Discussions about strengthening domestic production typically focus on factory infrastructure, supply chain resilience and sourcing raw materials. Often left out of the conversation is the skilled labor force driving that production forward — specifically, the broad American workforce of people with disabilities, including veterans.

By connecting these skilled individuals to meaningful employment, the AbilityOne Program, SourceAmerica and its nationwide network of nonprofit agencies help satisfy federal demand for products manufactured entirely in the United States. Today, nearly 4,300 employees with disabilities work in specialized manufacturing roles across SourceAmerica's network, and more than 98% of products produced within the network are wholly Made in America or compliant with the Trade Agreements Act.

From military uniforms, first-aid kits and aircraft components to office supplies and food products, these employees deliver the manufacturing expertise behind mission-critical supplies. A prominent example is Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation Inc., doing business as Phoenix, in Huntsville, Alabama, which demonstrates the direct intersection of disability employment and domestic production. Phoenix has manufactured official U.S. military burial flags for the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 25 years.

Every flag relies on a 100% domestic supply chain, from premium cotton fabric sourced from South Carolina to thread from North Carolina and brass grommets from Florida. Over its quarter-century of operation, Phoenix has produced more than 2 million flags, currently delivering more than 65,000 to the Department of Veterans Affairs every year.

People with disabilities, including veterans, employed through the AbilityOne Program at Phoenix produce the flags and see their work as a final contribution to fellow service members and their families.

"I served 23 years in the U.S. Army and so any time you receive a flag, regardless of the reason, it's meaningful," said Elizabeth Kennedy, director of enterprise assurance at Phoenix. "Whether you're a veteran, government service employee or family member, it has meaning."

Phoenix demonstrates that domestic manufacturing is not only defined by where raw materials are sourced, but by who receives the opportunity to do the work that brings it all together.

That dedication extends across SourceAmerica's network of nonprofit agencies. For instance, The Abilities Connection (TAC) Industries is the sole supplier of cargo nets for the U.S. Air Force and the only authorized repair station for 463L pallet nets. Made from 100% domestic materials, these specialized cargo nets secure equipment and supplies that military missions rely on every day. "American manufacturing is about more than the products we make; it's about the people behind them," said Jim Zahora, CEO of TAC Industries.

"Having this job gives me the opportunity to learn new skills and be part of something bigger than myself," said Thomas Holt, a production associate at TAC Industries. "I'm proud that the work I do supports the U.S. Air Force."

These job opportunities go beyond basic duties. They are true manufacturing positions that require precision, quality and strict adherence to federal requirements. Workers with disabilities contribute across the entire supply chain, from fabrication, assembly and quality control to packaging, fulfillment, supply chain management, contact center support and IT services.

When people with disabilities gain employment, they build skills, economic independence and self-reliance, and in turn, federal customers gain access to a capable, experienced domestic workforce. The value created by these opportunities goes far beyond the factory floor; the AbilityOne Program generates an estimated $2.66 average return on investment for every dollar spent on administration, while helping save an estimated $191 million annually in federal benefit programs.

The true strength of American manufacturing depends on the people who make, assemble and deliver those products. Phoenix, TAC Industries and other AbilityOne federal contractors in SourceAmerica's network demonstrate that disability employment and domestic production reinforce one another. As leaders and policymakers invest in domestic manufacturing capacity, they must also invest in the talent that makes it possible.

Learn more about SourceAmerica's impact at SourceAmerica.org.

The mention of the U.S. Government in this article does not imply endorsement by the government of the product or service provided by the nonprofit agency to the government.