(a) Creation and authority. Public Law 95-507, October 14, 1978, an amendment to the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, established in each Federal agency having procurement authority the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Each office is headed by a Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. The Director is appointed by the head of the agency or department.

(b) Functions. The Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization is responsible for the implementation and execution of the functions and duties under Sections 8 and 15 of the Small Business Act to include the issuance of policy direction and guidance. The office provides information, assistance, and counseling to business concerns, including small businesses, small socially and economically disadvantaged persons, women-owned businesses, labor surplus area concerns, and workshops operated by the blind and other severely handicapped persons. The office also conducts outreach, liaison, source listings, and seminars for small and disadvantaged businesses and coordinates and promotes procurement programs and policies.