Representative Foxx Co-Sponsors Bill To Reinstate IFB Federal Contracts

U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx has co-sponsored a bill to restore federal contracts with IFB Solutions. The Winston-Salem-based company has made eyeglasses for the Department of Veterans Affairs for the past two decades.   

The resolution addresses laws that oversee federal contracts with companies that employ the blind or severely disabled.

IFB Solutions is fighting to keep over 100 positions following an announcement that the VA would end three optical contracts with the agency.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that IFB is the largest employer of the blind in the U.S.

Foxx, a North Carolina Republican, is asking the government to review VA contracts drawn up under AbilityOne, a congressional act giving the federal government preference to award contracts to companies that employ the blind. A recent court ruling sided with veteran-owned businesses over AbilityOne nonprofits.

IFB has appealed that decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.