[Massachusetts-NFB] FW: penny forward Raises Alarm Over Changes to the Randolph-Sheppard Program

[sharawinton at gmail.com]

The following was posted to the Penny Forward blog this morning. I regret
that resource constraints prevented us from publishing this earlier.

 

Since 1936, the Randolph-Sheppard Act has given people who are blind or have
low vision priority to operate vending facilities and cafeterias on federal
property. For nearly 90 years, this program has provided meaningful
self-employment opportunities for licensed blind vendors across the country.

Every state that participates in the Randolph-Sheppard Program has also
adopted its own version of the law at the state level. These "mini
Randolph-Sheppard acts" extend similar priority protections on state-owned
property, reinforcing the program's importance nationwide.

What Has Changed

On December 23, 2025, the Department of Education approved a limitation on
the Randolph-Sheppard priority for future Department of the Army dining
facility contracts, also known as DFAC contracts.

This decision means that, going forward, the Army will no longer be required
to give priority to Randolph-Sheppard vendors when awarding these specific
contracts. While blind vendors may still submit bids, they will no longer
receive the statutory priority that has historically applied.

Why the Department Approved the Limitation

According to the notice published in the Federal Register, the Department of
the Army argued that the Randolph-Sheppard priority created challenges in
several areas:

*	Higher costs, with some contracts reportedly costing more under the
priority system
*	Delays caused by arbitration, sometimes lasting more than two years
*	Operational concerns, including food service performance and
sanitation issues

Based on these factors, the Secretary of Education concluded that limiting
the priority for Army DFAC contracts was justified to protect national
security interests and operational readiness.

Why Penny Forward Is Concerned

Penny Forward recognizes that this change affects a relatively small number
of blind vendors in practical terms. However, the broader implications are
concerning.

The Randolph-Sheppard Program has been one of the most successful
self-employment initiatives for people with blindness and low vision. It has
provided stable income, business ownership, and independence for decades in
a labor market that often presents significant barriers.

Eroding the priority, even in a limited context, raises questions about the
future strength of the program. Over time, incremental changes like this can
weaken protections that have supported blind entrepreneurs for generations.

Looking Ahead

This decision applies only to future Army DFAC contracts and does not
eliminate the Randolph-Sheppard Program. Still, it represents a notable
shift in how federal agencies may approach the program moving forward.

Penny Forward believes it is important to closely monitor these
developments, understand their long-term impact, and continue advocating for
policies that expand-not reduce-economic opportunities for people who are
blind or have low vision.

What's Next?

Did you find this information helpful? Subscribe to our newsletter and
receive a free copy of our "Seven Steps to Financial Fitness" guide. It's a
great resource, filled with tips written by and for blind people on the path
to financial wellness. Plus, you'll be the first to hear about upcoming free
events and content that might interest you. Connect with us today and take
your next step toward financial empowerment!

https://www.pennyforward.com/connect/

 

Regards,

 

Chris Peterson, AFCR

Founder and CEO, Penny Forward

Blind People Building Bright Futures One Penny At A Time

Schedule a Meeting <https://calendly.com/chris-peterson-pfwd/> 

Email: chris at pennyforward.com <mailto:chris at pennyforward.com> 

Phone: 1 (888) 332-5558 <tel:+18883325558> 

Web site: www.pennyforward.com <http://www.pennyforward.com/> 



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