Mission

The mission of the OSDBU is to advocate for the maximum practicable participation of small, small disadvantaged, veteran-owned, women-owned and empowerment zone businesses in contracts awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs and in subcontracts which are awarded by VA's prime contractors.

Functions and Activities

OSDBU is responsible for the development of Department-wide policies, programs and practices relating to small business concerns, including:

• Educating and training VA staff;
• Negotiating prime and subcontracting goals with contracting activities;
• Monitoring achievements and managing information system reports to VA executives;
• Advising contracting officials on procurement strategies to ensure equitable opportunities for small business concerns;
• Conducting market research to identify small business sources for competitive actions;
• Reviewing and approving procurements to assist concerns in SBA's special business development program. As the small business advocates for the Department,
• OSDBU staff: Train, counsel and assist small businesses in their understanding of federal and agency procurement procedures.
• Advise businesses on marketing their products and services to VA and other federal agencies.
• Serve as the liaison office when small businesses encounter payment problems or other difficulties in working with VA offices.