DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE :: This page links to selected links within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of interest to small business contractors.
 

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	Board of Contract Appeals (BCA).  The BCA adjudicates claims arising under USDA contracts for the procurement of supplies, services, and construction operations. The BCA is empowered to grant the same relief in contract matters as the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.  BCA decisions are not subject to intra-departmental review, but  may be appealed through the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
	Budget and Program Analysis.  The Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA) provides direction and administration in the development, presentation, and administration of the USDA budget.  OBPA functions include the analysis of Departmental resources and budgetary alternatives; the review of program and legislative proposals, reports and regulations; and the preparation of budget estimates.
	Civil Rights.  The function of the USDA Office of Civil Rights is to promote civil rights within the USDA, and to assure that civil rights laws are carried out in employment and in the delivery of Departmental programs.
	Community Development.  The Office of Community Development (OCD) falls under the USDA's Rural Development mission area.  OCD provides leadership in the delivery of community development support through field offices in rural communities across the United States.  OCD's key functions address programs to implement and demonstrate effective strategies for community and economic development in rural communities.
	Directives and Publications.  USDA directives communicate official policy and procedures to USDA personnel.  Contractors and others benefit from access to directives because of the insight they provide into the Department's administrative operations.  If you are looking for specific information about USDA's regulations, manuals, notices, memoranda and announcements, this is the place to go.
	Graduate School.  The USDA Graduate School has 80 years of experience in providing continuing education to working adults.  Open to all adults regardless of education or place of employment, the Graduate School annually provides more than 1,500 different courses for career development and personal enrichment. Several courses are offered in the areas of business management and government procurement.  Courses are offered in several cities around the U.S.
	Inspector General.  The mission of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is to investigate allegations of crime against the USDA's programs, and to promote economy and efficiency in USDA operations.  Examples of resources that you can access from the OIG's website include Investigation News Releases, Freedom of Information Act documents, and OIG audit and investigations reports.
	National Appeals Division.  The National Appeals Division (NAD) is responsible for independent administrative appeals arising from the program activities of assigned USDA Agencies.  NAD appeals are permitted by regulation for program decisions of the Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Development Service, Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Utilities Service.  Note that appeals from contract related decisions cannot be appealed with NAD.
	OSDBU.  The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) provides Department-wide leadership for USDA’s small business preference programs.  This office fosters the use of small, small disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses as by Program Officials to fill contractual requirements. It also assists with the development of Departmental policies and procedures to promote small business growth. Visit the OSDBU website for information about small business marketing and contract opportunities.
	Procurement and Property Management.  The USDA Office of Procurement and Property Management provides Department-wide administrative support for the procurement of products and services from contractors, etc.  Use this link for general information about doing business with the USDA, including information about specific USDA purchasing offices.  You can link to the new USDA Integrated Acquisition System (IAS) from this website.
	Procurement Forecast.  Use the USDA Procurement Forecast database to identify specific opportunities for business.  The Procurement Forecast search form permits you to research opportunities by NAICS Code, USDA sub-agency, source of supply, anticipated award date, job location,  and point-of-contact.
	Property Management.  The Property Management Division (PMD) develops, implements, monitors and provides Department-wide policies, procedures and regulations for the management of personal and real property. The PMD manages USDA properties, vehicles, aircraft and real estate, either directly or through programs run in USDA sub-agencies. Link from this site to the Agriculture Property Management Regulations (AGPMR).
	Rural Development.  USDA Rural Development administers the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, the Rural Housing Service, the Rural Utilities Service, and the Office of Community Development programs.  These programs are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America.  Small business contracting opportunities are available through the Rural Development Procurement Management Division.
	Rural Business Cooperative Service.  The mission of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (BCS) is provide leadership in building competitive businesses, including sustainable cooperatives, that can prosper in the global marketplace.  The BCS achieves its mission by investing financial resources and providing technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities; and by establishing strategic alliances and partnerships to leverage public, private, and cooperative resources in creating jobs and stimulating rural economic activity.
	Small Business Innovative Research.  The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides competitively awarded grants to qualified small businesses for high quality research proposals that address scientific problems in agriculture with significant public implications.  Visit this website for information about how to apply for an SBIR grant.
	Vendor Outreach Program.  The USDA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) sponsors a series of vendor outreach sessions under its Vendor Outreach Program (VOP). The purpose of these sessions is to provide small businesses the opportunity to meet with OSDBU coordinators to discuss their capabilities and learn of potential procurement opportunities.  OSDBU Coordinators are located in each contracting office and are responsible for carrying out the small business program in their respective agencies. Visit this site for information about upcoming vendor outreach sessions.
	Workforce Preparation.  The purpose of the workforce preparation initiative is to marshal the extension, teaching, and research resources of the land-grant university system to address workforce preparation throughout the country.  Visit this site for the latest USDA developments in the area of workforce preparation.