The Office of Budget and Program Analysis (OBPA) provides direction and administration of the Department's budgetary functions; reviews program and legislative proposals for program and budget-related implications; analyzes program resources issues and alternatives; and provides Departmentwide coordination for and participation in the presentation of budget-related matters to the committees of the Congress, the press, and the public. OBPA also provides Departmentwide coordination of the preparation and processing of the legislative program and legislative reports and Departmentwide coordination and processing of regulations.
The National Appeals Division (NAD), operating as an independent entity, makes final determinations on administrative appeals of USDA program decisions.
The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) advises the Secretary on the economic implications of policies and programs affecting the U.S. food and fiber system and rural areas. The chief economist also coordinates, reviews, and improves the Department's projections of the agricultural economy.
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) provides competition advocacy, as well as leadership, direction, and coordination for USDA's programs for small and disadvantaged businesses.