Mission, Functions, and Activities

To support the Secretary’s priorities by enabling Veterans to gain access to economic opportunities by developing policies and programs, informed by customer feedback, that improve market research, increase direct access, and maximize the participation of procurement ready Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses in federal contracting.

Vision

OSDBU is trusted by Veterans and VA staff to be responsive to customers’ needs with policies and programs that successfully leverage the federal procurement system to enable Veterans to gain access to economic opportunities.

Program Areas

Verification

Obtaining verification through the Vets First Verification Program, managed by Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE), extends eligibility for set-asides and sole source contracts to SDVOSBs and VOSBs. Learn more about the VA verification process and how Public Law 109-461 relates to the Veterans First Contracting Program.

Acquisition Support

VA OSDBU gathers market research, oversees VA subcontracting, provides overall direction on small business program policies and procedures, and works with contracting staff to help small businesses maximize VA procurement opportunities.

Direct Access Program

The Direct Access Program (DAP) offers SDVOSBs, VOSBs, and other small businesses unique opportunities to develop partnerships, maximize networking, and secure connections at nationwide procurement events. Gain direct access to valuable resources to help build and grow a small business.

Strategic Outreach and Communications

Strategic Outreach and Communications (SOC) provides awareness of VA small business programs and resources, small business goals, and training to firms interested in doing business with VA. SOC achieves this by providing a communications platform, education and training, and distribution of information through focused and targeted outreach to help promote understanding of VA small business programs and opportunities.

Leadership Biographies

	Sharon G. Ridley OSDBU Executive Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
	Kimberly E. Osborne OSDBU Deputy Executive Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)