By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening doors for businesses by simplifying their contracting process. The department recently unveiled a suite of online tools and pledged to increase opportunities for small businesses.
"We want to make contracting with the USDA easier, especially for small businesses," said USDA Assistant Secretary Malcom Shorter. "These resources will help businesses navigate the process."
The improvements, led by the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) and the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), include -
- A dedicated "Contracting with USDA" website offering clear information and resources for businesses.
- A revamped Vendor Capability Submission Portal to allow businesses to showcase their capabilities directly to contracting officers.
- Updates to the USDA Procurement Forecast, making it easier to find upcoming contract opportunities.
These resources aim to make contracting with the USDA more accessible and efficient, particularly for smaller businesses. Last year, USDA awarded over $11 billion in contracts, and they plan to maintain a similar level in FY 2024.
USDA's contracting needs span various sectors beyond agriculture, encompassing food, services, technology, construction, and goods.
The department prioritizes fair contracting practices, aiming to award at least 57.5% of contracts to small businesses, with a specific focus on supporting small, disadvantaged businesses (27.85%).
Businesses interested in working with USDA can visit the "Contracting with USDA" website for more information and to explore potential opportunities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National