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June 3, 2008 - First Edition of DA's Energy News | PDF version (740Kb)

March 5, 2008 - ASA Rutherford Addresses the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC 2008)

February 5, 2008 - USDA Holds First BioPreferred Biobased Product Showcase

Commentary: "Agriculture Takes Lead on Biobased Purchases"

November 7, 2007 - USDA Leads Efforts to Streamline Procurement of Biobased Products

Spams, Scams and Phishing Information - Be Aware of online criminal activities.

September 30, 2007 - Roof Replacement Project - Whitten and South Buildings

August 20, 2007 - Johanns Sets USDA Leadership For Efficient Energy And Resource Use

August 17, 2007 - The Department of Agriculture is One of the Seven Federal Agencies Meeting Small Business Contracting Goals According to U.S. Small Business Administration’s First Small Business Procurement Scorecard (PDF,42Kb)

July/August, 2007 - "Cultivating a Marketplace for Veteran Contractors - Department of Agriculture builds upon initial progress to reach for the 3 percent mandate" - Veterans Business Journal article (PDF; 228Kb)

Assistant Secretary for Administration Boyd Rutherford accepted the award on behalf of USDA. USDA’s aggressive goals for small business contracting resulted in USDA awarding 50 percent of its $4 billion annual procurements to small businesses.
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April 23, 2007 - Boyd K. Rutherford, Assistant Secretary for Administration, US Department of Agriculture, receives Small Business Administration Gold Star Award (PDF; 43Kb)
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Gold Star Dward
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Each year since 1963, the President has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of Small Business Week. National Small Business Week recognizes outstanding small business owners for their personal successes and contributions to our Nation’s economy.

President George W. Bush proclaimed the week of April 22-28, 2007, as Small Business Week.


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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) presents awards to those businesses and federal agencies that have excelled in various aspects of federal procurement. This year, SBA presented the 2007 prestigious Gold Star Award for Excellence to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its exemplary performance. Assistant Secretary for Administration Boyd Rutherford accepted the award on behalf of USDA. USDA’s aggressive goals for small business contracting resulted in USDA awarding 50 percent of its $4 billion annual procurements to small businesses. USDA also exceeded its contracting goals for small, small disadvantaged, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses.

This award is a tribute to the USDA procurement community working in concert with program offices to expand USDA’s ability to achieve and/or exceed small business goals. USDA’s continued commitment to broadening small business access to contract opportunities stimulates small business ownership and economic growth, creates jobs, and results in improving the quality of life across America.
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January 8, 2007 - Closure of the USDA Board of Contract Appeals

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November 17, 2006 - 2006 Flu Shot Information for USDA Employees

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USDA to Receive CAP Achievement Award

The Department of Defense Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) has announced that the Department of Agriculture is the recipient of the CAP Achievement Award for Fiscal Year 2006. This award is provided to USDA for our impact on increasing employment and accessibility for people with disabilities. CAP depends on partners at the Department level to ensure accommodations are being provided to increase employment, access and opportunities for federal employees with disabilities. The award will be presented to TARGET Director Bruce McFarlane at the CAP Annual Training and Awards program scheduled for November 1st at the Department of Labor.

October 20, 2006 - Secretary's Annual Honor Awards Ceremony

September, 2006 - USDA's Office of the Chief Financial Officer Receives Veteran's Administration Small Business Award for Contracting Achievements with Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. (PDF;170Kb)

August 17, 2006 - USDA Issues Proposed Rules to Designate 20 Biobased Items For Federal Procurement

August 6, 2006 - Gilbert L. Smith, Jr. was appointed by President George W. Bush as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration

June 6, 2006 - USDA Green Purchasing Affirmative Procurement Program (GPAPP) dated June 30, 2006 (pdf,1.49mb) - The GPAPP establishes Department-wide guidance and implements guidelines for an effective green purchasing program.

June 23, 2006 - USDA's Mail Center is moving to newly renovated space

June 12, 2006 - Mr. Boyd K. Rutherford welcomed as Assistant Secretary for Administration.

May 12, 2006 - Statement By Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns Regarding Senate Confirmation Of Four USDA Officials.

Hurricane Contracting Information Center (HCIC)
The Hurricane Contracting and Information Center provides a central point of reference for businesses, especially Minority-owned businesses and Small- and Medium-sized enterprises, to register for and become aware of federal contracting opportunities in the Gulf Coast. While the HCIC does not award contracts, their mission is to ensure that businesses understand the process and are aware when opportunities become available.

Hurricane Relief Information

April 18-21, 2006 - 7th Annual Ethics Retreat (pdf;150kb)
President George W. Bush nominated Peter J. Thomas to be Deputy Assistant Secretary of Agriculture (Administration).
USDA Announces Final Rule To Implement Federal Biobased Products Preferred Procurement Program.