HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base officials have announced the opening of an Ability One Base Supply Center at the Minuteman Commons here later this summer for government purchase card holders to obtain office items in person.
The Ability One Program is a federal initiative that supports employment of individuals with disabilities. The new store, operated by Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired, or IBVI, will offer supplies, furniture and design services, as well as other goods.
“The Ability One Base Supply Store is a big win for Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Mike Snyder, 66th Logistics Readiness Squadron director here. “It provides an extensive walk-in retail office supply option for GPC holders while also offering a host of other critical goods and services. By opening this facility here, we are able to streamline the shopping experience for local GPC cardholders.”
There are more than 150 BSCs at military and government installations offering support to service members and federal employees, according to the Ability One website.
The Hanscom AFB location will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“IBVI Base Supply Center will be staffed by knowledgeable employees who will be ready to assist customers in finding the products that best meet their needs,” said Todd Hobart, IBVI vice president of Government Retail Sales and Operations.
According to the IBVI Supply website, IBVI offers more than 250,000 essential products through retail locations and an online store sent to the store or shipped direct to GPC card holders. Products range from office supplies to janitorial and facilities supplies, tools and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) products, clothing, and technology products.
Officials are planning to have a soft opening in July and a ribbon cutting ceremony later to officially open the store.
Only GPC holders will be able to make purchases from the store or online.
For more information, call Jayne Anastasio, Hanscom AFB BSC store manager, at 617-292-9953.