United States Marine Corps
Office of the Commandant
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October 9, 2002
MARADMIN 543/02
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CL//
SUBJ/THE JAVITS-WAGNER-O'DAY PROGRAM//
POC/J. D. GROHARING/CAPT//TEL:DSN 227-5357/ TEL:COML (703) 697-5357//
RMKS/1. Serving the citizens of this country is one of the proudest
traditions of the United States Marine Corps. We are especially
privileged that this high purpose includes people who are blind
and severely disabled. One way this is carried out is through a
steadfast commitment to support the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Program.
2. The JWOD Program, named for the enabling Federal legislation,
is a priority source for supplies and services procured by all Government
agencies. It calls upon those who buy for the Government to purchase
such products and commercial services from the more than 600 JWOD-participating
not-for-profit businesses nationwide that employ people who are
blind or who have other severe disabilities.
3. These JWOD-participating businesses have demonstrated the capability
to meet our delivery and quality requirements at fair market prices
and presently supply a variety of products and services to the Corps.
For example, these agencies are performing valuable food service
subcontracts at 18 mess halls at our bases throughout the country
under the USMC regional garrison food service contracts. The chemical
protective clothing that Marines wear in training and combat is
likewise supplied by JWOD agencies. Even the name and USMC tapes
that are worn on our utility uniforms are made by nonprofit agencies
that serve people who are blind.
4. The employment opportunities that result from Government purchases
genuinely help the citizens of this country who are disabled achieve
the economic independence and enjoy the dignity associated with
having meaningful jobs. In return, the products and services provided
consistently meet the high quality standards that we expect from
all suppliers.
5. You are encouraged to learn more about the full range of JWOD
products and services. Please review the Program's web site at www.jwod.gov.
This site is maintained by the independent Federal agency which
administers the JWOD Program, the Committee for Purchase From People
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled. The site also links to the web
sites for National Industries for the Blind (www.nib.org) and NISH
(www.nish.org). These two central nonprofit agencies exist to facilitate
our obtaining JWOD goods and services.
6. I appreciate your continued emphasis and strong support to assure
that this unique Program remains visible as a source of supplies
and services during both acquisition planning and execution by all
Marine Corps buying activities.//
General James L. Jones
Commandant
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