USDA Deploys New Tool to Better Inform Small Businesses of Contract Opportunities

The Department of Agriculture has launched its new Procurement Forecast tool designed to make it easier for industry and small disadvantaged entities to seek contracting and subcontracting opportunities and do business with the agency.

Deploying the new tool is part of the USDA’s effort to remove contracting barriers and increase engagement with such businesses. Currently, companies are being informed of procurement opportunities through the System for Award Management, the USDA said.

The Procurement Forecast tool provides a list of anticipated USDA requirements that small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, HUBZone small businesses and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses may provide.

George Sears, director of the USDA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, said the tool also provides greater transparency, increases accuracy, adds additional data fields and allows for more frequent updates.

Besides launching the tool, the agency is also meeting with small businesses and conducting road shows to provide small businesses with increased opportunities to participate in the USDA procurement process.