Utica’s Central Association for the Blind Inc. is one of 12 suppliers included in a new federal contract with a maximum value of $985 million for supplies used by the military and federal civilian agencies.
The five-year, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract was awarded by the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support in Philadelphia. The agreement runs through Nov. 12, 2031 and has no option periods.
Under the contract structure, the suppliers will compete for orders rather than receive equal shares of the maximum amount. The federal agency said other contracts are expected to be awarded under the same solicitation, and the maximum value represents the total potential purchasing authority rather than a guaranteed payment to each company.
Supplies for military and civilian agencies
The contract covers base supply center supplies. Customers listed for the agreement include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies.
- Contract value: Up to $985 million across the participating suppliers
- Contract term: Five years, ending Nov. 12, 2031
- Funding: Fiscal 2027 through fiscal 2032 defense working capital funds
- Contracting activity: Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support in Philadelphia
The Central Association for the Blind Inc. is listed alongside suppliers from North Carolina, Kansas, Alabama, Maryland, Texas, Washington, Virginia and Wisconsin. The participating organizations include several groups that provide employment and services for people who are blind or visually impaired.
The contract was issued under solicitation SPE8EN-25-R-0004. The award uses an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity structure, allowing agencies to place orders during the contract period as needs arise. The federal funding is identified as defense working capital funds for fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
The participating suppliers are LC Industries Inc. of Durham, North Carolina; Envision Xpress Inc. of Wichita, Kansas; Alabama Institute for Deaf & Blind of Talladega, Alabama; Blind Industries & Services of Maryland of Baltimore; San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind Inc. of San Antonio, Texas; The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc. of Seattle; South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind Foundation of Corpus Christi, Texas; Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired of Charlottesville, Virginia; Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired Inc. of West Allis, Wisconsin; Central Association for the Blind Inc. of Utica; Beyond Vision – AIB Inc. of West Allis and Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Inc. of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Orders placed under the agreement will be competed among the eligible suppliers during the performance period. The contract’s listed end date is Nov. 12, 2031.
