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Statement of Functions

A. Summary of Office Functions

1. The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization/Minority Resource Center (OSDBU/MRC) has primary responsibility for enhancing the use of U.S. small business, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, HUBZone small business, service-disabled Veteran-owned small business and Veteran-owned small business (hereinafter referred to as U.S. small businesses) in USAID-financed development assistance programs and activities. To accomplish this, the office provides professional leadership within USAID and substantive advice to these businesses to ensure that Agency use is accomplished effectively and complies with the legislative provisions which underlie the various programs.

B. The Director

1. Oversees the formulation, implementation, and administration of Agency programs and activities relating to the participation and utilization of U.S. small businesses in USAID-financed development assistance activities and programs, in accordance with governing legislation, particularly Section 602 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended; Section 123 of the International Development Cooperation Act of 1979; the Small Business and Small Business Investment Act of 1958; and the so-called Gray Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act.
2. Serves as principal Agency advisor for the programs of the office/center and in this capacity reports directly to the USAID Administrator as statutorily prescribed by the provisions of Public Law 95-507 and Section 123 of the International Development Cooperation Act of 1979 (Public Law 95-53) created the Minority Resource Center in USAID.
3. Advises the Administrator and the Executive Staff on all aspects of U.S small businesses in USAID-financed development assistance activities and programs.
4. Represents USAID before the media, the public and the Congress on matters regarding USAID's utilization of U.S. small businesses in USAID-financed development assistance activities and programs; and, on matters in other areas, as appropriate.

C. The Office

1. Formulates USAID policies and develops systematic procedures designed to encourage effective participation of U.S. small businesses in USAID-financed development assistance activities and programs within the guidelines of governing legislation and regulations, including USAID and Federal Acquisition Regulations.
2. Participates in the formulation of other USAID policies and procedures which may directly or indirectly affect opportunities for U.S. small businesses.
3. Advises and counsels U.S. small businesses on those areas related to establishing and/or expanding their participation in USAID-financed development assistance activities and programs; as needed, facilities the provision of guidance in areas such as the identification and interpretation of governing laws, regulations and procedures.
4. Establishes and maintains liaison with USAID Bureaus/Offices and overseas organizations in order to guide the Agency's approach to more effectively integrate U.S. small businesses into the Agency's programming and procurement systems. In this regard, assists in the early identification of alternative methods of designing USAID projects which will help create increased opportunities for involvement of these businesses.
5. Reviews and approves all FedBizOpps notices before publishing.
6. Maintains liaison with the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration, other Federal agencies, U.S. Chambers of Commerce and private sector organizations.
7. Represents USAID at Congressionally sponsored Federal procurement conferences, on interagency committees on procurement and at industry trade conferences.
8. Maintains liaison with the private sector including individual firms, trade and banking associations, groups and organizations with special emphasis on those enterprises within the concern of the office's responsibilities.
9. Administers programs of the Minority Resource Center to:
   1. establish, maintain and disseminate information to and otherwise serve as an information clearinghouse for U.S. small businesses regarding opportunities in USAID-financed development;
   2. design formal and informal systems to encourage, promote and assist U.S. small businesses to secure direct contracts, host country contracts, indefinite quantity contracts, subcontracts, buy-in contracts and research and development contracts in order for such businesses to participate in USAID-financed development assistance programs;
   3. conduct market research, planning, economic and business analyses and feasibility studies to identify business opportunities in USAID-financed development assistance programs;
   4. enter into such contracts (to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts), cooperation agreements, or other transactions as may be necessary in the conduct of its functions under Section 123 of Public Law 95-53;
   5. oversee the administration of the Women's Business Program in accordance with E.O. 12138 and related initiatives either by direct-hire staff or by contracted resources; and
   6. design and maintain automated statistical and other reporting systems in cooperation with the Office of Information Resources Management (FA/IRM) and affected USAID Bureaus. These include Subcontractor Monitoring System (Public Law 100-656) and the Vendor Database.

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