DAS gives overview of Oregon Forward program for employing people with disabilities

Debbie Dennis, chief administrative officer and deputy director at the Department of Administrative Services, gave a brief informational overview of the Oregon Forward program, a state program that requires public agencies to purchase products and services from qualified nonprofit organizations that employ people with disabilities.

Dennis summarized the program’s purpose and administration: Oregon Forward was established in 1977 to encourage employment and independence for individuals with disabilities; DAS certifies and maintains a list of qualified contractors and determines program suitability and cost-recovery pricing for goods and services. She said contractors must have at least 60% of direct labor performed by individuals with disabilities under the current standard (the rate was 75% prior to 2019, changed to 65% in 2019, and reduced to 60% in 2021).

Dennis provided program-scale figures: in 2024, Oregon Forward nonprofits employed nearly 2,000 individuals with disabilities and sales under Oregon Forward agreements totaled about $89 million; she said roughly 75% of those sales were with cities, counties and other local jurisdictions. Dennis described DAS responsibilities for successor contractors when an awarding agency replaces a provider: if an outgoing contractor employed affected employees at 28 hours or more per week, a successor contractor must offer wages and benefits equal to or better than those workers previously received and DAS makes the comparison and notification.

Committee members asked a clarifying question about the 60% threshold; Dennis confirmed the recent statutory change history and said DAS enforces the percentage and pricing rules. The committee said it will carry the topic forward for a more detailed informational session.