USAID’s 3rd Quarter Business Forecast Posted–USAID Invites Questions by the Public

By Chris O’Donnell,  May 18, 2015. With 5 months remaining in FY15, USAID posted the 3rd Quarter Business Forecast on May 4, 2015.  On  June 3, 2015 (1:00-2:00pm, Eastern Standard Time)  USAID will host a forecast review conference call to respond to  questions submitted to ombudsman@usaid.gov by COB Tuesday May 19, 2015. Interested parties  can register for the  conference call at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v0WWD6bX9iGEB1XmKbILiOZag1Ul5ni_n

To access the conference call on June 3rd use Dial-in Number: 641-715-3580 and Meeting ID: 488-092-565. The announcement does not mention who at USAID will respond to questions or whether mission representatives will participate, with the majority (75 percent of USAID procurements) mission-based.

The USAID  announcement  did not restrict the type of organizations and individuals who may submit questions nor the questions. Interested parties should not expect USAID to respond with procurement sensitive information, but thoughtful questions could effect the quality and content  of future USAID Washington and Mission business forecasts. As this is only the second USAID business forecast conference call and USAID did not publically announce the first call,  USAID could receive a significant number of questions for a relatively new initiative.

It is important to note, the business forecast is not an optional requirement.  Public Law 100-656 Small Business Act, Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988 requires agencies to develop and maintain comprehensive business plans, periodically reviewed, focused on small business concerns.  

Learn more about how to analyze the USAID Business Forecast, register for the course:   Winning USAID Awards (Grants and Contracts) at https://developmentessentials