Executive Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)

Mr. Desmond A. Brown, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU), is a trailblazing leader known for his transformative impact on federal small business initiatives. Starting in December 2024, he will bring his visionary approach and extensive experience to champion small and disadvantaged businesses across the VA’s vast procurement landscape.

In his prior role as the Director of OSDBU for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Mr. Brown spearheaded efforts to redefine OPM’s small business strategy. Through bold leadership and innovative policies, he elevated OPM’s small business scorecard from a struggling “D” to an exceptional “A+” in just two years. This achievement unlocked over $1.5 billion in prime contract opportunities for U.S. small and minority-owned businesses, establishing OPM as a benchmark for small business success in federal agencies.

With more than two decades of expertise, Mr. Brown has earned recognition as a distinguished leader in federal procurement and small business advocacy. His unique ability to navigate complex federal processes while fostering collaboration among stakeholders has positioned him as a sought-after advisor and coach for small business owners. From developing strategic business plans to demystifying federal contracting, Mr. Brown empowers businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Mr. Brown’s tenure as a federal contractor with Lockheed Martin Information Technology further exemplifies his versatility and expertise. There, he successfully managed $1B in federal contracts for agencies such as the Social Security Administration, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Institutes of Health, all while maintaining stringent compliance and delivering measurable results.

Mr. Brown’s academic and professional qualifications are equally impressive. He is an alumni of Harvard University’s Senior Executive Fellows Program at the Kennedy School of Government. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix, Arizona, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. As a FAC-C Level III Certified Contracting Officer, he possesses the highest level of certification in federal acquisition.

Throughout his career, Mr. Brown has been a champion for equity, inclusion, and opportunity, transforming the federal procurement landscape to empower small businesses. His strategic vision, coupled with his unwavering dedication to results, has left an indelible mark on the agencies he has served and the businesses he has supported.

As he takes on this new role at the VA, Mr. Desmond A. Brown is poised to lead with innovation, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to creating pathways for small businesses to excel in the federal marketplace.