve found NPA employees amongst the most dedicated and committed I’ve ever encountered.??

I’ve seen self advocates find their voice and stand up for themselves and all who are blind or have significant disabilities. I’ve heard them tell their stories and share their successes.? I’ve seen the pride they bring to their families, friends, and communities.??

I’ve seen the Central Nonprofit Agencies (CNAs) and boards serve with passion and commitment, lead and guide, oversee and develop.? Again and again, the CNAs have partnered with the AbilityOne Commission to advance the modernization the program needs, provided a voice of realism, and opened lines of communication in every direction.

But today, I particularly want to applaud the AbilityOne Commission staff and members.? The Commission consists of 15 Presidential appointees, both from DoD and Federal agencies and private citizens.? Over the last four years, six of the federal agency representatives received Presidential Rank Awards, a recognition of the highest performing federal executives for their integrity, commitment to public service, and sustained excellence.? The Private Citizen Members, all of whom also had innumerable other responsibilities laid out a vision and drove an aggressive modernization.

They are the best of the best.??

I saw the Commission understand its power, raise standards, embrace transparency, listen to its sharpest critics and learn from their views. ? It’s not easy to listen to your critics - and to understand their perspective.? When it happens, it creates a kind of virtuous magic.

I saw outstanding CFOs. get clean audit opinions, build and deploy an enterprise risk management framework, and lead the right investments.

I saw the Commission build the policy making expertise to end the use of subminimum wages across the program, making life better for those the program serves and to advance a full modernization agenda.

I saw the Commission drive the creation of good jobs where the employees received fair compensation, worked alongside people who were not disabled, and received promotions.

I saw the Commission build bridges and open doors to staff on Capitol Hill and to the community of federal agencies that deal with disability issues, and the community that deals with acquisition issues.

I saw the Commission run with a policy memo from former OFPP Administrator @Michael Wooten and build a network of over 130 AbilityOne Representatives across the Federal Agencies serving as active program advocates.??

I saw the Commission’s Executive Director and Inspector General learn how to reinforce each other’s work and continually find opportunities to increase efficiency and identify and manage top challenges.???

I saw the Commission’s mission inspire and lead its employees, everyday.

They know what it means to create employment opportunities for more than 39.000 blind or significantly disabled individuals, through federal contracts, while also making sure those contracts were awarded at fair prices, provided needed products and services, and that the nonprofit agencies performed well.??

When I was asked to join the Commission, I thought I knew the program.??I was wrong.? Walking in the door, I knew the mechanics.? As Chairman I learned the heart.

As I pass the torch to the new Chairman, Bobby Hogue, I’m pleased for the opportunity to continue to serve as GSA’s Representative on the Commission and I see so much opportunity to continue the work of providing good jobs to those who are blind or have significant disabilities. Chai Feldblum Brian Hoey Kimberly M. Zeich Steven Kelman Millisa L. Gary Richard Belden Soraya Correa