Office of Congressional Relations

The Office of Congressional Relations serves as the Department of Agriculture's primary liaison with members of Congress and their staff. This office coordinates the Department's legislative activities, communicates USDA's policy priorities to Congress, and responds to congressional inquiries. The Office of Congressional Relations plays a critical role in developing and maintaining relationships between USDA leadership and congressional stakeholders, ensuring effective communication of the Department's positions on agricultural issues, rural development, nutrition programs, and other initiatives under USDA jurisdiction.

The Office of Congressional Relations recently awarded a delivery order contract to The Bancorp Bank's Jefferson Leasing division for vehicle leasing services. This $49,296 firm fixed-price award, issued on September 30, 2024, provides cars to support the agency's congressional relations mission. The contract was executed under the General Services Administration's Multiple Award Schedule contract vehicle (GS30F014CA-12314424F0642), demonstrating the office's utilization of established government-wide acquisition vehicles for procurement efficiency.

The contractual arrangement includes option years that extend through September 29, 2029, indicating a long-term operational need for transportation assets to support congressional engagement activities. The Bancorp Bank, through its Jefferson Leasing division, has established a track record of providing similar vehicle leasing services to other federal entities, including the Department of the Air Force, United States Space Command, United States Northern Command, and other components of the Department of Agriculture. This award suggests the Office of Congressional Relations requires reliable transportation resources to fulfill its mission of maintaining congressional relationships and facilitating USDA's engagement with legislative stakeholders.