Agreement Between SourceAmerica and National Industries for the Blind Increases Collaboration and Customer Service for U.S. AbilityOne Customers

Vienna, Va. — SourceAmerica and National Industries for the Blind, central nonprofit agencies supporting the U.S. AbilityOne Program, have entered into an agreement that will result in better service to federal government customers and a more collaborative approach to manufacturing and development contracts with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center.

"SourceAmerica is looking forward to a renewed joint effort with NIB regarding manufacturing and development projects," SourceAmerica President and CEO Steve Soroka said. "The agreement will place emphasis on the needs of our federal customer and focus on increased employment for people who are blind or have disabilities."

NIB also recognizes the importance of formalizing an already strong partnership in support of the organizations' mutual mission to create employment opportunities.

"NIB is pleased to formalize this win-win partnership to benefit our military customers, and create employment opportunities for people who are blind or have significant disabilities," NIB President and CEO Kevin Lynch said. "This agreement will assist NIB and its associated nonprofit agencies as we continue to deliver cutting-edge products to keep our warfighters safe and combat effective."

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Soroka and Lynch, names customer service as a "number one priority" for customers, factoring in response time, quality and delivery speed.

Sean Murphy, Natick branch chief, says the agreement is a boon to the center's contracts.

"I'm pleased that NIB and SourceAmerica have come to an understanding in support of the Army's M and D Agreement. It will ensure maximum participation in Army contracts by people with disabilities to include wounded veterans and guarantee that the warfighter is equipped with the supplies they need in a timely and cost-effective manner," Murphy said.

Additionally, the agreement calls for close coordination between NIB and SourceAmerica in support of AbilityOne projects, and encourages each organization and its nonprofit agencies to attend the other's meetings and events.

"We are excited about this partnership and look forward to developing innovative solutions for our federal customers," Soroka said.

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About National Industries for the Blind

Since 1938, National Industries for the Blind has focused on enhancing the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment. NIB and its network of associated nonprofit agencies are the nation's largest employer of people who are blind through the manufacture and provision of SKILCRAFT and other products and services of the AbilityOne Program. For more information about NIB, visit NIB.org.