The United States Department of Agriculture is a large, decentralized Cabinet level agency whose mission touches lives in the United States and abroad. We have 11 buying agencies that award approximately $5B each year, of which 54.1% was spent with small businesses in FY13. We are very proud of exceeding our small business goal and rely upon the engagement of the agencies to achieve this success.
What is the role of the OSDBU at USDA?
The OSDBU at USDA provides policy oversight and leadership to the buying agencies. We also provide technical assistance to the agencies, as well as small businesses. We conduct outreach events, to include Vendor Outreach Sessions, Small Business Roundtables, Webinars, Training, and outreach events in rural areas. We also publish the Procurement Forecast, and attend numerous meetings and conferences in DC and throughout the country.
How is the small business office instrumental in making the agency meet its 5% WOSB goal?
We work directly with the agencies to support their WOSB events. We also have a WOSB Program Manager, who has her hand on the pulse of what is taking place with the WOSB-Community.
Give us your top three tips for a WOSB to win a contract at your agency.
1. Build Relationships
2. Do your homework by spending time on the Procurement Forecast and identifying real opportunities.
3. When presenting capabilities, engage the OSDBU staff by asking questions, and not just presenting facts about your company.
In asking good questions you are able to gain insight that may be useful when you meet with the Small Business Specialists.
www.wipp.org
this Month's OSDBU to Know:
Carmen D. Jones
Director, OSDBU
U.S. Department of Agriculture
AGency focus