Report of the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
05/08/2026
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2026
51
51
1,199
1,199
94,574
0
The Randolph-Sheppard Act (Act) provides persons who are blind with remunerative employment and self-support through the operation of vending facilities on Federal and other property. The program, enacted into law in 1936, was intended to enhance employment opportunities for trained, licensed blind persons to operate vending facilities. At the outset, the program placed sundry stands in the lobbies of Federal office buildings and post offices, selling such items as newspapers, magazines, candies, and tobacco products. The law was subsequently amended in 1954 and again in 1974 to ensure individuals who are blind a priority in the operation of vending facilities, which now include cafeterias, military dining facilities, snack bars, interstate highway rest areas, and automatic vending machines on Federal property. Most States also have programs that include State, county, municipal, and private installations.
The licensing and operation of vending facilities by blind vendors under the Act is supported by a combination of VR program funds, State appropriations, Federal vending machine income, and levied set asides from vendors. As required by 20 U.S.C. 107a(6)(a), the Secretary of Education, through the Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), conducts periodic evaluations of the programs authorized under the Act. In addition, section 107b(4) requires entities designated as the State licensing agency (SLA) to âmake such reports in such form and containing such information as the Secretary may from time to time requireâ¦.â The information to be collected is a necessary component of the evaluation process and forms the basis for reporting to the Department. The data are also used to understand the distribution type and profitability of vending facilities throughout the country. Such information is useful in providing technical assistance to SLAs and property managers and in monitoring the implementation of the program. The Code of Federal Regulations, at 34 CFR 395.8, specifies that vending machine income received by the State from Federal property managers can be distributed to blind vendors in an amount not to exceed the national average income for blind vendors. This amount is determined through data collected by the RSA-15: Report of Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program. In addition, the collection of information ensures the provision and transparency of activities referenced in 34 CFR 395.12 related to disclosure of program and financial information and assists with the requirement in 34 CFR 395.11 regarding the provision of training.
This information collection (IC) will be implemented upon the expiration of the current IC on October 31, 2026; however, it is requested to begin the use of this form and the new instructions for the FY 2026 data collection beginning on October 1, 2026. The 51 SLAs will submit their data through the RSAMIS on the rsa.ed.gov website during the 90-day data collection period (10/1/2026-12/30/2026).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form RSA-15 Report of Vending Facility
Summary of comments.docx
Report of Vending Facility Program