I am reaching out to express the Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce (AEAW)’s support for the Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act.

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AEAW is dedicated to expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities by modernizing the federal government’s procurement processes, direct hiring practices, and related policies. Founded by five member organizations, Didlake, Global Connections to Employment (GCE), Melwood, ServiceSource and Transylvania Vocational Services (TVS), the Alliance is focused on modernizing and expanding the AbilityOne Program, in addition to strengthening and exploring other levers of employment like Sections 501 and 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

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With nearly 400 nonprofits employing more than 36,000 people with disabilities across the country, the AbilityOne Program is a powerful and effective tool providing the federal government with excellent service and products produced by a workforce comprised of employees who are traditionally disadvantaged within the broader labor market.

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These federal contract workers are crucial to keeping the country running, but suffer financial uncertainty in the face of a government shutdown. We appreciate your actions to provide equal treatment of federal contract employees and ensure that, in the event of a shutdown, federal contract employees are provided backpay.

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As an AbilityOne nonprofit agencies, this legislation will protect the livelihoods and financial security our employees with disabilities, who are vital members of the federal contracting workforce.

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Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.

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Dwight Davis

President, Alliance for Expanding America’s Workforce (AEAW)

President, Global Connections to Employment (GCE)

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