Introduction to the Oregon Forward Program
The Oregon Forward Program (formerly called the Qualified Rehabilitation Facilities Program or QRF) was created in 1977 after Oregon lawmakers unanimously passed a law requested by the Oregon Resource Association. The goal was to improve job opportunities for people with disabilities, who had long been left out of the workforce and the state’s economy.
In the early 1900s, people with disabilities had very few opportunities for meaningful employment. That began to change after World War I, when the federal government passed the Smith-Sears (Vocational Rehabilitation) Act of 1918 to help disabled veterans learn new job skills. This act led to more programs, like the Smith-Fess Act of 1920, which created the civilian Vocational Rehabilitation System to help all people with disabilities find work. In 1938, the Wagner-O’Day Act required federal agencies to buy certain products—like brooms—from workshops that employed people who were blind. These laws helped shape future state and federal legislation.
Over time, there was growing support for helping people with disabilities live independently and find meaningful work. This led to the creation of the Oregon Forward Program, which helps nonprofits that employ people with disabilities sell goods and services to public agencies.
Before 1977, Oregon’s purchasing system relied on competitive bidding, which made it hard for local nonprofits to compete. The Oregon Forward Program, through state law (ORS 279.835-855) aims to empower people with disabilities to become more independent giving them real job skills and meaningful work.
The Oregon Forward Program Includes:
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Oregon Forward Contractors (OFCs): These are nonprofits that employ Oregonians with qualifying disabilities to do a significant portion of the work needed to make products or provide services, including those purchased by public agencies.
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Public Agencies: These include state and local governments, school districts, and other public organizations. They are required by law to first try to buy from Oregon Forward Contractors if those contractors can meet the job requirements. Only if no OFC can do the work may the agency open the job to competitive bidding.
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Program Management: The Oregon Department of Administrative Services manages the Oregon Forward Program.