(WDNews) — The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind has been awarded a contract valued at up to $15 billion to supply the U.S. Air Force with materials and equipment over the next four years.
According to a Department of Defense notice released Monday, the agreement falls under the federal AbilityOne program, which creates employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities.
Under the contract, the Talladega-based institute will provide tools, parts, materials and other equipment to the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. The installation employs approximately 6,000 civilians and handles depot maintenance and engineering support for aircraft including the F-15, C-5 and C-130.
The contract is expected to run through Feb. 5, 2029.
The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind operates five campuses in Talladega and maintains regional centers in Birmingham, Decatur, DOTHAN, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Tuscaloosa and the Shoals area.
Alabama Industries for the Blind, a division of the institute, employs more than 200 adults who are blind or deaf in manufacturing operations. Workers produce a range of items including paper goods, flight bags, screen-printed materials, mops and all military neckties used by the U.S. Armed Forces.
