The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) is responsible for monitoring USAID’s implementation and execution of the small business programs and advising the Administrator and senior leadership.

The OSDBU was established in October 1979 by Public Law 95-507 and issues policy and guidance on all small business programs. The Director of OSDBU reports directly to the USAID’s Deputy Administrator. OSDBU provides support and guidance to each bureau, Independent Office, and Mission. The OSDBU works with U.S. small and large businesses, as well as USAID staff, to provide maximum practical small business participation in USAID procurements. 

The OSDBU supports the Agency’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) strategy which is  to prioritize, include, recommend, and encourage diversity among our partners and to increase procurement opportunities for small businesses.  This is achieved through outreach, training, and other activities to ensure that a fair proportion of contracts are awarded to U.S.-based small businesses.

As the Agency’s lead in responding to U.S. Small Business Programs, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), headquartered in Washington, D.C., comprises two divisions that support the Agency’s small business programs: Operations and Programs.

Interested in working with USAID?  You may contact our staff.  You may also review our upcoming outreach activities, the Business Forecast, the Fiscal Year 2024 small business goals, and the New Partnerships Initiative funding opportunities.

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Kimberly Ball

Kimberly Ball

Director

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Kimberly Ball serves as the Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).

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John Watson

John Watson

Deputy Director - Programs

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John M. Watson is the Deputy Director for Programs for the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).

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