How to be a USTDA Contractor Practical Information for Small Businesses Almost all of USTDA's direct contracts are reserved for small businesses. Of these, most of the contracting opportunities are for technical experts qualified in the areas of energy and power (including electricity, oil, and gas), project finance, health, manufacturing, mining & natural resources, telecom and information technology, transportation (including aviation, rail, and ports), and water and the environment (including solid waste). The contracts, called Desk Studies (if no overseas travel is necessary) or Definitional Missions (if overseas travel is necessary), research the technical and financial aspects of infrastructure projects in the developing world. Contractors write detailed technical reports addressed to USTDA, that are part of USTDA's due diligence review process on funding proposals.  Contract assignments last anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of the assignment. USTDA signs approximately 150 such contracts a year. Steps Toward Success: How to Get Started Tips for Submitting a DM Proposal to USTDA Sign Up On-Line in USTDA's Consultant Database for Small       Businesses