Memorandum of Understanding
Between The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization And The Asian American Business Roundtable
1.
Parties
This agreement is entered into by U.S. Department of
agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization
(OSDBU) and Asian American Business Roundtable, herein Referred to AABR.
2.
Purpose
The agreement is being established to enhance
USDA’s outreach efforts to Asian and other minority small businesses
to provide increased information exchange regarding program and contract
opportunities relevant to the nation’s small businesses.
The objectives of this agreement are designed to stimulate interest in
doing business with USDA; increase the pool of qualified small businesses that
can successfully compete for USDA contract and program opportunities; and
improve the quality, timeliness and effectiveness of information concerning
USDA programs and contract requirements and opportunities.
AABR
was established in 1989 to help Asian and other minority-owned businesses
access federal procurement, expand their market base with the Federal
Government as well as the commercial sector by providing information that is
accurate and timely to enable them to make informed decisions beneficial to
their companies. The U.S. population is becoming more multiracial. There are 22 million people who claim to be Asian Americans
on the 2000 census. Minority businesses face tougher times in the years ahead.
The dollar value of prime contracts owned by minorities declined by 33% in
2000. In addition, these companies declined to their lowest level since 1993.
Asian-owned businesses increased nationwide by 30% to 913,000 from 1992 to
1997. Their problem is exacerbated by their immense diversity.
Their numbers could have been higher but many fell by the wayside for
their inability to survive the highly competitive American market.
Its vision is that of an America that is the realization of an
achievable dream as a “Land of Opportunity,” unfettered by the problems of
racism, skin color, national origin and/or socioeconomic status.
The
main purpose of this agreement is to establish a working pro-active
partnership between the OSDBU and AABR regarding improvement in communications
and outreach to the minority small business community.
3.
Responsibilities
A.
AABR Responsibilities
AABR will provide the following effort and
information in furtherance of the objectives of this agreement:
(1)
Invite
USDA representation at AABR business events.
(2)
Share
information that is relevant to USDA information to targeted membership.
Transfer Program announcements and additional resource information in the most
expeditious manner available.
(3)
Participate in
an OSDBU emphasis program designed to increase the number of Asian and other
minority business vendors in USDA programs. Work with OSDBU to develop methods
to apprise firms of contracting opportunities at USDA, specific to their
capabilities and experience USDA’s needs.
(4)
Provide OSDBU
content space to outline available service and program assistance through the AABR
Business Bulletin.
(5)
Direct Asian
and other minority small businesses that are interested in USDA’s programs
and Resources to the appropriate federal or local OSDBU office.
(6)
Establish
links between AABR and OSDBU’s web-sites.
B.
OSDBU ResponsibilitiesOSDBU Responsibilities
In
furtherance of the objectives of this agreement, OSDBU, in accordance with its
statutory and regulatory authorities will:
(1)
Provide
technical expertise in market research, selling to the Federal Government and
sourcing capital.
(2)
Provide
AABR with access to database information for targeted areas to assist with
outreach and promoting AABR events.
(3)
Provide
access to USDA technical and assistance programs, as well as information about
contracting opportunities and USDA lending programs
(4)
Provide
technical support and assistance, and participate in AABR business events.
(5)
Establish
links between OSDBU and AABR’s web-sites.
(6)
Provide, in electronic format, USDA program
announcement that impact Asian and other minority-owned businesses.
4.
Financial Responsibilities
This is not a financial or funding obligating
document. Each part will direct
its own participation under this agreement.
Any
activity that involves payment for services related to this agreement will be
effected in an appropriate funding document.
All
activities under or pursuant to this agreement are subject to the availability
of appropriated funds, and no provision herein will be interpreted to require
obligation or payment of fund.
5.
Term of Agreement and Right of Termination
This agreement becomes effective on the date of the
signatures of both parties. Either party may terminate this agreement, without
liability, at any time and for any reason.
This agreement shall expire four (4) years from the date of signature
of all parties
6.
Signatory Authority for Modification
Any modification to this agreement will be executed
in writing and signed by an authorized representative of each party.
7.
Execution
- _______________________
______________________
- Rawlein G. Soberano, Ph.D. James E. House
President
Office of Small & Disadvantaged
- Asian American Business
Roundtable Business
Utilization
-
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
