What the Department of Labor Buys

Preface

In carrying out its assigned mission, the U.S. Department of Labor acquires a variety of products and services from outside sources. Acquisition authority has been delegated to the various components within the Department, nationally and regionally, to conduct acquisition transactions necessary to carry out respective program objectives.

The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) administers the Department's responsibilities under the Small Business Act as amended, to ensure that small businesses receive a fair share of the Department's procurement activities.

The Department is committed to the full and open competitive method of acquisitioning as well as the current goal of maximizing acquisition opportunities for qualified small businesses, socioeconomically disadvantaged businesses, women-owned businesses and labor surplus-area business concerns. The Department is also cognizant of the fact that too often the small and small disadvantaged business community lacks information regarding:

• the kinds of products and services the Department buys; and
• the actions necessary for consideration when the Department contracts for products or services.

Accordingly, What the U.S. Department of Labor Buys, has been prepared to address such concerns and the needs of those seeking to conduct business with the Department. This document seeks to assist businesses in (1) understanding the Department's mission and its acquisition process, (2) identifying business opportunities and contact points, and (3) determining the appropriate sources from which detailed information and guidance may be obtained.

Hopefully, these efforts will enable you, the small business community, to better market your products and services to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Inquiries related to the information contained in this document or other Department small and disadvantaged business concerns should be directed as follows:

Director, Office of Small Business Programs

U.S. Department of Labor, Room C-2318

200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210

FAX: (202) 219-9167