November 10, 2003

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL DEPARTMENT OF STATE EMPLOYEES

SUBJECT: State Department FY 2004-2005 Small Business Goals

I am very pleased with the Department of State's successful record in meeting its goals for awarding contracts to small businesses of diverse ownership. The Department has twice won the Small Business Administration's Gold Star Award for exemplary performance in awarding contracts to small businesses, both in 2003 and in 2000. We should aspire to continue these accomplishments to ensure that small businesses have maximum practicable access to our contracting opportunities and that our Small Business Program is of an award-winning caliber.

The Department has set its fiscal year 2004-2005 goals for awarding contracts and subcontracts to small businesses, as posted on A/SDBU's website at http://asdbu.a.state.gov. I view each of these goals as a target to exceed, not as a ceiling. Every employee who has a role in the acquisition process, whether as an "end user" or a contracting officer, has a responsibility to support the Department's efforts. Every acquisition presents some opportunity for small business, either at the prime contract or the subcontract level. With your support, I am confident that the Department will continue to excel in meeting this important public policy goal.

I also wish to express my support for the Department's Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year Award program and encourage all managers who are contracting officer's representatives (CORs) and acquisitions managers to participate in the nomination process. The program is explained in a Department Notice issued on September 11.

I thank you for your involvement in the Department's small business Program.