Although overlooked by many small businesses, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, or OSDBU, is an invaluable resource when competing for government contracts. In accordance with an amendment to the Small Business Act, each Federal agency is required to maintain an OSDBU to help counsel small businesses and ensure laws and policies enacted to promote the interests of small businesses are followed. Their mission is to provide maximum opportunities for small businesses to participate in contracting activities.

Every small business interested in government contracting should make use of this extremely beneficial resource. A few of the things government contractors can expect from the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization are: *Candid counseling regarding whether the small business’s capabilities match the agency’s needs and, if not, contact with the appropriate OSDBU or prime small business liaison officer, with a personal introduction if possible. *Information on relevant laws that benefit them, such as set asides for small businesses, 8(a) and HUBZones, and how to take advantage of these laws to maximize their opportunities. *Contact with appropriate staff at the agency if the small business is selling what the OSDBU’s agency is buying. *Act as an information broker and facilitator to the small business and give them insider information to help them do business with the OSDBU’s agency, such as the agency’s unwritten policies and cultural climate.

Some preparation is necessary before you meet with an agency’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization . You are expected to understand the agency’s mission, what they buy and how your business can better meet their needs than your competitors. Keep in mind that the OSDBU is not a buyer or end user of your products/services; you will need to explain how your company can support their agency’s goals, but they are not interested in a detailed, highly technical marketing pitch. Likewise, they cannot award you a contract or otherwise act as an agent of your business. They will expect that you know that CCR registration, ORCA filing or participation in 8(a), HUBZone or other set aside programs does not guarantee your firm will be awarded a government contract.

They are there to give you advice and information but cannot help you write a proposal, disclose proprietary information or encourage any other agency or prime contractor to award a contract to you. However, the information they impart to you can make the difference between a losing and winning proposal. Knowing what their agency buys, how they evaluate proposals from vendors and what their past acquisitions and programs have been are essential to success. Contractors can get help finding this information by calling the Contractor Helpline at (877) 252-2700 ext 1.

When you meet with the OSDBU, they will schedule a set amount of time for your meeting. Be on time and try to wrap up your discussion within the time frame allotted. If they do not have answers to your questions immediately, they will set a designated due date by which to follow up with you. If they offer recommendations, remember that it is in your best interests to follow them. Not only can these recommendations help you to win government contracts but failure to follow through can tarnish your reputation within that agency and create additional obstacles to overcome.

Interested in government contracting? US Federal Contractor Registration’s Contractor Helpline is ready to answer your questions and help you get registered as a government contractor. Call us at (877) 252-2700 ext 1 or visit our website at https://www.uscontractorregistration.com for immediate assistance.