Workplace June 2011

June 2011

Mixing the Old with the New: Veteran Cook Experiences GCE Food Service Innovation

Small NPA, Big Impact

Oswego Industries Partners with Woolrich to Create GSA Products

The Federal Insight

The Nonprofit Agency Link

Volume 37, No. 6June 2011Workplace is published monthly by NISH, 8401 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182. NISH is a nonprofit organization that supports the AbilityOne Program and is designated by Congress to assist nonprofit agencies employing people with significant disabilities in obtaining federal contracts. If you would like additional informa-tion on any subject in Workplace, contact Lynne Harris at [email protected]. Address corrections or additions should be mailed to the managing editor at the above address; please include the old mailing label. Reproduction of material in Workplace with permission is encouraged.

Gregory Bender Chair, NISH Board of Directors

E. Robert ChamberlinPresident and CEO, NISH

NISH Board of DirectorsWilliam Coleman, Jr., Chair ElectJim Barone, Immediate Past ChairBrenda Yarnell, SecretaryPaul Atkinson, TreasurerFrederick BeamanStephen BennettJerry Bettenhausen Peter BernsDean EmersonFrederick FreseJim Gibbons David GonzalesSteven KingMike KivitzFrank Lopez Amy LuttrellWayne McMillanThomas MillerRhea Nelson Barbara NurenbergSteve PerdueBelinda Porras Frederick Williams

Editorial CommitteePaul AtkinsonMegan BranchNancyellen GentileGisele McAuliffeJay Thomas Lisa WardTony Young

Executive Editor Lynne Harris [email protected]

Managing Editor Vatrice Jones [email protected]

Contributing Feature Writers Rachel Crowell Sarah Gray Heather Loveridge Gisele McAuliffe Jamilah Simmons

NISH

Workplace

The Workforce Inclusive

Sustainability Special Series

June 2011 | 3

Small NPA, Big ImpactThroughout the United States, various nonprofit agencies (NPAs) of all shapes and sizes work hand-in-hand with the AbilityOne® Program, providing jobs to those who would otherwise be unemployed. Within that mix are a number of smaller NPAs, many in rural communities, who work very hard despite numerous obstacles to help change the lives of those with significant disabilities.

AbilityOne Program Helps Sustain the Environment and Provide Life-Altering Opportunities

Omvig Visits J.P. Industries, Inc. of Tucson

View From Washington

Public Policy Corner



Phoenix to Keep Arsenal Grounds Contract

The Arc of Virginia Peninsula Recognizes Exceptional Employee

4 President’s Message 5 AbilityOne Procurement Champion 16 PL Additions22 AbilityOne Program Success Story

On the cover: Thanks to nonprofit agency MVW Services, Patty Ofsthun is able to work and help support herself. For more on how small NPAs are making a big impact, read the cover story on page 7.

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President’s Message

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E. Robert Chamberlin NISH President and CEO

Elizabeth Goodman NISH CFO

“NISH realizes the importance of providing financial and technical support to deliver high-quality products and services for federal customers, tools for

NPA and employee job security and satisfaction

during this economic downturn.”

NISH Assistance Creates Path to Economic SuccessPresident's Note: I asked NISH CFO Elizabeth Goodman to share her thoughts about the NISH financial and technical assistance programs to improve customer support.

During last month’s Grassroots Advocacy Conference, more than 35 AbilityOne® Program employee self-advocates traveled to Washington, D.C. to share “their stories,” including why their job is important, with their Members of Congress. At a congressional recep-tion on Capitol Hill, one Goodwill of Greater Washington employee, DeWayne Quick, demonstrated the pride felt by all self-advocates as he introduced himself and presented his business card to NISH President and CEO Bob Chamberlin. A business card to so many of us is part of our job but to DeWayne it illustrates his individual success. A common theme expressed by many self-advocates, including Sgt. David Kendrick, was their journey toward financial independence-something many people take for granted until they are impacted by events like the recent economic downturn.

NISH realizes the importance of provid-ing financial and technical support to deliver high-quality products and services for federal customers, tools for nonprofit agencies (NPAs) and employee job security and satisfaction during this economic downturn. It also reminds us of the importance of creating financially strong agencies with adequate finan-cial resources for growth. The need for adequate financial resources or a savings account applies to agencies and the more than 47,000 AbilityOne employees, including David and DeWayne.

While we provide assistance to AbilityOne producers and federal customers, NISH has implemented significant changes to financial assis-tance programs. More than a dozen programs have been revised and created to ensure NPAs remain financially viable and government customers continue to receive high quality products and services.

The Interest Free, Capital Equipment and Leasing programs provide low and no interest loans for equipment and cash flow needs for capacity building and contract startup costs.

The new Strategic Growth Loan provides funds when an agency is experiencing significant growth, often requiring large up-front investments that may not be addressed during a tight credit market.

The grant programs assist with quality improvements: the management grant for quality contract startups and the QWE grant for improvements to the work environment for AbilityOne employees. Training vouchers assist NPAs build capability and capacity through attending NISH Training Academy courses.

The Jobs to Work grant, introduced in 2011, provides assistance for NPAs pursu-ing innovative employment concepts to address the staggering unemployment rate for people with disabilities.

NISH also offers financial assistance for specific lines of business including secure shredding, contact centers, and equip-ment programs for custodial, commis-sary and fleet steam cleaning.

In addition, staff expertise in lines of business, quality, rehabilitation engineer-ing, compliance, workforce develop-ment, advocacy, contract management and costing can all be accessed via regional and national office contacts.

NISH’s mission focus includes having adequate financial resources to ensure government customers realize high satisfaction with the products or services received, the NPA has all the tools and knowledge to provide those goods and services and the AbilityOne employee has a satisfying job that leads to economic self-sufficiency.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.nish.org/financialassistance. H

June 2011 | 5

Procurement Champion

These are AbilityOne Procurement Champions!Stephen Abate and Peter McDonald

When NISH’s Products Depart-ment recently started a new team to work with various program manag-ers of the Army’s Program Execu-tive Office on manufacturing and development contracts, they knew having someone on the military side already familiar with AbilityOne would mean success. Fortunately, they found just that in Stephen Abate and Peter McDonald.

Created to develop the best equipment possible and quickly deploy it to our soldiers, PEO Soldier is part of Natick’s Contracting Division. Both Abate and McDonald are contracting officers for Natick, the U.S. Army base located in Massachusetts, and have a long-term relationship with NISH and the AbilityOne Program.

“Both Abate and McDonald helped smooth the workflow due to their familiarity with the AbilityOne Program,” said Elizabeth Sakmar, senior team manager, contract management, NISH Products. “Their respect for the program helped make the new team a success and now has program manag-ers in other areas asking how they can participate in the program.”

Abate began working for Natick 11 years ago, after a career in the finan-cial services industry and serving as a major in the Army Reserve. Today he works with the program office to procure items for soldiers, sailors, guardsmen, airmen and marines. Though McDonald’s contracting experience spans a few more years, 14 to be exact, he only started working for Natick three years ago. He’s currently an Army Acquisition Corps member

responsible for all facets of the acqui-sition process, including conducting acquisition strategy meetings, presolic-itation activities and contract admin-istration for complex, multi-million dollar acquisitions.

Using the AbilityOne Program whenever possible has been a major goal for both of them.

“Natick Contracting has always been at the forefront of partnering with AbilityOne. So as I was learning the contracting ropes, NIB/NISH have always been there,” Abate said.

“Our agency works with teenagers who have special needs to help in our close-out procedures. Personally, I feel these individuals do have something to offer, and it gives them a sense of self-worth.”

Taking it a step further, McDonald echoed Abate and predicts a long-term partnership between the two entities.

“I see a strong, bright future [for AbilityOne and Natick],” he said. “Here at Natick Contract-ing Division, we are big fans of the program. We consistently steer our customers to the program.”

Seeking success for everyone, McDonald has worked with AbilityOne’s nonprofit agencies to

help give them the extra edge when it comes to performance.

“We’ve provided engineering support and quality assurance support to enable the vendor to pass the First Article Test requirements,” he said. “We’ve never had any issues getting an AbilityOne contract in place. In fact, I would tell other contracting officers who are considering the AbilityOne Program to try it and they will like it.”

For Abate, one of the AbilityOne Program’s unique benefits is the process.

“Since the items usually are on the FPL [Federal Procurement List], it stream-lines the process of getting the contract written and ultimately down range to the warfighter. The overall quality of materials received is very high,” he said. “We view NISH and the AbilityOne Program as partners, working towards a common goal.”

Those who have worked with Abate and McDonald have seen first-hand their dedication to the program.

“Stephen and Peter are such great supporters of the program. We know they will protect the integrity of the program while helping NISH provide work opportunities for people with significant disabilities,” said Jill

Abate and McDonald Help AbilityOne® Program SucceedBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

Peter McDonaldStephen Abate

Procurement Champion Continued on Page 6

Procurement Champion

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Stevens Turns Challenges into Happy Endings for AbilityOne® ProgramBy Sarah Gray, manager, Marketing, NISH National

This is an AbilityOne Procurement Champion!Gloria Stevens Acting Associate Director, Service Centers DivisionGeneral Services AdministrationNew York City, New York

“I love a challenge,” stated AbilityOne Procurement Champion Gloria Stevens. “And I also love a happy ending.”

If you have entered a federal build-ing in New York City, New Jersey or Puerto Rico, over the past 38 years, chances are good that you have seen the results of Stevens’ hard work.

In her current role as acting associ-ate director, service centers division, Stevens provides overall regional program direction for tenant and property operations, enterprise engineering, project management and acquisition programs and services for federally owned and leased space. In other words, Stevens is responsible for getting the biggest bang for the taxpayer buck when it comes to custodial service.

Stevens has worked for the federal government for 42 years and for General Services Administration (GSA) for 38. She learned of the AbilityOne (then Javits-Wagner-O’Day) Program in the 1980’s through her work on the job. She was directly involved in her first AbilityOne contract in the early 1980’s when she was involved with the replace-ment of the in-house custodial staff at 26 Federal Plaza, a federally owned skyscraper in downtown Manhattan.

She developed a personal connec-tion to the mission because of a relative who had a disability. Stevens toured a local nonprofit agency to learn about the services that might

be available for her sister-in-law. Stevens became even more dedicated to supporting the AbilityOne Program after this tour.

“That’s when I connected the dots,” she said. “I saw how these organiza-tions can help people with disabili-ties to live fuller lives.”

While the AbilityOne Program faced some resistance, Stevens countered it with education. Stevens has played an important role in the GSA/NISH strategic alliance in her region as well.

Steve Coons, director, Fedcap (New York City, N.Y.), has worked with Stevens for more than 20 years.

“Gloria has worked her way up the ranks in GSA, which gives her a unique perspective. She’s held so many different positions in the organiza-tion and she knows how things should work. She understands how all the pieces fit together,” stated Coons.

“She is dedicated to getting the best service for GSA and providing the best possible working environment

for GSA employees. She’s a strong advocate for GSA, for FedCap and for the entire AbilityOne Program.”

As a direct result of her efforts through-out the years, there are approximately 500 people with disabilities employed through 33 contracts in 50 locations throughout New York, New Jersey and the Caribbean.

“I get immense satisfaction in knowing that I played a role in providing oppor-tunities for people with disabilities.”

NISH would like to extend a sincere thanks to Gloria Stevens—a true AbilityOne procurement champion. H

Comments regarding AbilityOne Procurement Champion articles and nominations can be addressed to Rachel Crowell, specialist, Marketing at [email protected].

Johnson, executive director, NISH national products operations.

“Their high levels of responsiveness and professionalism, especially in times of short deadlines and expir-ing funding, are what we have come to expect from the Natick contract-ing group. We appreciate all that they do and look forward to continuing a solid relationship with them.”

NISH extends sincere thanks to Stephen Abate and Peter McDonald for their dedication and support of the AbilityOne Program. H

Comments regarding AbilityOne Procurement Champion articles and nominations can be addressed to Rachel Crowell, specialist, Marketing at [email protected].

Procurement Champion Continued from Page 6

June 2011 | 7


By Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

Throughout the United States, various nonprofit agencies (NPAs) of all shapes and sizes work hand-in-hand with the AbilityOne® Program, providing jobs to those who would otherwise be unemployed. Within that mix are a number of smaller NPAs, many in rural communities, who work very hard despite numerous obstacles to help change the lives of those with significant disabilities.

Here’s a look at three NPAs who, though smaller than their counterparts, as it relates to the number of employees, are making a big impact in their communities.

Small NPA,

“Both ventures employ

people with a wide range of

skill levels, and both offer

jobs for people with very

low productivity that would

otherwise be unemployed.

The jobs give people the

opportunity to contribute

to the community as part

of the local health care and

recycling systems”

— Borgi Beeler CEO of MVW Services


Minot Vocational Workshop Services Located in the rural state of South Dakota (total population 672,591) Minot Vocational Workshop Services (MVW Services), a sister company of Minot Vocational Adjustment Workshop (MVAW), has overcome numerous challenges throughout the years when it comes to providing employment for those with significant disabilities.

Begun in 1960 as a school for those with mental disabilities, MVAW has evolved over time, adding various services designed to help those with significant disabilities. In the 80s MVAW began offering vocational opportunities through MVW Services and, in 1985, after working with NISH for two years, the organization obtained the first federal contract given to an NPA in North Dakota, providing shelf stocking and custodial

services to the Minot Air Force Base Commissary.

Today, in addition to federal contracts, MVW Services also employs people in a recycling center as well as a commer-cial laundry that services the local hospital and a nursing home.

“Both ventures employ people with a wide range of skill levels and both offer jobs for people with very low productivity that would otherwise be unemployed,” said Borgi Beeler, CEO of MVW Services. “The jobs give people the opportunity to contribute to the community as part of the local health care and recycling systems.”

According to Beeler, though North Dakota is the only state with a balanced budget thanks to new rock fracturing technology that started an oil production boom; the state also

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MVW Services employee Andy May stacks clean bowls as part of his job in food services.


has its problems. Stressed roads, difficulty finding employees, an impossible housing market with outrageous prices and more are some of the issues that plague the state. For MVW Services, finding employees is a huge issue.

“That applies to job coaches as well as employees with disabilities,” Beeler said. “We have been very successful in getting work and we have taken advantage of oppor-tunities in order to offer a variety of work options to people. But the result is that we have diffi-culty locating sufficient employees with disabilities in order to keep all the spots filled. And of course the recent oil field activity is only adding to that problem.”

One of MVW Service’s main federal contracts is their food services contract with the Minot and Grand Forks Air Force Bases. The contract involves a range of work tasks and enables MVW Services to provide employment to a variety of people.

“Obviously cashiering requires work skills not normally found in people with cognitive deficits. But bussing tables and running the clipper offers employment for people who do not communicate well,” Beeler said. “We have a good relationship with the [military] bases and ensure that we fulfill all requirements of the performance work statement – every day, no exceptions. Whatever the issue – blizzards impeding travel or contin-gency cooks required because Air Force personnel are sent overseas – we work with the Air Force to ensure that the troops are fed.”

Angie Klein, a contracting officer at Minot Air Force Base, has been impressed with MVW Services’ ability. At times, foodservices has needed contingency service with little or no notice from the government and MVW Services has always provided the help needed to keep meals going. As Klein noted, having MVW Services on base has been important for the community, giving those with signifi-cant disabilities a job and a future.

For MVW Services’ employees, finding employment in such a rural area has greatly increased their quality of life. One employee, Dennis Leith, had resigned from his job so he could recuperate from knee surgery and then retire but loved his job so much he came back. For others, their job means having an income they might not otherwise have.

“I like my job,” said Patty Ofsthun, a food services employee. “I get to go shopping.”

Dawn Enterprises, Inc.With a population of approximately 10,500, the small farming commu-nity of Blackfoot, Idaho doesn’t offer many employment opportunities; most employers are mom and pop operations who hire mainly family members. For those with significant disabilities, this means jobs are scarce.

Enter Dawn Enterprises, Inc. (Dawn). Established in 1974, Dawn’s first office was located in the local state hospital building and less than a dozen clients

were entertained in a day program with arts and crafts projects. But Dawn grew quickly, allowing the formation of a dedicated custodial team and organizational relocation to downtown Blackfoot. By 1978, Dawn moved into a newer facility and made its foothold in the community. .

Dawn’s first NISH sewing projects were started in 1984. Today, Dawn maintains a large sewing manufac-turing department that produces the anti-flash hoods purchased by the U.S. Navy. Along with employment, the agency also provides housing and community support services to people with significant disabilities.

“There just are not a lot of [employ-ment] opportunities in our commu-nity,” said Donna Butler, Dawn’s executive director. “Our sewing manufacturing contracts allow for employment opportunities that would not otherwise be available.”

Thanks to Dawn, a number of people Small NPA, Big Impact Continued on Page 10

June 2011 | 9

Dennis Leith, another MVW Services employee, has worked on the food services contract since 2007.

with significant disabilities are gainfully employed and helping keep our service men and women safe. This year alone, Dawn employees will produce roughly 200,000 anti-flash hoods for our troops.

“Dawn is a fantastic opportunity for people with disabilities to feel worth-while and provide a needed product to our military personnel,” said Paula Peterson, final inspector and seamstress for Dawn. “I’m proud of the work and products that we have here.”

REACH, Inc.Founded by a group of five families


in 1977, REACH, Inc. provides a full range of services to children and adults who experience developmental disabili-ties. Located in South-east Alaska, REACH has grown from serving the original five people with significant disabilities to helping more than 300 children and adults, including providing housing for 21 adults with significant physical and cognitive disabili-ties. REACH is now the third largest private employer in Juneau with

approximately 240 employees and it’s the single largest employer for individu-als with significant disabilities.

Although Juneau is the capital of Alaska, it’s actually a small and isolated community of 30,000 only reachable by air or water. This means choices are limited when it comes to products, service provid-ers and employment. employment. There is also an increase in cost and wait times. Without REACH, individuals with significant disabili-ties would have an even harder time finding employment.

REACH offers jobs through several government custodial contracts and REACH Shredding, which provides document shred-ding service to businesses, government agencies and individuals. REACH Shred-ding has grown to more than 350 customers and 25 REACH-client employees.

One of REACH’s employ-ees, Terral Kahklen, is a perfect example of how an NPA can make a difference in someone’s life. Kahklen, who is non-verbal and uses very little sign language, is a custodial employee at the federal office building in Juneau.

“Terral has received a variety of support from REACH Inc. since the early 1980’s and work has always been an integral aspect of his life. The AbilityOne custodial contract has provided him with the oppor-tunity to work at a job he loves that promotes a supportive and steady work environment,” said Nikki Franzoni, supported employment, REACH. “Terral works 32 hours per week and is able to earn a living wage that allows him to live in his own apartment, take independent transportation to and from work, and travel the world.

“Terral enjoys attending the Iditarod each year, and often travels for a month at a time to the Philippines for vacation. In 2005, Terral also traveled to Washington D.C. to attend the NISH Grassroots Conference and was able to visit with his Congressional Representatives to advocate for more employment opportunities for individ-uals who experience disabilities.”

Whether it’s a small NPA located in a rural farming community or an NPA in the far corner of the United States, every one of these agencies works hard to help those with significant disabili-ties gain a life they might not have otherwise. As any one of their direc-tors might say, it’s why their agency exists and they wouldn’t have it any other way. H

Small NPA, Big Impact Continued from 9

▲ Dawn’s large sewing manufacturing contracts provide a number of jobs for those with significant disabilities.

▼ REACH’s Terral Kahklen at work in Juneau’s federal office building.

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Special Feature

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Todd Rush, 44, had plans to join the United States Air Force and thought he might even eventually become a law enforcement officer. In fact, he was gearing up for basic training when one day in 1987, he was riding his bike and got hit by a car. The accident impaired his brain functioning, leaving him to suffer from seizures – at one point, as many as three to four a day – that crushed his occupational dreams.

Unhampered by his medical condi-tion, he tried odd jobs at several chain restaurants, but was let go after having seizures—once when he was carry-ing a large container of hot grease and another time as he was walking among customers picking up dirty dishes.

It’s funny how life works. He ended up finding his dream job after all—and he’s working on an Air Force base to boot. Rush now works for an AbilityOne Program nonprofit agency (NPA) sorting items to be recycled at Patrick Air Force Base in Brevard County, Fla.

“This is a fantastic job and I’ve never been happier,” he says, noting that his seizures happen about once a month now, though when they do occur on the job, his co-workers can help him handle them. “I’ll be having an excellent day at work and then the next thing I know, I’m waking up in a hospital. Fortunately, the people here are used to it and they know exactly what to do when it happens.”

Rush found his niche as part of a

21-member team that recycles every-thing on base from glass, aluminum, plastic, cardboard, paper, electronic scrap and even oil. Bridges BTC, Inc., an AbilityOne NPA, secured a contract to do recycling at the base in 1995 and is now recycling nearly 600 tons of material every year and is currently on track to do some 800 tons by October 2011.

“We’re tracking faster this year than we did last year because the base is catch-ing on to which items can be recycled and where they can put them,” says Dorothy Couch, the project manager for the recycling program. Couch added that much of the recycled material is sold off base, with the profit returning to the Air Force.

The Air Force has a mandate that the base must recycle at least 40 percent of all waste but the Bridges program

has a goal of 50 percent of all waste. The state of Florida would like to see 75 percent of all waste on the base recycled by the year 2020.

“We primarily work with the devel-opmentally disabled,” says Couch. “A good majority of my crew have guardians – they’re not legally competent – yet they’re very capable when it comes to what we do. It’s pretty amazing. We get a lot of support on base.”

A Win-Win for Georgia Organization Robins Air Force Base in Houston County, Ga., has a contract with the Houston County Association for Excep-tional Citizens to recycle nine different products from all grades of paper to newspaper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastic and glass.

AbilityOne® Program Helps Sustain the Environment and Provide Life-Altering OpportunitiesBy Jamilah Simmons, contributing feature writer

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Sustainability is more than just green or environmentally sound practices. Sustainability is about protecting, preserving and enhancing our resources. Resources, in this context takes on a larger meaning than just natural resources (air, water, plants, minerals, animals) and includes a holistic approach of getting best value from labor, capital, and time in combination with natural resources.

Sustainability Continued on Page 23

The Federal Insight

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J.P. Industries, Inc. (JPI), located in Tucson, Ariz., was recently visited by Mr. James Omvig, a member of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled (the Committee), and his wife.

J.P. Industries, Inc., a 13-year AbilityOne® Program affiliate, has 123 employees with significant disabilities. JPI manages five AbilityOne Program contracts that total $9 million.

During the visit several months ago, the Omvigs were briefed on the organi-zation and made on-site visits to two contract sites: The Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Library and the Department of Homeland Security’s Tucson Sector Border Protection and Enforcement Organization.

JPI performs the base library opera-tions mission at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and provides janitorial and grounds maintenance services at the Tucson Sector Border Operations and Protection’s 30 locations along the Arizona-Mexico border.

At the library, Omvig took advan-tage of the opportunity to inform the personnel of the Committee’s overall mission and purpose. Additionally, he elaborated extensively on his personal responsibility as their representative on the Committee. After addressing the personnel, he answered questions from JPI employees at both locations, resulting in a discussion and exchange of information.

Following the discussion at the library, the Omvigs toured the facility and were shown the various activities conducted in support of the active and retired Airmen and their families in the Tucson community.

Omvig was briefed on JPI’s three-part mission. First is “mission support.” The objective of this mission is accomplished by providing inter-library loan services, online research

databases, and document delivery service and publications. Second is “education support”. To meet this requirement, the Library offers training to improve research skills, research orientation classes, and reference services. The third and final mission category is “improving quality of life”. This category includes all Davis-Monthan AFB users, focus-ing on the Airmen and their families. The goal of this mission is accom-plished through programs such as: The Library’s Book Club which meets monthly, The Children’s Hour which meets weekly, The Summer Reading Program for children, ages 4-12; computer training classes and online information classes, Movie Night, the

“Early” Literacy Program with “brain boxes” and brochures, the McNaugh-ton Lease Program, which brings the best-selling books to the Library, and lastly, the Author Series.

Approximately 100 personnel attended an Author Series event hosted by the JPI Davis Monthan Library. It featured New York Times best-selling author, J.A. Jance for a discussion about her recent best-selling novel, Fatal Error.

The JPI Operations Team manages a 36,000 item library housed in a 24,000 square foot building. The Omvigs were surprised to find that this facility was relatively new.

Omvig Visits J.P. Industries, Inc. of TucsonThe Federal Insight

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Mr. and Mrs. Omvig are greeted by JP Industries, Inc. Border Patrol contract personnel in Tucson, Ariz.

Pictured left to right: Patricia Cooper, library technician; Julius Parker, Jr., President and CEO; Timothy Jones, computer programmer; Mrs. Omvig, Mr. Omvig, Committee for Purchase Board Member; Elizabeth Brown, library technician; Henry Bailey, library technician; Pipei Guo, library director; Dorothy Parker, director of Human Resources.

Omvig Continued on Page 20

June 2011 | 15

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist, and Danea M. Kehoe, Esq.

View from

The Federal Insight

Dependent Care Tax Credit Helps Caregivers for Persons with DisabilitiesAmong the 70+ tax benefits that make up the “tax extenders” package that Congress and President Obama have enacted into law through the end of 2012 is a provision called the dependent care tax credit (DCTC). Although most people think of the DCTC as a tax rule that assists working parents of children under the age of 13, in reality it is also available to working family members who care for one or more persons with disabilities.

The income limits that determine which taxpayers will qualify for the DCTC, and the size of the credit itself, are scheduled to sunset at the end of 2012. If Congress declines to extend (with or without modifications) current law limits by the end of 2012, the DCTC would remain in the law, but at its 2001 (lower) levels.

The DCTC is an income-limited tax benefit that is available to people who work full-time or who are looking for full-time work who also provide care for young children or people with disabilities who live with them for at least half the year. On April 21 the Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a report explaining the DCTC.

President Obama and the White House Middle Class Task Force, are calling for an expansion of the DCTC for 2013 and thereafter. The president included it in his fiscal year 2012 budget proposal. The White House

Middle Class Task Force, chaired by Vice President Joe Biden, lists it among its goals “to improve work and family balance.”

The CRS report describes the DCTC as a nonrefundable tax credit available to certain working caregivers of “qualify-ing persons.” Important elements of the DCTC include:

� A qualifying person is a child under the age of 13 and/or a spouse or dependent (regardless of age) who is physically or mentally incapable of providing self-care, and who has lived with the taxpayer at least half the tax year

� Qualifying expenses include:▶ The cost of care provided

outside the home if the care is for a qualifying person who regularly spends at least eight hours each day in the taxpayer’s home, if the dependent care center at which the qualifying person spends time complies with all state and local regulations

▶ Transportation costs for a care provided to and from a qualifying dependent care center, but not transportation costs associated with a caregiver coming to the taxpayer’s home

▶ Costs associated with household services that are at least partly for the well-being and protection of a qualifying person—e.g., such services as housekeeper, maid or cook. Food, lodging, clothing, education and entertainment are not qualifying expenses.

▶ Costs for paying either a private individual or a dependent care center (but not a residential center)

The DCTC provides a tax credit of up to 35 percent of qualified employment-related expenses, up to a cap of $3,000 for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more dependents. The full 35 percent credit is available to those with adjusted gross incomes of $15,000 or less. At its smallest level, it is a 20 percent credit for those with adjusted gross incomes of $43,000.

These limits expire at the end of 2012. Without intervening Congressional action, the limits will revert to their 2001 levels—i.e., the DCTC will max out at 30 percent, and will begin to phase down at $10,000 rather than the current $15,000. The amount of expenses that will qualify for the DCTC will go back to $2,400 for one qualifying dependent, and $4,800 for two or more.

The president’s FY 2012 budget proposes increasing the income level at which the DCTC begins to phase down to $75,000. It would reach its 20 percent level at incomes of $103,000.

The DCTC can provide important financial help to families caring for people with severe disabilities. Its size and scope will be part of upcoming tax debates in 2012 and thereafter. H

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Procurement List Additions

Administrative SupportKeystone Building530 Davis Drive, South Campus111 T.W. Alexander Drive Research Triangle Park, NCDepartment of Health and Human ServicesContracting Officer: Steve CannonResearch Triangle, NC(919) 541-0423Nonprofit Agencies: National Institutes of Health, ResearchTriangle Park, NCOE Enterprises, Inc.Hillsborough, NC

Custodial185th Air Refueling WingBuildings 234 and 2412920 Headquarters AvenueSioux City, IADepartment of the ArmyXRAW7M8 USPFO Activity IA ARNG, Johnston, IAContracting Officer: Vicky WilliamsSioux City, IA (712) 233-0514Nonprofit Agency: Goodwill Community Rehabilitation Services, Inc.Sioux City, IA

Services

June 2011 | 17

Public Policycorner

The Federal Insight

The communities of people with significant disabilities, their caregiv-ers and loved ones have reason to be concerned as a debate continues over the extent to which our fiscally constrained federal government can provide the assistance programs that are so needed. Congress is struggling with deep spending cuts that have already begun to cut in to Federal programs that support people with significant disabilities. Deficits at all levels of government, calls for measures to spur job growth and competing priorities (think alterna-tive energy, education, infrastructure, etc.) are continuously challenging at lawmakers’ commitments to fund programs that help people with signifi-cant disabilities.

But regardless of how these debates are resolved—and that will take months, observers agree—important resources are currently in place and will remain available. People with significant disabilities and those who employ and support them would be well-served to explore a number of Web sites that can help with jobs, housing, transpor-tation, income support and medical needs.

One example is www.disability.gov. This website, created and maintained by the Department of Labor, consoli-dates a plethora of information on where a person with significant disabilities can find assistance with benefits, rights, community life, employment, health, housing, technol-ogy and transportation.

There are many other places that also contain important information. For example, the Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) website, in addition to its disability.gov website, offers a page dedicated to disability resources. It is a road map to the many government agencies that manage disability specific issues and situations and provides helpful information.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) also offers a Web site page specifically focused on information relevant to people with significant disabilities. It describes how to find federal employment or jobs for people with disabilities. The OPM site, www.opm.gov/disability, is a clearinghouse of information on the various federal laws and executive orders related to the employment of people with disabilities, information about employ-ment discrimination and links to other sites enabling a person with a disability to apply for a federal job.

There are also many rich resources available through the private sector. Just a few include:• www.nish.org • www.AbilityOne.gov • www.thearc.org• www.disaboom.com

Each of these websites offers detailed help in identifying and accessing programs and processes that will help people with significant disabilities find the resources they need to live with as much independence and dignity as possible.

There will be continued pressure on the Federal safety net of programs that help people with significant disabili-ties and the organizations that employ and support them. But it is important to not lose sight of the resources that exist now, and will continue to be available, regardless of the outcome of the current debate over how to allocate ever more limited Federal resources. H

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist

Despite Budget Challenges, Many Federal Resources Remain Available

The Federal Insight

18 | NISH WORKPLACE


When 86-year-old retired Master Chief Clyde Chaffin toured the galley at Naval Air Station Pensacola, he saw little resembling the way meals were prepared during his 28 years in Navy food services.

A veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Chaffin’s era represents a time when Navy cooks were responsible for every step in food preparation from butchering quarters of beef and peeling potatoes to chopping vegetables and baking bread and cookies.

Today, most of the food served at NAS arrives pre-cut, pre-packaged and pre-made. Meats are baked or steamed to exact temperatures in computer-controlled ovens. The bakery is unused; instead Bunny brand bread and Krispy Kreme doughnuts are stacked on trays to be served.

“It’s amazing. I had no idea there had been this kind of change,” Chaffin said. Everything is so different.”

What Has Not ChangedOne thing, however, has remained the same: The Navy still recognizes excellence in food services with the Capt. Edward F. Ney Memorial Award. Last year, the NAS galley was awarded the honor—the highest given for Navy food services.

No one had to explain the award’s significance to Chaffin. In 1965, the Ney Award was given to the food services operation at the Naval Training Center at Great Lakes, Ill. At the time, Chaffin oversaw that operation, which consisted of seven galleys and employed 261 cooks.

Historically, most of the work was done by Navy enlisted men and

women. That, too, has changed. Like military installations all over the U.S., NAS Pensacola contracts with a civil-ian business to carry out most of its food service operations—that business is Gulf Coast Enterprises (GCE), a Lakeview Center division that aims to employ people with disabilities.

“We’re very proud of them. They are excellent employees,” said GCE Project Manager Dawn Rupert as she guided Chaffin through the entire food service operation. The tour included room-size freezers and a steamy scullery where staff loaded dishes onto conveyer belts for washing. Chaffin’s visit was arranged at the request of Lakeview Center Quality Specialist Rusty Branch, who is a friend of the veteran cook.

“Everything is well organized,” Chaffin said. “I can see why you won the Ney Award here. This kind of operation is first rate.” H

Clyde Chaffin (middle) served as Master Chief at Great Lakes and recently asked to tour the Pensacola galley operations run by Lakeview's GCE.


June 2011 | 19


Oswego Industries, Inc. has announced a partnership with Woolrich, the Original Outdoor Clothing Company, to produce blankets for the General Services Administration for military use. As part of the partnership, Woolrich will be leasing selected pieces of equipment for the production of the blankets to the nonprofit, which provides job training and employment opportuni-ties for people with disabilities.

Oswego Industries, Inc. and Woolrich have enjoyed an association over the past few years. Staff from Woolrich assisted the nonprofit in upgrading its Textiles department. Oswego Indus-tries, Inc. frequently uses Woolrich to cut fabric for large projects such as coveralls for its government contract. Since expanding its Textiles depart-ment two years ago, Oswego Indus-tries, Inc. has attracted several new contracts producing items for govern-ment, retail and industry partners.

“Simply put, we could never have reached the level of success we currently enjoy without Woolrich’s help,” said Leo Waite, director of Business Development for Oswego Industries, Inc. “Their advice was invaluable, their assistance was excep-tional – and the generosity they have shown in not only entrusting their product to us, but leasing us their equipment as well, is truly remarkable.”

The partnership will provide new jobs for industrial sewing machine opera-tors and will create new positions in packaging, warehousing and logistics. In addition to completing and packaging the blankets, Oswego Industries, Inc. will maintain a blanket inventory and ship orders as directed by Woolrich. The first shipments will begin June 2011.

“We’re pleased to be a partner with

Oswego Industries and support their mission to develop services designed to improve the quality of life for all people, particularly those with disabilities, by providing the necessary support to enable individuals to grow with dignity and achieve their highest level of independence and self fulfillment,” said Joyce Raesner, contract administrator of Woolrich Government Contracting Division. “We have high standards at Woolrich and Oswego Industries, Inc. is a great partner who produces quality products that exceed those standards.”

Oswego Industries, Inc. will produce Army, Navy and Air Force blankets. Like all products purchased by the Department of Defense, the blankets must comply with the Berry Amend-ment, which gives preference in purchasing items produced and manufactured in the United States.

Oswego Industries, Inc. has produced similar blankets for another customer during the past year. Demand for those blankets increased dramatically since the beginning of the project from 4,000 blankets to 6,500 blankets per month. The Woolrich blankets will add to blanket production this year, with potential to grow more in the future.

Woolrich Inc., the Original Outdoor Clothing Company, is an authentic American brand that embraces an outdoor lifestyle. Trusted since 1830 by generations of loyal consumers, Woolrich continues its tradition of providing quality products for today’s outdoor enthusiast. A brand recognized worldwide, Woolrich product offerings include functional, comfortable and durable men’s and women’s sportswear and outerwear using innovative fabrications for the ultimate in performance capabili-ties, well designed home and outdoor living products, and licensed acces-sory products. In 2010, Woolrich celebrated its 180th Anniversary. It is the original and longest continuously operating outdoor apparel manufac-turer and woolen mill in the United States.

Oswego Industries, Inc. has built a reputation over the past 43 years for dependable and reliable service to its customers. Located in Fulton, New York, the organization offers a wide variety of manufacturing, warehous-ing, assembly, custodial, and shipping services to industry, medical and government partners across the country. As a private, nonprofit agency, Oswego Industries, Inc. has been providing programs and services to adults with disabilities since 1968: including pre-vocational and vocational training, and sustained employment to enable individuals to grow with dignity and achieve their highest level of independence and self-fulfillment. Its sister agency, ARC of Oswego County, provides services to children and seniors with disabilities: together creat-ing a comprehensive support system for Oswego County residents with disabilities. Oswego Industries, Inc. was named Not-For-Profit of the Year for 2009 by the Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce. H

Blankets, soon to be made by Oswego Industries, Inc., will include Army, Navy and Air Force blankets.


20 | NISH WORKPLACE

A new contract for Phoenix-giving it responsibility for grounds maintenance at Redstone Arsenal-creates 124 jobs, and 60 percent of the jobs will be filled initially by persons with disabilities.

Eventually, at least 75 percent of those working on the contract will be persons with significant disabilities.

“Our goal at Phoenix is to help every person with a disability in North Alabama who wants to work to get a job,” said Phoenix CEO Bryan Dodson. “With this contract, we are making great strides in reaching that goal.”

Phoenix, a Huntsville-based nonprofit, provides jobs, job place-ment and other services to people with disabilities in Madison, Limestone, Jackson, Morgan and Cullman counties.

The five-year contract, which calls for Phoenix to provide mowing and landscaping of 6,000 acres of arsenal land, has a value of $6.3 million a year. That means a 24 percent increase in revenue and a 20 percent growth in employment for Phoenix, Dodson said. “That’s substantial.”

Phoenix has invested more than $4 million in tractors, mowers and other equipment from local vendors such as Huntsville Tractor & Equipment and Woody Anderson Ford.

“The beauty of a contract like this is that Phoenix isn’t the only company that benefits,” Dodson said. As an AbilityOne® agency,

“we are able to serve not only people

with disabilities and the arsenal, but we also are able to do business with great local companies.”

The AbilityOne Program is a federal initiative designed to help people with disabilities find jobs by working for nonprofit agencies.

According to projections for the current fiscal year, Phoenix will have 655 employees and provide services for 850 people through its three operating divisions: Phoenix Manufacturing, Phoenix Service and Phoenix Vocational Services.

The nonprofit’s largest contract in employment and revenue is for custodial services at Redstone Arsenal with workers cleaning more than six million-square-feet space in about 540 buildings. Phoenix started providing custodial work under that contract 11 years ago with 102 employees and today more than 225 people are employed for that work. H

Phoenix to Keep Arsenal Grounds ContractBy Marian Accardi, Times Business Writer The following article was published in The Huntsville Times on 4/6/2011 on page B1.

Credit: Robin Conn/The Huntsville Times Phoenix employees mow grass and trim weeds on the grounds of the Werner von Braun complex on Redstone Arsenal.

They were even more surprised to learn the JPI team previously occupied a 6,000-square-foot-facility and had been awarded two Air Combat Command 4-Star Awards in recognition of efficiency and effectiveness.

When the moving company found themselves short-handed, the library team assisted. The six AbilityOne Program employees became adept at tearing-down and setting-up shelves, moving massive amounts of books, developing lay-outs for books and arranging books and other items such as computers and furniture in the library.

Previously, 16 computers were

Omvig Continued from Page 14 dispersed at the library tables. Currently, the new facility is outfitted with 24 computers in a separate room. Additionally, the new library has a periodical reading room, a teen room, a large children’s room with dinosaur and animal murals and a large room that houses the main collections including fiction and non-fiction books, DVDs, CDs, biographies, audio-visual books and New York Times best sellers.

The Omvigs recognized the thought-ful and professional work the JPI team performed to develop the Davis-Monthan Library into a place that offers many opportunities and services for the Airmen and their families both active duty and retired. H

The Workplace Inclusive

22 | NISH WORKPLACE

For those with significant disabili-ties, a job is sometimes the catalyst needed to change their lives. Take Jason Silverman for example. In 2009, he was unemployed and battling his disability. He was born with Agenesis of the Corpus Collosum with Associ-ated Features and struggles with social skill deficits, inaccurate perception of internal states (heat, thirst, etc.), inaccurate self perception and memory difficulty with frustration and pressure. His disability left him unable to find a job and without much of a future.

Enter the AbilityOne Program. Thanks to AbilityOne, Silverman found employment through the Florence County Disabilities and Special Needs (FCDSN) Board in Florence, S.C. In March 2010, he began working for Palmetto Secure Document Destruc-tion on an IRS document destruction contract as a paper sorter.

“From the first day, Jason has improved steadily with his job and his unique challenges,” said Jack Elliot with FCDSN. “He comes to work several days a week without being accompanied by his staff/mentor and the other days with him. His person-ality has blossomed and he enjoys his staff and co-workers. This contract has truly helped him and shown him he can be productive. It’s also given him self-esteem.”

Those around Silverman have noticed his commitment to his job and to learning more skills and continually improving. He’s also known for his infectious smile. He enjoys what he’s doing and the people he works with and it shows.

“Jason has applied his skills across a range of activities and shown tremendous growth himself as a

full-time employee,” said Brant Miles with Palmetto Secure Document Destruction. “He began his time with the company by learning the ropes inside the shred facility at Palmetto Secure Document Destruction while taking part in the comingling, shred-ding and baling processes. He has continued to expand his skill set and now joins the company’s driver on a regular basis, assisting with the collection of containers and materi-als on daily routes.

“Jason’s ability to attack new tasks and his overall helpfulness has greatly benefitted the company and his coworkers. Whether in the facility or on the truck, Jason has proven to be a valuable and reliable contributor to the continued growth of Palmetto Secure Document Destruction.”

For Silverman, his job has given him purpose and freedom.

“The AbilityOne Program has given me a job and a way to make money,” Silverman said. “I’m able to stay busy and not sit in my apartment. I have money to buy things I want and am able to live in my own apartment.”

Outside work, Silverman stays busy with various activities. He’s involved with the state Democratic party and volunteers at his church. This past summer, he rode a train across the country to California to participate in the national convention for the Agene-sis of the Corpus Collosum.

“Jason has worked hard to overcome the challenges his disability presents. He is very committed to his job and wants to learn more skills and continue to improve,” Elliott said. “Jason Silver-man is what we are about.” H

AbilityOne® Program Success Story

AbilityOne Program Provides Silverman with Brighter FutureBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

June 2011 | 23

The Workforce Inclusive

The Arc of Virginia Peninsula Recognizes Exceptional EmployeeThe Arc of the Virginia Peninsula (The Arc) hosted a Business Breakfast and Green Jobs Expo late April at the main facility in Hampton, Va. More than 65 business and community leaders attended the event to learn about The Arc’s programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

During the event, Captain Penny Walter, Commanding Officer of the NOSTRA Lens Lab at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, spoke to attendees about how AbilityOne employees from The Arc are vital parts of their workforce. She also recognized Kenny Reeves, an employee from The Arc, who was recently named Employee of the Quarter at the NOSTRA Lens Lab. H

Pictured from left to right: Captain Walter, Kenny Reeves and Congressman Bobby Scott.

Sustainability Continued from Page 12They’ve had the contract since 1995 and employ 14 adults with develop-mental disabilities.

Allen Spence is one of those adults. He says he’d been through many jobs and had always been fired either because he couldn’t keep up with the workload or didn’t get along with his coworkers due to his slight mental disability. When he was fired from a local restaurant one day, he decided to check out the opportunities at Robins Air Force Base.

“I used to always ride my bike past this place and I was just curious,” he says. “The day after I was let go, I came

here and found out what this place was about. They hired me.”

Now Spence, 47, who lives indepen-dently, sorts through bags of shredded paper separating the colored from the white, working about five hours a day.

“I was tired of being fired,” he says. “I take pride in my work and this is a place where I can keep calm, listen to my radio and just do my work.”

Tod Cowart, director of the program, explains that about 15 years ago, the officials on the base were discussing the need to recycle and had put forth some efforts here and there but wanted to start a more organized recycling program.

“They came to us and made the proposal that we take it on and we already knew the business so it worked out,” he says.

The program recycles about 140,000 pounds of material per month, according to Dan Redding, contract manager. “And we manage to keep all of that material out of landfills,” Redding says proudly. The recycled material on the open market and profits – can vary widely but right now averages about $12,000 per month. These profits go back to the Robbins Air Force Base.

“It’s a win-win situation for the base and the community,” Redding says. H

NISH

WorkplaceNISH8401 Old Courthouse RoadVienna, VA 22182

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PAIDReston, VA

Permit No. 84

NISH Training Calendar

NISH offers a wide range of training opportunities through the NISH Academy for Leadership, Performance & Development. For more information, to request a 2011 training calendar or to register for courses, please contact the NISH Training Team at 571/226-4660 or visit the NISH Web site at www.nish.org.

NISH MissionNISH creates employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities.

6, 7 Overview of Government Contracting for CRPs New Orleans, LA

6, 7 Person-Centered Planning for Employment Vienna, VA

11 Quality Work Environment (QWE): Overview and Implementation Plan Vienna, VA

12, 13 Foundation and Corporate Grantsmanship Atlanta, GA

12, 13, 14 AbilityOne Academy Vienna, VA

12, 13, 14, 15Hospitality Services: Property Management and First Sergeants Barracks Program (FSBP) Business Development 2

Seattle WA

13, 14 ISO 9001: 2008 A Roadmap for Successful Implementation Milwaukee, WI

19, 20 Managing People for Performance Excellence San Francisco, CA

19, 20 Proposal Development Strategies and Techniques Dallas, TX

20, 21 Emerging Regulations in Laundry Operations Des Moines, IA

26, 27 Contact Center Services Best Practices Framework Lansing, MI

26, 27Operating and Managing a Successful Custodial Business: Health, Safety and Appearance−Your Pathway to Green Cleaning

Denver, CO

26, 27, 28Boilers, Heating Systems and Applied Mathematics (for the Total Facilities Management Initiative)

Vienna, VA

26, 27, 28Carpet Cleaning Maintenance Technician (CCMT) Three-Day Hands-On IICRC Certification Course

Atlanta, GA

july

Documents

Workplace June 2011