The Contracting Experience

The Contracting Experience - Episode 59: Providing Insight into the AbilityOne Program

The Contracting Experience

Show Notes

In this episode, we welcome two guests to highlight the benefits and importance of the AbilityOne Program. Marine Corps veteran and outreach coordinator Jason Michaelsen shares his experiences, struggles, and successes through the AbilityOne Program, offering a heartfelt, uplifting, and motivating testimonial. Jason's story, recently applauded at the DoD Procure-to-Pay Symposium, underscores the transformative impact of the program. Joining him is Roger Westermyer, Technical Director and AbilityOne Representative for the Air Force Installation Contracting Center. Roger demystifies the AbilityOne Program, explaining its purpose, benefits, and dispelling some common myths.

Together, they discuss the program's role in tapping America’s underutilized workforce, providing unique opportunities, and enhancing the business side of contracting. Tune in to learn how contracting professionals can effectively engage with AbilityOne and make a significant difference in people's lives.

Additional AbilityOne Resources:

1. The U.S. AbilityOne Commission maintains a Procurement List of thousands of AbilityOne products which must be purchased from an AbilityOne vendor. This list is maintained at https://www.abilityone.gov/procurement_list/index.html.

2. To discuss potential opportunities for AbilityOne, please reach out to [email protected]

If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via [email protected].

Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

More from The Contracting Experience

Oct 9, 2026

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, host Jamie Parks is joined by Tony Everidge, the new Director of Contracting for Air Force Materiel Command. Everidge discusses his journey from starting as a Contract Specialist in 1986 to leading a 4,200-person workforce managing a nearly $70 billion portfolio ($90B in FAR-based contracts and $3.23B in non-FAR awards as of end of fiscal year 2026). He shares insights from his diverse career, including experiences in research and development, installation support, and joint service programs, emphasizing how these roles have shaped his holistic view of the AFMC enterprise and the importance of collaboration.

Aug 13, 2026

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, host Rob Lorton sits down with Joe Fountain, a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES) and Director of Contracting for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC). They explore his career progression from starting as a Copper Cap trainee in 2004 to now managing a massive $40 billion portfolio, highlighting the immense value of diverse platform experience and the importance of getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

Jun 23, 2026

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, host Rob Lorton sits down with Ryan Connell, Assistant Director of the Rapid Acquisition Team within the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO). They explore the rapidly evolving landscape of using Artificial Intelligence to modernize and streamline Department of War acquisitions.

Jun 1, 2026

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, host Rob Lorton speaks with Brittany Burton, Chief of Contracting, and Amanda Smith, Deputy Division Chief, from the Air Force Security Assistance and Cooperation Directorate (AFSAC). They provide an inside look into the complex world of Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

May 5, 2026

In this episode of The Contracting Experience, host Rob Lorton sits down with Ed Keller, Director of Contracting, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). They discuss how the RCO’s agile model can be a blueprint for meeting the 2025 executive order's mandate for faster defense acquisition.

See all episodes →