Understanding USDA DA
What is USDA Departmental Administration (DA)?
The Departmental Administration (DA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides centralized operational support, policy guidance, and administrative oversight for all USDA agencies and offices. DA ensures that USDA’s workforce, financial operations, IT infrastructure, and procurement processes run efficiently and in compliance with federal regulations.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Procurement & Contracting: Manages USDA acquisitions, vendor engagement, and small business contracting opportunities.
- Human Resources & Workforce Management: Oversees hiring, diversity initiatives, and employee benefits across USDA.
- Information Technology & Cybersecurity: Supports USDA’s IT modernization, cloud computing, and data security.
- Facilities & Property Management: Maintains USDA offices, leases, and sustainability initiatives.
- Civil Rights & Equal Employment Compliance: Ensures fair hiring practices and workplace diversity at USDA.
- Enterprise Risk Management & Financial Oversight: Monitors USDA’s financial policies, internal controls, and fraud prevention efforts.
Mission and Goals
The mission of USDA DA is to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and performance of USDA operations by providing strategic administrative services that support all USDA agencies. DA focuses on modernizing IT systems, improving procurement processes, strengthening workforce diversity, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
USDA DA Organization
DA is structured into specialized offices that oversee different administrative functions across USDA:
- Office of Contracting & Procurement (OCP): Manages federal acquisition processes and vendor partnerships.
- Office of Human Resources Management (OHRM): Handles USDA hiring, training, and employee benefits.
- Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO): Oversees USDA’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital services.
- Office of Operations (OO): Manages USDA office facilities, leases, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Office of Civil Rights (OCR): Ensures USDA agencies comply with equal employment opportunity laws.
- Office of Budget & Program Analysis (OBPA): Provides financial planning and performance oversight for USDA programs.
DA collaborates with federal agencies, private contractors, and state/local governments to ensure efficient USDA operations and resource management.
Advancing Your Career as a Contractor with USDA DA
Helpful Tips for IT Professionals and Consultants:
- Understand DA’s Role in USDA Administration: Contractors should align their services with enterprise IT modernization, federal procurement consulting, and workforce management solutions.
- Stay Current with Federal Procurement & Compliance Standards: DA contracts must comply with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USDA procurement policies, cybersecurity regulations (FISMA, FedRAMP), and diversity hiring laws.
- Master USDA IT & Financial Systems: Key USDA platforms include:
- Integrated Acquisition System (IAS) – Tracks USDA procurement and vendor contracts.
- Financial Management Modernization Initiative (FMMI) – Manages USDA financial operations and payments.
- Human Capital Management System (HCMS) – Oversees USDA personnel records and HR functions.
- Enhance Cybersecurity & Digital Transformation Solutions: USDA DA seeks expertise in cloud computing, zero-trust security frameworks, AI-driven procurement automation, and blockchain for financial transparency.
- Engage in USDA Procurement & Business Outreach Events: Attend USDA small business networking forums, government IT summits, and procurement training workshops to stay informed on contracting opportunities.
- Improve Enterprise Risk Management & Operational Efficiency: USDA DA is focused on automating procurement workflows, streamlining HR processes, and strengthening financial oversight through data analytics.