For the past two years, Melwood, in partnership with the George Washington University Law School, has convened the JWOD Symposium, bringing together contract administrators, AbilityOne NPAs, advocates and policymakers to discuss the legal & policy opportunities and challenges associated with the AbilityOne Program. What started as informal conversations among a growing number of NPAs affiliated with both SourceAmerica and NIB has transformed into an annual gathering attracting leading disability rights advocates. Thanks to the continued support of our community, this NPA-led symposium has gained the respect of the federal procurement community, attracting leadership of federal agencies and elected and appointed federal officials. The Symposium has had over 250 people in attendance and represents approximately 50 AbilityOne NPAs from across the country.

2020 Javits-Wagner-O’Day Legal & Policy Symposium Past Sessions

• September 29, 2020 – It Takes a Village (Increasing employment opportunities within the federal government for people with disabilities)
• October 06, 2020 – 20/20 Vision: The Future NPA ((The NPA as critical partner in the integrated effort towards an inclusive workforce)
• October 13, 2020 – Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall (Perception and brand of the U.S. AbilityOne Program)
• October 20, 2020 – TO BE OR NOT TO BE (Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) within the U.S. AbilityOne Program
• October 27, 2020 – Let’s Roll Up Our Sleeves (What statutory, regulatory, and administrative changes will it take to implement the 898 Panel Recommendations?)
• November 02, 2020 – Boots on the Ground (Inclusion of Veterans in the AbilityOne Program)
• November 10, 2020 – When the Dust Settles (Aftermath of the VA Rule of Two.)
• November 17, War (Competition) What Is It Good For? (Competition & Pricing in the U.S. AbilityOne Program)