Providing Advocacy and Advisory Services. Helping small businesses succeed.

The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is an advocacy and advisory office responsible for promoting the use of small disadvantaged, 8(a), women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and HUBZone small businesses within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s acquisition process. 

This involves promoting small business prime and subcontracting opportunities in accordance with Federal laws, regulations, and policies. The Small Business Act of 1953, as amended by Public Law 95-507, established the OSDBU. 

The Commerce Department received an ‘A+’ on the Fiscal Year 2025 SBA Scorecard. This is the 16th straight year that Commerce has received a grade of ‘A’ or higher.

Upcoming Event: 2026 U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Day 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910

This Small Business Industry Day event will provide information on the latest policies and support for the small business community. You will learn about the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) programs and current contracting opportunities. This event also provides direct access to DOC leadership, program offices, acquisition officials, vendors, and prime contractors, creating meaningful opportunities to network, ask questions, and learn about upcoming procurement needs. Whether you are new to government contracting or an experienced contractor seeking to strengthen partnerships and identify new business opportunities, this event offers practical information, professional connections, and resources that can help support your company’s growth and long-term success. Learn more or Register Today

Mission 

To provide advocacy and advisory services that help small businesses succeed in the federal marketplace. 

Responsibilities 

• Promote small business participation in federal contracts
• Serve as liaison between the small business community and Commerce procurement offices
• Advocate for small business inclusion in acquisition strategies
• Providing training, marketing, and outreach to stakeholders
• Recognize outstanding achievements in small business utilization 

*The OSDBU is not a procurement office 

Objectives 

• Increasing contract and subcontract awards to small businesses
• Sharing information through online platforms and events
• Identifying qualified small business vendors and suppliers
• Negotiating small business goals with the Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Publishing the Annual Forecast of Contract Opportunities
• Reviewing the requisitions to boost small business involvement
• Monitoring legislation affecting small businesses
• Building strategic partnerships for continuous improvement
• Providing training and awareness on the value of small business engagement 

Download the Department of Commerce Small Business Resources at a Glance.  

For more information or assistance, please email us at [email protected].