How to Find & Win Department of Agriculture (USDA) Contracts

Understanding USDA Procurement

How USDA Buys

USDA procurement is governed by FAR and the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR). The department utilizes IDIQ vehicles, BPAs, and GSA Schedules. The Procurement Forecast identifies opportunities up to three years in advance for contracts over $25,000.

Major Contract Vehicles

GSA MAS: Widely used for IT, professional services. USDA Laptop BPA: Department-wide IT hardware. Forest Service Equipment Rental BPAs. NASA SEWP V and NIH CIO-SP3. GSA OASIS/OASIS+. 8(a) STARS III.

Step 1: Get Registered

Before pursuing USDA contracts, ensure you have the foundational registrations in place:

Agency-Specific Requirements

USDA has specific certification and registration requirements that may include:

Step 2: Identify Opportunities

Finding the right USDA opportunities requires monitoring multiple sources and understanding where contracts are posted.

Primary Sources

• SAM.gov: All federal opportunities over $25,000 are posted here
• Agency Forecast: USDA publishes upcoming procurement forecasts
• Agency-Specific Portals: Some offices have their own procurement sites
• GovWin and other intelligence platforms: Early visibility into upcoming opportunities

Top Contract Types

USDA frequently procures the following types of goods and services:

Step 3: Position Your Company

Winning USDA contracts requires strategic positioning before opportunities are released.

Build Relationships

• Attend USDA Industry Days and vendor outreach events
• Meet with Small Business specialists at key offices
• Participate in USDA-focused industry associations
• Request capability briefings with program managers

Relevant NAICS Codes

Common NAICS codes for USDA contracting include:

• 541715 - R&D Physical Sciences
• 541620 - Environmental Consulting
• 115310 - Forestry Services
• 541512 - Computer Systems Design

Step 4: Develop Winning Proposals

USDA evaluates proposals based on technical approach, past performance, and price. Here's how to stand out:

Technical Approach

• Demonstrate deep understanding of USDA's mission and challenges
• Propose innovative solutions aligned with agency priorities
• Show relevant experience with similar federal agencies
• Include qualified key personnel with appropriate clearances

Past Performance

• Highlight relevant federal contract experience
• Include contracts of similar size, scope, and complexity
• Provide strong references from government clients
• If new to federal, emphasize relevant commercial experience

Pricing Strategy

• Research competitive pricing through FPDS and USASpending
• Ensure rates are competitive but sustainable
• Provide clear cost breakdowns and justifications
• Consider best value vs. lowest price evaluation criteria

Winning Strategies for USDA

1. Understand USDA 29 agencies with unique missions
2. Leverage USDA commitment to small business
3. Develop expertise in agriculture-specific domains
4. Monitor the USDA Procurement Forecast
5. Build relationships with USDA OSDBU

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring the Agriculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR)
• Failing to understand USDA Buy American requirements
• Treating USDA as primarily a Washington DC agency

Small Business Programs at USDA

USDA OSDBU awards over 50% of eligible contracting dollars to small businesses. USDA participates in the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.

Key Contracting Offices

Office of Contracting and Procurement: Department-wide. Forest Service Acquisition: Fire suppression, land management. Agricultural Research Service: Scientific research. Food and Nutrition Service: Food commodity procurement.