DIR's Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide 20, Jan 2012 | Page 73

COPYRIGHT 2012, DIVERSITY INFORMATION RESOURCES, MINNEAPOLIS, MN SECTION 8 DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20420 Telephone: [phone] FAX: [phone] Toll Free: [phone] E-Mail: [email protected] www.va.gov/OSDBU/ re The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) serves as the Department of Veterans mo for office Affairs (VA) advocate, to assist and support the interests of small businesses. A related mission ofmthis .co es is to provide outreach and liaison support to businesses (large and small) and other membersrcof the private ou es sector concerning acquisition related issues. In addition, the office is responsible for monitoring VA implefoR n tyI mentation and execution of the socioeconomic procurement programs. rsi ve Di Mission as c nta o ec fo@ t In The mission of the OSDBU is to advocate for the maximum practicable participation of small, small disadvanPle N. ,M taged, veteran-owned, women-owned and empowerment zone businesses in contracts awarded by the s oli Department of Veterans Affairs and in subcontracts whichnneap awarded by VA’s prime contractors. are i s, Functions and Activities T his b pu o ati lic es nR o ati orm rce ou M Inf ty rsi OSDBU is responsible for the development of Department-wide policies, programs and practices relating to ive nD ha small business concerns, including: rt the y o VA staff; t · Educating and training nti ye · Negotiating yprime and subcontracting goals with contracting activities; an b · Monitoring achievements and managing information system reports to VA executives; old rs o · Advising contracting officials on procurement strategies to ensure equitable opportunities for small ed uc od r business concerns; ep er t·b Conducting market research to identify small business sources for competitive actions; o yn · Reviewing and approving procurements to assist concerns in SBA’s special business development ma n · · · 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. 2012 Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide - 65 - . on ati orm inf CONTENT MAY BE EXPIRED; SEE WWW.DIVERSITYINFORESOURCES.COM FOR LATEST VERSION SECTION 8