A Didlake contract servicing the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic that began in May has created a record number of opportunities for people with disabilities. The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), which refers job candidates to Didlake, says that this contract employs more of these referrals than any contract in DARS history. “This has given a lot of candidates a chance to gain independence to start lives of their own,” said Melissa Edmonds, business development manager for the Eastern Region of DARS.

One hundred-thirteen employees will provide custodial services to NAVFAC, covering five military bases in a 150-mile area, for the AbilityOne contract. The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people who are blind or have significant disabilities in the United States.

“I could not be more pleased with Didlake’s team effort as it furthered its mission of creating opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Didlake Vice President of Contract Operations Mike Payne. “This opportunity created more than 100 jobs for local citizens with disabilities who may never have had a chance for employment otherwise.”

Didlake has an established relationship with NAVFAC and will continue service to the command by managing sites at Oceana Naval Air Station and Fleet Combat Training Command Dam Neck and nearby Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for this contract.

VersAbility Resources is the subcontractor on the contract, managing sites at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and the Cheatham Annex within the larger command.