The RSA provides contracting priority for the management of vending facilities to individuals who are blind or have vision impairment. The program is self-funded by revenue from these facilities, including proceeds from contracts for large-scale Army dining facilities. In its brief, the coalition argues that eliminating RSA priority for all Army dining facilities deprives states of a contracting priority that promotes financial independence for blind residents, diminishes program-generated revenue, and constrains the states' ability to carry out their program responsibilities.
The coalition contends the administrative record is insufficient and inconsistent with states' extensive on-the-ground experience administering the program. Across jurisdictions and military installations, RSA dining facilities have consistently demonstrated that they operate efficiently, meet contractual requirements, and deliver high-quality service within parameters set by federal agencies.
The brief further argues that dining facilities operated under the RSA function at reasonable and competitive costs because labor costs are governed by federal labor standards, not vendor discretion. State licensing agencies ensure vendors operate efficiently and control costs while delivering high-quality dining services across federal and military installations.
The coalition asserts that critical program-sustaining revenue is jeopardized by destabilizing the program funding, reducing immediate revenue, and undermining the contracting advantage Congress established for state licensing agencies. Additionally, blind residents' access to employment opportunities is harmed, reducing their independence and social and economic mobility.
For 90 years, the RSA has directed federal agencies to afford priority to blind individuals to manage vending facilities on federal property. In California, the Department of Rehabilitation's Business Enterprise Program recruits, trains, licenses, and supports individuals who are blind or have vision impairment to manage vending facilities using set-aside funds from RSA contracts. Army dining facilities are the most lucrative of these contracts, contributing 11% of the total set-aside that the Business Enterprise Program relies upon to sustain its RSA program.
Attorney General Bonta co-led the filing with Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, and Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones. They are joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and the District of Columbia.
"The Trump Administration is dismantling fair employment opportunities for blind workers and undoing decades of progress toward economic inclusion," said Attorney General Bonta. "For nearly a century, the Randolph-Sheppard Act has created stable, income-generating careers for blind professionals who have successfully contributed to California's workforce. California remains committed to maintaining that opportunity and empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and economic mobility. True equity means prioritizing their success, challenging stigmatization, and ensuring the opportunity for meaningful work."
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