IFB Solutions facing dozens of job cuts; leaders heading to D.C. to fight policy change
Nearly 50 people will lose their jobs next week at a local nonprofit organization that employs people who are blind and visually impaired.
IFB Solutions said even more cuts are coming. They expect 137 people to lose their jobs in total, including 76 people who are blind and 15 veterans. They work in the optical lab.
It’s all a result of policy changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs, which has had long-term contracts with the nonprofit since 2000. A recent court order said that the Veterans Benefits Act gives priority to veteran-owned small businesses over AbilityOne nonprofits like IFB Solutions. Normally, these two entities coexist.
Dan Kelly, chief operating officer at IFB Solutions, believes there is enough business to go around and the nonprofit wants Congress to clarify its intent concerning that language.
“This is an unintended consequence. Two statutes that have worked in concert for so many years to protect opportunities for veterans and opportunities for employment for people who are blind,” Kelly said. “There is no reason why they can’t coexist in the marketplace.”
Kelly worries about the prospects for employees who face layoffs.
“There is a 70 percent unemployment rate for people who are blind, so seven out of ten Americans who are blind or visually impaired are not working,” Kelly said. “If an individual loses a job, there’s a less than 30 percent chance they’re going back to work anywhere else.”
Scott Smith works in the optical lab at IFB Solutions. He helps to make about 1,200 pairs of eyeglasses for veterans at the VA every day.
Smith’s job is in danger. He’s scared of what could come after five years of working at IFB Solutions.
“I couldn’t provide for my family,” he said. “Half of these people have little kids. I’m lucky my kids are grown, you know.”
The first wave of job cuts, 47 positions, is expected by the end of July 31.
In the meantime, leaders at IFB Solutions are taking the fight to Washington. They plan to meet with multiple representatives in Washington, D.C. later this week, including Congressman Mark Walker.
Congressman Walker is one of 34 representatives who have signed a bicameral letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie. They are urging him to take action and allow nonprofits to keep their role. Walker said his decision to sign was personal.
“My younger brother has been blind through a disease that was hereditary for nearly 30 years,” he said. “We have a wonderful community here that does great work, that provides jobs for many in the disabled community. We’re going to continue to make sure that we speak out and take action steps to prevent any kind of harm from coming to those communities.”
Walker hopes to speak directly with Secretary Wilkie at some point this week.
Representative Virginia Foxx signed the letter as well. In a statement, she said in part, “It is very unfortunate to see that two procurement programs that Congress intended to be complementary have been interpreted by courts as competing against each other.” She said she is keeping communication open between industry stakeholders and the VA to find a fix.
To learn more about these changes, click here.