Office of the Secretary – U.S. Department of Commerce: A Guide for New Government Contractors

Understanding the Office of the Secretary

What is the Office of the Secretary?

The Office of the Secretary (OS) is the central executive office within the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), responsible for overseeing policy development, budget management, interagency coordination, and strategic planning across all Commerce agencies. It provides leadership for the department’s economic growth, trade regulation, technology innovation, and business development initiatives.

Key Areas of Focus:

  • Economic & Trade Policy Development: Guides U.S. economic and trade strategy, including international commerce initiatives.
  • Business & Industry Support: Promotes programs that aid small businesses, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
  • Budget & Financial Management: Oversees budget planning and execution for DOC agencies.
  • Technology & Digital Infrastructure: Supports IT modernization and cybersecurity initiatives across DOC offices.
  • Interagency Coordination & Legislative Affairs: Works with federal agencies, Congress, and international organizations on trade, innovation, and economic policy.
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: Promotes equal employment and fair contracting opportunities.

Mission and Goals

The Office of the Secretary aims to drive economic growth, support job creation, and enhance innovation by overseeing strategic planning, policy coordination, and administrative management within the Department of Commerce. It also ensures compliance with federal laws and promotes efficiency, transparency, and accountability across all Commerce bureaus.

Office of the Secretary Organization

The Office of the Secretary provides leadership to multiple DOC agencies and operates through several key offices:

  1. Office of Policy and Strategic Planning: Develops economic, technology, and trade policies.
  2. Office of the Chief Financial Officer & Assistant Secretary for Administration (CFO/ASA): Manages the department’s budget, financial operations, and procurement strategies.
  3. Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO): Oversees IT security, digital transformation, and cloud computing initiatives.
  4. Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs (OLIA): Coordinates communication between Commerce agencies, Congress, and state/local governments.
  5. Office of Civil Rights (OCR): Ensures diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and contracting.
  6. Office of Security (OSY): Protects DOC facilities, personnel, and information security.

The Office of the Secretary collaborates with agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Census Bureau, and the International Trade Administration (ITA) to drive economic policy and business development.

Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with the Office of the Secretary

Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:

  • Understand DOC’s Mission & Strategic Priorities: Contractors should align their services with economic policy consulting, IT modernization, and financial data management.
  • Stay Current with Federal Procurement & Compliance Regulations: DOC contracts must comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), cybersecurity laws (FISMA, FedRAMP), and DOC-specific policy directives.
  • Master DOC IT & Administrative Systems: Key platforms include:
    • Commerce Business Systems (CBS) – Manages financial and procurement operations.
    • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Tools – Supports compliance and audit tracking.
    • Cloud-Based Data Analytics Platforms – Enhances decision-making and transparency.
  • Enhance Cybersecurity & Digital Transformation Solutions: The Office of the Secretary seeks expertise in zero-trust security frameworks, AI-driven economic modeling, and enterprise cloud migration.
  • Engage in Commerce Industry Events & Government Contracting Forums: Attend DOC small business engagement programs, economic development summits, and cybersecurity briefings to stay informed on contracting opportunities.
  • Improve Efficiency in Policy & Budget Implementation: The office is focused on modernizing financial systems, streamlining procurement workflows, and strengthening data-driven decision-making.

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