As the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, the Department of State helps to shape a freer, more secure and more prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing the President’s foreign policy.  The Department of State uses diplomacy to promote and protect American interests.  We:

• Manage diplomatic relations with other countries and international institutions.
• Promote peace and stability in regions of vital interests.
• Bring nations together to address global challenges.
• Create jobs at home by opening markets abroad.
• Help developing nations establish economic environments that provide investment and export opportunities.

 Support for U.S. businesses is a core function of the Department at home and abroad.   We provide assistance and support to businesses seeking to tap into the worldwide resources of the Department.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization

We ensure that all legislatively specified categories of small businesses in our prime contracts and subcontracts are effectively utilized to the maximum extend possible. 

What We Do:

• Champion U.S. small business interests in the Department’s acquisition process.
• Provide to the small business community training and counseling about doing business with the Department in order to expand the base of small business firms selling to the Department.
• Provide training and counseling to our internal customers about contracting with small businesses. 
• Assist internal customers in identifying resources that result in increased opportunities for small businesses.

Our customers are the U.S. small business community, Department personnel assigned to the U.S. and overseas, large business Prime Contractors, and small business trade associations.  We accomplish our mission through outreach, communication with our customers, and teamwork.