Section 1: Introduction
- Item 100 -- Introduction
- Item 110 -- Preface
- Item 120 -- Purpose
- Item 130 -- Program Eligibility
- Item 140 -- Utilization of Records and Retention Rules
Item 100 -- Introduction
This manual will explain the operations of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). It also explains the rights and responsibilities of the Division of Blind Services (DBS), Bureau of Business Enterprises (BBE), the rights and responsibilities of a Vendor, and the relationship between these parties.
How to Use This Manual
Program Overview:
The Business Enterprise Program is established by federal law and supported by state statute. This program is designed to provide blind individuals access to vending facility employment opportunities. The U.S. Congress in the Randolph-Sheppard Act first designated the program for federal installations. State facilities are incorporated in companion legislation in many states, including Florida. Highway vending locations have been added under provisions of the Federal Surface Transportation Kenely Amendment.
Florida Statutes 413.051 the Little Randolph-Sheppard Act which establishes the Division of Blind Services, is the effective statute for Florida. The federal Randolph-Sheppard Act and State Rules have accompanying regulations. (This manual's appendices include a complete copy of all referenced acts, statutes, regulations and rules.)
Individuals should contact a Regional Business Enterprises Consultant or the state office for information not found in this manual or an explanation of any of the included items.
Signature Required
Each Licensed Vendor and Business Enterprises staff person will be furnished with a copy of the Rules and Regulations. The Business Enterprises Consultant will obtain a signed receipt for the Rules and Regulations from each Licensed Vendor. The Rules and Regulations are available in Braille, large print, regular print, tape cassette, or computer diskette. Licensed Vendors are to be provided the Rules and Regulations in the type of reproduction medium they elect to receive.
Item 110 -- Preface
The Randolph-Sheppard Act and the “Little Randolph-Sheppard Act” (Chapter 413.051, Florida Statues) are laws that provide a skeletal structure for one avenue of employment for individuals classified as blind or legally blind.
This Handbook contains the policies and operational procedures by which the Business Enterprises Program is administered.
As you use this Handbook and participate in the program, you may encounter the following acronyms:
BEC -- Business Enterprises Consultants (a.k.a. Regional Business Enterprises Consultants)
BEP -- Business Enterprises Program
BBE -- Bureau of Business Enterprises
CFR -- Code of Federal Regulations
DBS -- Division of Blind Services
DOE -- Department of Education
FAC -- Florida Administrative Code
FS -- Florida Statutes
LOFA -- Licensed Operator Facility Agreement
SLA -- State Licensing Agency (a.k.a. Division of Blind Services)
The topics covered are listed in an alphabetical table of contents, which follows this preface. Each major policy or procedure section is set apart by a specific identifier number, which can always be found in the upper left-hand corner of each page of text. If the policy or procedure impact or otherwise involve other polices and/or procedures, the additional items are cross-referenced when possible.
Additional resource materials are in attached appendices that include enabling legislation, applicable regulations, and resource lists.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. You are encouraged to make your thoughts and recommendations known by communicating them to any Bureau staff member or any person serving on the elected State Committee of Vendors.
Item 120 -- Purpose
The purpose of the Randolph-Sheppard Act is to provide persons who are classified as blind or legally blind with remunerative employment, to enlarge the economic opportunities of blind or legally blind persons and to stimulate them to greater heights of self-sufficiency.
Specifically as relates to the BEP, these opportunities are provided through the establishment of Vending Facilities, each as an independent business, to be managed by a person who is blind or legally blind.
Regional Business Enterprises Consultants
The role of the Regional Business Enterprises Consultant is to guide and assist any blind or legally blind Licensee to achieve business success and if desired upward mobility in the BEP.
A blind or legally blind individual’s business success adds to his or her self-esteem as a productive member of the community. He/she is seen as an active, successful contributor to society and is; worthy of the respect and support of that community. In addition to the benefits for the individual who is blind or legally blind the service provided to the Vending Facility patrons and community is of great importance.
Item 130 -- Program Eligibility
Eligibility for licensure by the Division of Blind Services is set forth in the Code of federal Regulations (CFR) and the FAC. The FAC reads as follows:
(1) "Licensees shall be issued only to persons who, as determined by the Division of Blind Services, meet all of the following requirements:"
(a) "Are blind or legally blind, as certified by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist."
(b) "Are not less than 18 years of age."
(c) "Are certified by DBS as qualified to operate a Vending Facility."
(d) "Are citizens of the United States."
(e) "Have a high school diploma or GED."
Only persons who qualify under these criteria and become licensed are eligible to compete for a Vending Facility management opportunity in this employment program.
The Following Paragraphs Explain the Requirements
(a) Certified as Blind or Legally Blind- The applicant's certified eye report must show legal blindness. Any time an operator obtains corrective surgery or his/her vision improves through any other means; the operator will be required to submit to a new eye exam. Such exam shall be presented to DBS consulting ophthalmologist for review and certification as to legal blindness. If the individual is no longer legally blind, his/her license will be revoked
(b) Age - Must be over 18 years old, self-explanatory.
(c) Certification -The Division of Blind Services in conjunction with the State Committee of Vendors establishes entrance requirements for the Business Enterprise Program. Certification includes evaluation, successful completion of classroom training and on-the-job training.
(d) Citizenship - Must be a citizen of the U.S., self-explanatory.
(e) Education – Must have a high school diploma or GED.
Questions concerning a Licensee's present or continued eligibility need to be directed to the BBE Compliance Director.
Item 140 -- Utilization of Records and Retention Rules
The Bureau of Business Enterprises retains active files of licensee for a period of three years. After this time, records are archived according to the rules established by the Department of Management Services.
Records of licensees include documents such as monthly reports, letters, and Licensed Operator Facility Agreement(s). Some data is maintained electronically.
Availability of records:
a) Records in the custody of the Bureau of Business Enterprises are available upon request.
b) Copies of records provided to the Selection Committee will be provided to the bidding licensee prior to the interview process.
Florida Business Enterprises Program
Providing Tools and Support for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Food Service Business