CHAPTER 14A—AID TO SMALL BUSINESS

        

§631. Declaration of policy

(a) Aid, counsel, assistance, etc., to small business concerns

The essence of the American economic system of private enterprise is free competition. Only through full and free competition can free markets, free entry into business, and opportunities for the expression and growth of personal initiative and individual judgment be assured. The preservation and expansion of such competition is basic not only to the economic well-being but to the security of this Nation. Such security and well-being cannot be realized unless the actual and potential capacity of small business is encouraged and developed. It is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government should aid, counsel, assist, and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small-business concerns in order to preserve free competitive enterprise, to insure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts or subcontracts for property and services for the Government (including but not limited to contracts or subcontracts for maintenance, repair, and construction) be placed with small-business enterprises, to insure that a fair proportion of the total sales of Government property be made to such enterprises, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the Nation.

(b) Assistance to compete in international markets

(1) It is the declared policy of the Congress that the Federal Government, through the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, acting through the Associate Administrator for International Trade, and in cooperation with the Department of Commerce and other relevant State and Federal agencies, should aid and assist small businesses, as defined under this chapter, to increase their ability to compete in international markets by—

(A) enhancing their ability to export;

(B) facilitating technology transfers;

(C) enhancing their ability to compete effectively and efficiently against imports;

(D) increasing the access of small businesses to long-term capital for the purchase of new plant and equipment used in the production of goods and services involved in international trade;

(E) disseminating information concerning State, Federal, and private programs and initiatives to enhance the ability of small businesses to compete in international markets; and

(F) ensuring that the interests of small businesses are adequately represented in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations.

(2) The Congress recognizes that the Department of Commerce is the principal Federal agency for trade development and export promotion and that the Department of Commerce and the Small Business Administration work together to advance joint interests. It is the purpose of this chapter to enhance, not alter, their respective roles.

(c) Aid for agriculturally related industries; financial assistance

It is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government, through the Small Business Administration, should aid and assist small business concerns which are engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries; and the financial assistance programs authorized by this chapter are also to be used to assist such concerns.

(d) Use of assistance programs to establish, preserve, and strengthen small business concerns

(1) The assistance programs authorized by sections 636(i) and 636(j) of this title are to be utilized to assist in the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of small business concerns and improve the managerial skills employed in such enterprises, with special attention to small business concerns (1) located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals; or (2) owned by low-income individuals; and to mobilize for these objectives private as well as public managerial skills and resources.

(2)(A) With respect to the programs authorized by section 636(j) of this title, the Congress finds—

(i) that ownership and control of productive capital is concentrated in the economy of the United States and certain groups, therefore, own and control little productive capital;

(ii) that certain groups in the United States own and control little productive capital because they have limited opportunities for small business ownership;

(iii) that the broadening of small business ownership among groups that presently own and control little productive capital is essential to provide for the well-being of this Nation by promoting their increased participation in the free enterprise system of the United States;

(iv) that such development of business ownership among groups that presently own and control little productive capital will be greatly facilitated through the creation of a small business ownership development program, which shall provide services, including, but not limited to, financial, management, and technical assistance.¹

(v) that the power to let Federal contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title can be an effective procurement assistance tool for development of business ownership among groups that own and control little productive capital; and

(vi) that the procurement authority under section 637(a) of this title shall be used only as a tool for developing business ownership among groups that own and control little productive capital.

(B) It is therefore the purpose of the programs authorized by section 636(j) of this title to—

(i) foster business ownership and development by individuals in groups that own and control little productive capital; and

(ii) promote the competitive viability of such firms in the marketplace by creating a small business and capital ownership development program to provide such available financial, technical, and management assistance as may be necessary.

(e) Assistance to victims of floods, etc., and those displaced as result of federally aided construction programs

Further, it is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government should aid and assist victims of floods and other catastrophes, and small-business concerns which are displaced as a result of federally aided construction programs.

(f) Findings; purpose

(1) with ² respect to the Administration's business development programs the Congress finds—

(A) that the opportunity for full participation in our free enterprise system by socially and economically disadvantaged persons is essential if we are to obtain social and economic equality for such persons and improve the functioning of our national economy;

(B) that many such persons are socially disadvantaged because of their identification as members of certain groups that have suffered the effects of discriminatory practices or similar invidious circumstances over which they have no control;

(C) that such groups include, but are not limited to, Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Indian tribes, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and other minorities;

(D) that it is in the national interest to expeditiously ameliorate the conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged groups;

(E) that such conditions can be improved by providing the maximum practicable opportunity for the development of small business concerns owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups;

(F) that such development can be materially advanced through the procurement by the United States of articles, equipment, supplies, services, materials, and construction work from such concerns; and

(G) that such procurements also benefit the United States by encouraging the expansion of suppliers for such procurements, thereby encouraging competition among such suppliers and promoting economy in such procurements.

(2) It is therefore the purpose of section 637(a) of this title to—

(A) promote the business development of small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals so that such concerns can compete on an equal basis in the American economy;

(B) promote the competitive viability of such concerns in the marketplace by providing such available contract, financial, technical, and mangement ³ assistance as may be necessary; and

(C) clarify and expand the program for the procurement by the United States of articles, supplies, services, materials, and construction work from small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

(g) Assistance to disaster victims under disaster loan program

In administering the disaster loan program authorized by section 636 of this title, to the maximum extent possible, the Administration shall provide assistance and counseling to disaster victims in filing applications, providing information relevant to loan processing, and in loan closing and prompt disbursement of loan proceeds and shall give the disaster program a high priority in allocating funds for administrative expenses.

(h) Assistance to women owned business

(1) With respect to the programs and activities authorized by this chapter, the Congress finds that—

(A) women owned business has become a major contributor to the American economy by providing goods and services, revenues, and jobs;

(B) over the past two decades there have been substantial gains in the social and economic status of women as they have sought economic equality and independence;

(C) despite such progress, women, as a group, are subjected to discrimination in entrepreneurial endeavors due to their gender;

(D) such discrimination takes many overt and subtle forms adversely impacting the ability to raise or secure capital, to acquire managerial talents, and to capture market opportunities;

(E) it is in the national interest to expeditiously remove discriminatory barriers to the creation and development of small business concerns owned and controlled by women;

(F) the removal of such barriers is essential to provide a fair opportunity for full participation in the free enterprise system by women and to further increase the economic vitality of the Nation;

(G) increased numbers of small business concerns owned and controlled by women will directly benefit the United States Government by expanding the potential number of suppliers of goods and services to the Government; and

(H) programs and activities designed to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by women must be implemented in such a way as to remove such discriminatory barriers while not adversely affecting the rights of socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

(2) It is, therefore, the purpose of those programs and activities conducted under the authority of this chapter that assist women entrepreneurs to—

(A) vigorously promote the legitimate interests of small business concerns owned and controlled by women;

(B) remove, insofar as possible, the discriminatory barriers that are encountered by women in accessing capital and other factors of production; and

(C) require that the Government engage in a systematic and sustained effort to identify, define and analyze those discriminatory barriers facing women and that such effort directly involve the participation of women business owners in the public/private sector partnership.

(i) Prohibition on use of funds for individuals not lawfully within United States

None of the funds made available pursuant to this chapter may be used to provide any direct benefit or assistance to any individual in the United States if the Administrator or the official to which the funds are made available receives notification that the individual is not lawfully within the United States.

(j) Contract bundling

In complying with the statement of congressional policy expressed in subsection (a), relating to fostering the participation of small business concerns in the contracting opportunities of the Government, each Federal agency, to the maximum extent practicable, shall—

(1) comply with congressional intent to foster the participation of small business concerns as prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers;

(2) structure its contracting requirements to facilitate competition by and among small business concerns, taking all reasonable steps to eliminate obstacles to their participation; and

(3) avoid unnecessary and unjustified bundling of contract requirements that precludes small business participation in procurements as prime contractors.

(Pub. L. 85–536, §2[2], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 87–70, title III, §305(b), June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 167; Pub. L. 87–305, §6, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 667; Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 742; Pub. L. 94–305, title I, §112(a), June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 667; Pub. L. 95–507, title II, §§201, 203, Oct. 24, 1978, 92 Stat. 1760, 1763; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §118(a), July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 840; Pub. L. 99–272, title XVIII, §18015(a), Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 370; Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8002, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1553; Pub. L. 100–533, title I, §101, Oct. 25, 1988, 102 Stat. 2689; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §118, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2999; Pub. L. 100–656, title II, §§204, 207(b), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3859, 3861; Pub. L. 101–37, §6(c), June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 72; Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, §609, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4204; Pub. L. 105–135, title IV, §411, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2617; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1203(d), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2522.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

This chapter was originally enacted as title II of act July 30, 1953, ch. 282, 67 Stat. 232, and designated as the "Small Business Act of 1953". Title II of act July 30, 1953, was amended by acts June 30, 1955, ch. 251, §4, 69 Stat. 225; Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 628, 69 Stat. 547; Feb. 2, 1956, ch. 29, §§1, 2, 70 Stat. 10; Pub. L. 85–4, Feb. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 4; Pub. L. 85–120, §§1, 2, Aug. 3, 1957, 71 Stat. 341; Pub. L. 85–335, Feb. 22, 1958, 72 Stat. 27. Section 1 of Pub. L. 85–536 withdrew title II of act July 30, 1953, as part of that act, and made title II a separate act to be known as the "Small Business Act". The Small Business Act, as amended by Pub. L. 85–536, is classified to this chapter.

Amendments

2010—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–240, in introductory provisions, inserted "the Administrator of" before "the Small Business Administration" and "through the Associate Administrator for International Trade, and" before "in cooperation with".

1997—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–135 added subsec. (j).

1994—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 103–403 added subsec. (i).

1989—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–37 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 100–656, §207(b), which did not result in any change in text, see 1988 Amendment note below.

1988—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 100–418 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–418 redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (d)(2)(A)(v). Pub. L. 100–656, §204(b), which directed amendment of subsec. (c)(2)(A)(v) by striking out "sole source" after "power to let" was executed to subsec. (d)(2)(A)(v) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by Pub. L. 100–418.

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–656, §204(a)(1), which directed general amendment of subsec. (c)(2)(B), was executed to subsec. (d)(2)(B) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (c) as (d) by Pub. L. 100–418. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "It is, therefore, the purpose of the programs authorized by section 636(j) of this title to—

"(i) foster business ownership by individuals in groups that own and control little productive capital; and

"(ii) promote the competitive viability of such firms by creating a small business and capital ownership development program to provide such available financial, technical, and management assistance as may be necessary."

Subsecs. (e), (f). Pub. L. 100–418 redesignated subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.

Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 100–656, §207(b), as amended by Pub. L. 101–37, which directed amendment of subsec. (e)(1)(C) by inserting "Native Hawaiian Organizations," was executed to subsec. (f)(1)(C) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (e) as (f) by Pub. L. 100–418.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 100–656, §204(a)(2), which directed general amendment of subsec. (e)(2), was executed to subsec. (f)(2) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening redesignation of subsec. (e) as (f) by Pub. L. 100–418. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "It is, therefore, the purpose of section 637(a) of this title to—

"(A) foster business ownership by individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged;

"(B) promote the competitive viability of such firms by providing such available contract, financial, technical, and management assistance as may be necessary; and

"(C) clarify and expand the program for the procurement by the United States of articles, equipment, supplies, services, materials, and construction work from small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 100–590, §118, added subsec. (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–533 added subsec. (h).

1986—Subsec. (e)(1)(C). Pub. L. 99–272 inserted "Indian tribes,".

1980—Subsec. (e)(1)(C). Pub. L. 96–302 included among the disadvantaged minorities Asian Pacific Americans.

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–507, §203, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–507, §201, added subsec. (e).

1976—Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 94–305 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsecs. (b) and (c) as (c) and (d), respectively.

1974—Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 93–386 added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–305 inserted "or subcontracts" after "contracts" in two places.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–70 included small-business concerns which are displaced as a result of federally aided construction programs.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–135, §3, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2593, provided that: "This Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note below] and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1997."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–37, §32, June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 77, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1989 Amendment note below] shall apply as if included in the Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988 [Pub. L. 100–656]."

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–656, title VIII, §803, Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3899, as amended by Pub. L. 101–37, §31, June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 76, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as otherwise provided, the following provisions (and the amendments made by such provisions) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1988]:

"(1) Sections 1 and 2 [enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 636 of this title].

"(2) Section 101 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title].

"(3) Sections 202, 203, 204, 206, and 207 [amending this section and sections 636 and 637 of this title].

"(4) Sections 301(a) and 303(d), (e), and (f) [amending sections 636 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 637 of this title].

"(5) Sections 405, 406, 408, and 410 [amending sections 636, 639, and 645 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title].

"(6) Sections 504 and 505 [amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 636 of this title].

"(7) Sections 601 and 603 [amending section 644 of this title].

"(8) Titles VII and VIII [amending section 632 of this title and section 541 of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 632, 636, and 644 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 644 of this title].

"(9) Sections 7(j)(13)(G) and 7(j)(13)(I) of the Small Business Act [section 636(j)(13)(G), (I) of this title] (as added by section 301(b)).

"(b) Special Rules.—(1) Except as otherwise provided, the following sections (and the amendments made by such sections) shall take effect on August 15, 1989:

"(A) Sections 201, 205, and 208 [amending sections 636 and 637 of this title].

"(B) Sections 301(b), 301(c), 303(a), 303(c), 303(g), 303(h), and 304 [amending sections 636 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 637 of this title].

"(C) Sections 401, 402, 403, 404, and 409 [amending sections 633 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 633 of this title].

"(D) Section 602 [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 637 of this title].

"(2) Section 302 [amending section 636 of this title] shall take effect on June 1, 1989.

"(3) Section 407 [amending section 637 of this title] shall take effect with respect to contracts entered into on or after June 1, 1989.

"(4) The following sections (and the amendments made by such sections) shall take effect on October 1, 1989:

"(A) Section 209 [amending section 637 of this title].

"(B) Section 303(b) [amending section 637 of this title].

"(C) Sections 501, 502, and 503 [amending sections 637 and 644 of this title].

"(D) Section 7(j)(13)(E) of the Small Business Act [section 636(j)(13)(E) of this title] (as added by section 301(b) of this Act)."

Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §137, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 3007, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 687m and 697c of this title, amending this section and sections 631b, 632, 633, 634, 636, 637, 638, 644, 648, 681, 687, and 695 to 697b of this title, repealing section 694 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 636, 637, 639, 644, 694, and 697 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 637 of this title] shall be effective on the date of enactment [Nov. 3, 1988], except that sections 118 through 122 [amending this section and sections 632 and 636 of this title] shall be effective for all loan applications resulting from disaster declarations made on or after August 1, 1988, or from disaster declarations whose filing periods were open on October 1, 1988. Any new credit authority provided for in this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note below] is to be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts."

Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8014, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1563, provided that: "This title [amending this section and sections 636, 648, 649, and 696 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 638 of this title] shall become effective on the date of its enactment [Aug. 23, 1988]."

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §1918, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 781, provided that: "Sections 1908, 1909, and 1913 of this title [amending sections 633, 636, and 696 of this title] shall be effective October 1, 1981, and section 1910 of this title [amending section 636 of this title] shall be effective as provided therein [Oct. 1, 1985]. All other provisions of this title [amending sections 632, 633, 636, and 639 of this title, repealing section 636a of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 636 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] shall be effective immediately [Aug. 13, 1981] but shall not affect any financing made, obligated, or committed under the Small Business Act [this chapter] or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [chapter 14B of this title] prior to the effective date hereof."

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–302, title V, §507, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 854, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 631a, 631b, 648, and 697 of this title, amending this section, sections 632, 633, 634, 634d, 636, 637, 644, 647, 694–2, 694b, and 694c of this title, section 5315 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and sections 1961 and 1964 of Title 7, Agriculture, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 636, 637, and 648 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] shall take effect October 1, 1980."

Short Title of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–319, §1, Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4424, provided that: "This Act [amending section 648 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 648 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Cyber Training Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–259, §1, Dec. 21, 2022, 136 Stat. 2387, provided that: "This Act [amending section 639 of this title] may be cited as the 'SBA Cyber Awareness Act'."

Pub. L. 117–249, §1, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2350, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act'."

Pub. L. 117–188, §1, Oct. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 2203, provided that: "This Act [amending section 657 of this title] may be cited as the 'One Stop Shop for Small Business Compliance Act of 2021'."

Pub. L. 117–183, §1, Sept. 30, 2022, 136 Stat. 2180, provided that: "This Act [amending section 638 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022'."

Pub. L. 117–166, §1, Aug. 5, 2022, 136 Stat. 1365, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'PPP and Bank Fraud Enforcement Harmonization Act of 2022'."

Short Title of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–6, §1, Mar. 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 250, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'PPP Extension Act of 2021'."

Short Title of 2020 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–142, §1, June 5, 2020, 134 Stat. 641, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 636 and 9005 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 636 of this title and section 3111 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 3111 of Title 26] may be cited as the 'Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020'."

Short Title of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–70, §1, Nov. 22, 2019, 133 Stat. 1145, provided that: "This Act [amending provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Rebuilding Small Businesses After Disasters Act'."

Pub. L. 115–416, §1, Jan. 3, 2019, 132 Stat. 5436, provided that: "This Act [amending section 657b of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act of 2018'."

Short Title of 2018 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–370, §1, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5105, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title] may be cited as the '7(a) Real Estate Appraisal Harmonization Act'."

Pub. L. 115–324, §1, Dec. 17, 2018, 132 Stat. 4444, provided that: "This Act [amending section 632 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018'."

Pub. L. 115–259, §1, Oct. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 3664, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 648c of this title, amending section 648 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 648c of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017'."

Pub. L. 115–189, §1, June 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 1492, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 657t and 657u of this title, amending sections 632, 636, 639, 647, and 657t of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 657t and 657u of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act of 2018'."

Short Title of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–125, title V, §501, Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 172, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 4721a and 4728a of this title, amending sections 634c, 649, and 4727 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 4727 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Trade Enhancement Act of 2015' or the 'State Trade Coordination Act'."

Short Title of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–88, §1(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 686, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 636, 644, 648, 657d, and 657j of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 636 and 657l of this title] may be cited as the 'Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act of 2015' or the 'RISE After Disaster Act of 2015'." [For identical short title, see below.]

Pub. L. 114–88, div. A, §1001, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 687, provided that: "This division [amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 636 and 657l of this title] may be cited as the 'Superstorm Sandy Relief and Disaster Loan Program Improvement Act of 2015'."

Pub. L. 114–88, div. B, §2001, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 689, provided that: "This division [amending sections 636, 644, 648, 657d, and 657j of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act of 2015' or the 'RISE After Disaster Act of 2015'." [For identical short title, see above.]

Pub. L. 114–38, §1, July 28, 2015, 129 Stat. 437, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015'."

Short Title of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–81, div. E, title L, §5001, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1822, provided that: "This division [enacting sections 638a and 638b of this title, amending sections 632 and 638 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 638 and 638b of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011'."

Pub. L. 112–17, §1, June 1, 2011, 125 Stat. 221, provided that: "This Act [amending section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011'."

Short Title of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–240, §1, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2504, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 634g, 648b, and 657q of this title, chapter 54 and section 4713a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and section 1320a–7m of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, amending this section, sections 278k, 632 to 634, 634c, 636, 637, 644, 648, 649, 656, 657a, 689d, 695, and 696 of this title, section 604 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, section 2382 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and sections 38 to 40, 55, 72, 162, 168, 179, 195, 280F, 402A, 460, 861, 862, 864, 1202, 1374, 1400L, 1400N, 6041, 6330, 6707A, 6721, and 6722 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, repealing former section 634g of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 271, 278n, 632, 636, 637, 644, 649, 649b, and 696 of this title, sections 4741 and 5701 of Title 12, sections 1, 38 to 40, 72, 162, 168, 179, 195, 280F, 402A, 460, 861, 1202, 1374, 6041, 6330, 6655, 6662A, 6707A, and 6721 of Title 26, and sections 428 and 433 of Title 41, Public Contracts, amending provisions set out as notes under this section, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 644 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Jobs Act of 2010'."

Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1101, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2507, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (§§1101–1136) of title I of Pub. L. 111–240, enacting section 4713a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, amending sections 632, 634, 636, 689d, 695, and 696 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 632, 636, and 696 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Job Creation and Access to Capital Act of 2010'."

Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1201, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2520, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle B (§§1201–1209) of title I of Pub. L. 111–240, amending this section and sections 632, 633, 636, 648, and 649 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 636, 649, and 649b of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act of 2010'."

Short Title of 2008 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, §12051, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1406, and Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title XII, §12051, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2168, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle B (§§12051–12091) of title XII of Pub. L. 110–246, enacting sections 636e to 636k and 657i to 657o of this title, amending sections 632, 633, and 636 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 636 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008'."

[Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 enacted identical provisions. Pub. L. 110–234 was repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.]

Pub. L. 110–186, §1, Feb. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 623, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 632, 636, 648, 657b, and 657c of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 636 and 637 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 657b of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008'."

Short Title of 2007 Amendment

Pub. L. 110–28, title VIII, §8301, May 25, 2007, 121 Stat. 204, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle C (§§8301–8306) of title VIII of Pub. L. 110–28, amending section 656 of this title and section 10a of Title 41, Public Contracts, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 656 of this title and section 9858 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 601 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] may be cited as the 'Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007'."

Short Title of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, §1(a), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3441, provided that: "This division [enacting sections 631c and 657g of this title, amending sections 632 to 634, 636, 637, 648, 650, 654, 657a to 657c, 683, 687, 694b, and 695 to 697 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 632, 633, 636, and 637 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 657b of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 694b of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004'."

Short Title of 2001 Amendment

Pub. L. 107–50, §1, Oct. 15, 2001, 115 Stat. 263, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 638 and 657d of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Technology Transfer Program Reauthorization Act of 2001'."

Short Title of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [§1(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-667, provided that: "This Act [H.R. 5667, as enacted by section 1(a)(9) of Pub. L. 106–554, see Tables for classification] may be cited as the 'Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000'."

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title I, §101], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-668, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 657d and 657e of this title, amending section 638 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 638 and 657d of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 2000'."

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title II, §201], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-681, provided that: "This title [amending sections 634, 636, and 696 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Loan Improvement Act of 2000'."

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title V, §501], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-691, provided that: "This title [amending sections 637, 648, 654, and 657a of this title and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 637 and 644 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Programs Reauthorization Act of 2000'."

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, subtitle A, §601], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-697, provided that: "This subtitle [amending section 632 of this title] may be cited as the 'HUBZones in Native America Act of 2000'."

Short Title of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–165, §1, Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1795, provided that: "This Act [amending section 656 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 656 of this title] may be cited as the 'Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999'."

Pub. L. 106–50, §1, Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 233, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 657b and 657c of this title, amending sections 631b, 632, 633, 634b, 636, 637, 644, and 695 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 633, 636, 637, 657b, and 657c of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999'."

Pub. L. 106–22, §1, Apr. 27, 1999, 113 Stat. 36, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Microloan Program Technical Corrections Act of 1999'."

Pub. L. 106–17, §1, Apr. 6, 1999, 113 Stat. 27, provided that: "This Act [amending section 656 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 656 of this title] may be cited as the 'Women's Business Center Amendments Act of 1999'."

Pub. L. 106–8, §1, Apr. 2, 1999, 113 Stat. 13, provided that: "This Act [amending section 636 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 636 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Year 2000 Readiness Act'."

Short Title of 1998 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IX, §901, Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–707, provided that: "This title [enacting section 654 of this title, amending section 648 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 654 of this title] may be cited as the 'Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998'."

Short Title of 1997 Amendment

Pub. L. 105–135, §1(a), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2592, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 657a and 7109 of this title and former section 7109 of this title, amending this section, sections 631b, 632, 636, 637, 638, 644, 645, 648, 656, 662, 681 to 683, 687b, 687m, 694b, 696, 697, 697e, 7103, 7104, 7106, 7107, and 7110 of this title, section 2323 of Title 10, Armed Forces, section 1441a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, sections 3718, 6701, and 7505 of Title 31, Money and Finance, sections 405 and 417a of Title 41, Public Contracts, section 13556 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and sections 47107 and 47113 of Title 49, Transportation, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 632 to 634, 636, 637, 638, 656, 657a, and 697e of this title, and section 405 of Title 41, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 637, 644, 694b, and 697e of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997'."

Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, §601, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2627, provided that: "This title [enacting section 657a of this title, amending sections 631b, 632, 637, 644, 645, and 694b of this title, section 2323 of Title 10, Armed Forces, section 1441a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, sections 3718, 6701, and 7505 of Title 31, Money and Finance, sections 405 and 417a of Title 41, Public Contracts, section 13556 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and sections 47107 and 47113 of Title 49, Transportation, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 632 and 657a of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'HUBZone Act of 1997'."

Short Title of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, §1(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–724, provided that: "This division [amending sections 80a–18, 632 to 634, 636, 638, 648, 662, 681 to 683, 687, 687b, 687d, 687k to 687m, 694b, 696, 697, 697b, and 697f of this title and section 1431 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, repealing sections 687i and 687j of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 632 to 634, 636, 681, 683, 694b, and 695 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 644 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 634 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Programs Improvement Act of 1996'."

Short Title of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–36, §1, Oct. 12, 1995, 109 Stat. 295, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 634, 636, and 697 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 634 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 694b of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 1995'."

Short Title of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–403, §1(a), Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4175, provided that: "This Act [enacting chapter 97 of this title and sections 697d to 697f of this title, amending this section and sections 632 to 634, 634d, 636 to 638, 644, 648, 652, 656, 683, 687, and 697 of this title, repealing section 697e of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 634b, 636, 637, 644, 661, and 697d to 697f of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 633, 636, 637, and 694b of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 697 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994'."

Short Title of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–81, §1(a), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 780, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 634, 636, 648, 652, and 7107 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 634 and 636 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 648 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under sections 634 and 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Guaranteed Credit Enhancement Act of 1993'."

Short Title of 1992 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–564, §1(a), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4249, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 634, 636, 637, and 638 of this title and section 4124 of Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 638 of this title, amending provisions set out as notes under sections 644 and 648 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–564, title I, §101, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4249, provided that: "This title [amending section 638 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–564, title II, §201, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4256, provided that: "This title [amending section 638 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Technology Transfer Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–366, §1(a), Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 986, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 632, 636, 637, 644, 648, 661, 662, 682, 683, 685, 686, 687, 687b, and 687l of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 632, 634, 636, 644, 648, 661, 681, 687b, and 694b of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 633, 636, and 644 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Credit and Business Opportunity Enhancement Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–366, title I, §101, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 987, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle A (§§101–104) of title I of Pub. L. 102–366, amending section 636 of this title and enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'Small Business Credit Crunch Relief Act of 1992'."

Pub. L. 102–366, title I, §111, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 989, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle B (§§111–115) of title I of Pub. L. 102–366, amending section 636 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under section 636 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Microlending Expansion Act of 1992'."

Short Title of 1991 Amendment

Pub. L. 102–191, §1, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1589, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 656 of this title, amending sections 636, 637, and 7103 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under section 637 of this title] may be cited as the 'Women's Business Development Act of 1991'."

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–574, §1, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2814, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 653 and 654 of this title, amending sections 633, 636, 637, 639, 644, 648, 683, 695, and 696 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 633, 637, 648, 648a, 653, and 683 of this title and section 601 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 633, 636, 637, 644, and 694b of this title and section 502 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 648 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1990'."

Pub. L. 101–574, title III, §301, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2827, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 653 and 654 of this title, amending sections 631b, 636, and 648 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 653 of this title and section 601 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] may be cited as the 'Rural Small Business Enhancement Act of 1990'."

Short Title of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–37, §1, June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 70, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 633, 636, 637, 639, and 644 of this title, enacting provisions set out as a note under this section, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 633, 636, 637, and 644 of this title] may be cited as the 'Business Opportunity Development Reform Act Technical Corrections Act'."

Short Title of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–656, §1(a), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3853, provided that: "This Act [amending this section, sections 632, 633, 636, 637, 639, 644, and 645 of this title, and section 541 of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 632, 633, 636, and 637 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 644 of this title] may be cited as the 'Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–590, §1(a), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2989, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 687m and 697c of this title, amending this section and sections 631b, 632, 633, 634, 636, 637, 638, 644, 648, 681, 687b, and 694b to 697b of this title, repealing section 694 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 636, 637, 639, 644, 661, 694, 694b, and 697 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 633 and 637 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Administration Reauthorization and Amendment Act of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–533, §1, Oct. 25, 1988, 102 Stat. 2689, provided in part that Pub. L. 100–533 "[enacting chapter 97 of this title and section 417a of Title 41, Public Contracts, amending this section and sections 631b, 636, 637, and 1691b of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 636 and 637 of this title, and section 131 of Title 13, Census] may be cited as the 'Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988'."

Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8001, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1553, provided that: "This title [amending this section and sections 636, 648, 649, and 696 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section and section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business International Trade and Competitiveness Act'."

Short Title of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–395, §1, Aug. 21, 1984, 98 Stat. 1366, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 636 and 648 of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section and section 648 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Development Center Improvement Act of 1984'."

Pub. L. 98–362, §1, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 431, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 632, 633, and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 633 and 637 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Computer Security and Education Act of 1984'."

Pub. L. 98–352, §1, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 329, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 633, 634, and 639 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 634 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Secondary Market Improvements Act of 1984'."

Short Title of 1982 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–219, §1, July 22, 1982, 96 Stat. 217, provided that: "This Act [amending section 638 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 638 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982'."

Short Title of 1981 Amendment

Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §1901, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 767, provided that: "This title [amending sections 632, 633, 636, 639, and 696 of this title, repealing section 636a of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 632 and 636 of this title, and amending provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'Small Business Budget Reconciliation and Loan Consolidation/Improvement Act of 1981'."

Short Title of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–481, title I, §110, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2323, provided that: "This part [part B (§§110–113) of title I of Pub. L. 96–481 enacting section 649 of this title, amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 649 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Export Expansion Act of 1980'."

Pub. L. 96–302, title II, §201, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 843, provided that: "This title [enacting section 648, amending section 636, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 648 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Development Center Act of 1980'."

Pub. L. 96–302, title III, §301, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 848, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 631a and 631b of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980'."

Pub. L. 96–302, title V, §501, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 850, provided that: "This title [amending sections 632 and 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 631 and 636 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Employee Ownership Act of 1980'."

Short Title of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–315, §1, July 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 377, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 633, 636, and 639 of this title and provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'Small Business Energy Loan Act'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–386, §1, Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 742, provided: "That this Act [enacting section 694c of this title, amending this section, sections 633, 634, 636, 639, 647, 694, and 694b of this title, and sections 2855, 2942, 2949, and 2982 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, repealing sections 2901, 2902, 2905, 2906, 2906a, 2906b, 2906c, and 2907 of Title 42, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 633 and 694 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Business Amendments of 1974'."

Short Title of 1967 Amendment

Pub. L. 90–104, title I, §101, Oct. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 268, provided that: "This title [amending sections 633, 636, and 637 of this title and section 2902 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] may be cited as the 'Small Business Act Amendments of 1967'."

Short Title of 1961 Amendment

Pub. L. 87–305, §1, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 666, provided: "That this Act [amending this section, sections 633, 634, 636, 637, and 639 of this title, and section 4558 of Title 50, War and National Defense] may be cited as the 'Small Business Act Amendments of 1961'."

Short Title

Pub. L. 85–536, §2[1], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384, provided that this chapter should be known as the "Small Business Act".

Repeal of Inconsistent Laws

Pub. L. 85–536, §2[49], formerly §2[21], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 396, renumbered §2[30] by Pub. L. 96–302, title II, §202, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 843; renumbered §2[31] by Pub. L. 104–121, title II, §222(1), Mar. 29, 1996, 110 Stat. 860; renumbered §2[32] by Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, §602(b)(1)(A), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2629; renumbered §2[34] by Pub. L. 106–50, title II, §201(b)(1), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 235; renumbered §2[36] by Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title I, §111(b)(1)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-674; renumbered §2[37] by Pub. L. 108–183, title III, §308, Dec. 16, 2003, 117 Stat. 2662; renumbered §2[44] by Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, §12062(1), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1407; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title XII, §12062(1), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2169; renumbered §2[45] by Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1313(a)(1), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2538; renumbered §2[47] by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §1641(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2076; renumbered §2[49] by Pub. L. 115–189, §3(a)(1), June 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 1492, provided that: "All laws and parts of laws inconsistent with this Act [this chapter] are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency."

Regulations

Pub. L. 105–135, title IV, §417, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2620, provided that:

"(a) Proposed Regulations.—Proposed amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation or proposed Small Business Administration regulations under this subtitle [subtitle B (§§411–417) of title IV of Pub. L. 105–135, amending this section and sections 632, 637 and 644 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 637 of this title and section 1122 of Title 41, Public Contracts] and the amendments made by this subtitle shall be published not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 1997] for the purpose of obtaining public comment pursuant to section 22 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act ([former] 41 U.S.C. 418b) [now 41 U.S.C. 1707], or chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code, as appropriate. The public shall be afforded not less than 60 days to submit comments.

"(b) Final Regulations.—Final regulations shall be published not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act. The effective date for such final regulations shall be not less than 30 days after the date of publication."

Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §136, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 3007, provided that: "Notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation, the Small Business Administration shall promulgate final regulations to be effective on publication to carry out the provisions of this title [see Effective Date of 1988 Amendments note above] within six months after the date of enactment [Nov. 3, 1988]."

Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8013, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1563, provided that: "Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation, the Small Business Administration shall promulgate final regulations to carry out the provisions of this title [see Short Title of 1988 Amendments note above] within six months after the date of enactment of this title [Aug. 23, 1988]."

Separability

Pub. L. 85–536, §2[19], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 396, provided that: "If any provision of this Act [this chapter], or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act [this chapter], and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby."

Authorization of Appropriations

Pub. L. 85–536, §2[20], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 396, as amended by Pub. L. 87–341, §11(h)(2), Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 757; Pub. L. 95–89, title I, §102, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 553; Pub. L. 95–315, §§5, 7, July 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §§101, 110, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 833, 837; Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §§1905, 1906, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 772–777; Pub. L. 98–270, title III, §§302, 305, Apr. 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 160, 161; Pub. L. 98–395, §3, Aug. 21, 1984, 98 Stat. 1367; Pub. L. 99–272, title XVIII, §§18001, 18002, 18012, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 361, 363, 369; Pub. L. 100–72, §1, July 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 477; Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §§8004, 8006(a), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1556, 1557; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §§101, 135(1), (2), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2990, 3007; Pub. L. 101–574, title I, §§101, 102, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2815, 2817; Pub. L. 102–83, §5(c)(2), Aug. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 406; Pub. L. 102–366, title I, §§102, 115(a), title IV, §§405, 414, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 987, 993, 1014, 1018; Pub. L. 103–81, §2, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 780; Pub. L. 103–282, §1, July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1422; Pub. L. 103–403, title I, §101, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4176; Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title II, §208(i)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–747; Pub. L. 105–135, title I, §101, title II, §211, title VI, §607, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2594, 2600, 2635; Pub. L. 106–9, §2(b), Apr. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 17; Pub. L. 106–24, §1(b), Apr. 27, 1999, 113 Stat. 39; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(8) [§1(c)], §1(a)(9) [title V, §502, title VIII, §804(a)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-664, 2763A-691, 2763A-703; Pub. L. 107–20, title II, §2203(a), July 24, 2001, 115 Stat. 170; Pub. L. 108–217, §3, Apr. 5, 2004, 118 Stat. 591; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §121, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3446; Pub. L. 115–189, §5, June 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 1497; Pub. L. 116–260, div. N, title III, §329(d), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 2042, provided that:

"(a)(1) For fiscal year 2000 and each fiscal year thereafter, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary and appropriate, to remain available until expended, and to be available solely—

"(A) to carry out the Small Business Development Center Program under section 21 [15 U.S.C. 648], but not to exceed the annual funding level, as specified in section 21(a);

"(B) to pay the expenses of the National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board, as provided in section 21(i);

"(C) to pay the expenses of the information sharing system, as provided in section 21(c)(8);

"(D) to pay the expenses of the association referred to in section 21(a)(3)(A) for conducting the accreditation program, as provided in section 21(k)(2);

"(E) to pay the expenses of the Administration, including salaries of examiners, for conducting examinations as part of the accreditation program conducted by the association referred to in section 21(a)(3)(A); and

"(F) to pay for small business development center grants as mandated or directed by Congress.

"(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administration shall enter into commitments for direct loans and to guarantee loans, debentures, payment of rentals, or other amounts due under qualified contracts and other types of financial assistance and enter into commitments to purchase debentures and preferred securities and to guarantee sureties against loss pursuant to programs under this Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.], in the full amounts provided by law subject only to (A) the availability of qualified applications, and (B) limitations contained in appropriations Acts. Nothing in this paragraph authorizes the Administration to reduce or limit its authority to enter into such commitments. Subject to approval in appropriations Acts, amounts authorized for preferred securities, debentures or participating securities under title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.] may be obligated in one fiscal year and disbursed or guaranteed in any 1 or more of the 4 subsequent fiscal years.

"(3) There are authorized to be transferred from the disaster loan revolving fund such sums as may be necessary and appropriate for administrative expenses of the Administration.

"(4) Except as may be otherwise specifically provided by law, the amount of deferred participation loans authorized in this section—

"(A) shall mean the net amount of the loan principal guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (and does not include any amount which is not guaranteed); and

"(B) shall be available for a national program, except that the Administration may use not more than an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount authorized each year for any special or pilot program directed to identified sectors of the small business community or to specific geographic regions of the United States.

"(b) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration for fiscal year 1991 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. There also are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary and appropriate for the carrying out of the provisions and purposes, including administrative expenses, of sections 7(b)(1) and 7(b)(2) of this Act [15 U.S.C. 636(b)(1), (2)]; and there are authorized to be transferred from the disaster loan revolving fund such sums as may be necessary and appropriate for such administrative expenses.

"(c) Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program.—The following program levels are authorized for loans under section 7(b)(1)(C) [15 U.S.C. 636(b)(1)(C)]:

"(1) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.

"(2) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2006.

"(d) Fiscal Year 2005.—

"(1) Program levels.—The following program levels are authorized for fiscal year 2005:

"(A) For the programs authorized by this Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.], the Administration is authorized to make—

"(i) $75,000,000 in technical assistance grants, as provided in section 7(m) [15 U.S.C. 636(m)]; and

"(ii) $105,000,000 in direct loans, as provided in 7(m).

"(B) For the programs authorized by this Act, the Administration is authorized to make $23,050,000,000 in deferred participation loans and other financings. Of such sum, the Administration is authorized to make—

"(i) $16,500,000,000 in general business loans, as provided in section 7(a) [15 U.S.C. 636(a)];

"(ii) $6,000,000,000 in certified development company financings, as provided in section 7(a)(13) and as provided in section 504 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 697a];

"(iii) $500,000,000 in loans, as provided in section 7(a)(21); and

"(iv) $50,000,000 in loans, as provided in section 7(m).

"(C) For the programs authorized by title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.], the Administration is authorized to make—

"(i) $4,250,000,000 in purchases of participating securities; and

"(ii) $3,250,000,000 in guarantees of debentures.

"(D) For the programs authorized by part B of title IV of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 694a et seq.], the Administration is authorized to enter into guarantees not to exceed $6,000,000,000, of which not more than 50 percent may be in bonds approved pursuant to section 411(a)(3) of that Act [15 U.S.C. 694b(a)(3)].

"(E) The Administration is authorized to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements for a total amount of $7,000,000 for the Service Corps of Retired Executives program authorized by section 8(b)(1) [15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)].

"(2) Additional authorizations.—

"(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration for fiscal year 2005 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act not elsewhere provided for, including administrative expenses and necessary loan capital for disaster loans pursuant to section 7(b) [15 U.S.C. 636(b)], and to carry out the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.], including salaries and expenses of the Administration.

"(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, for fiscal year 2005—

"(i) no funds are authorized to be used as loan capital for the loan program authorized by section 7(a)(21) except by transfer from another Federal department or agency to the Administration, unless the program level authorized for general business loans under paragraph (1)(B)(i) is fully funded; and

"(ii) the Administration may not approve loans on its own behalf or on behalf of any other Federal department or agency, by contract or otherwise, under terms and conditions other than those specifically authorized under this Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, except that it may approve loans under section 7(a)(21) of this Act in gross amounts of not more than $2,000,000.

"(e) Fiscal Year 2006.—

"(1) Program levels.—The following program levels are authorized for fiscal year 2006:

"(A) For the programs authorized by this Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.], the Administration is authorized to make—

"(i) $80,000,000 in technical assistance grants, as provided in section 7(m) [15 U.S.C. 636(m)]; and

"(ii) $110,000,000 in direct loans, as provided in 7(m).

"(B) For the programs authorized by this Act, the Administration is authorized to make $25,050,000,000 in deferred participation loans and other financings. Of such sum, the Administration is authorized to make—

"(i) $17,000,000,000 in general business loans, as provided in section 7(a) [15 U.S.C. 636(a)];

"(ii) $7,500,000,000 in certified development company financings, as provided in section 7(a)(13) and as provided in section 504 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 697a];

"(iii) $500,000,000 in loans, as provided in section 7(a)(21); and

"(iv) $50,000,000 in loans, as provided in section 7(m).

"(C) For the programs authorized by title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.], the Administration is authorized to make—

"(i) $4,500,000,000 in purchases of participating securities; and

"(ii) $3,500,000,000 in guarantees of debentures.

"(D) For the programs authorized by part B of title IV of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 694a et seq.], the Administration is authorized to enter into guarantees not to exceed $6,000,000,000, of which not more than 50 percent may be in bonds approved pursuant to section 411(a)(3) of that Act [15 U.S.C. 694b(a)(3)].

"(E) The Administration is authorized to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements for a total amount of $7,000,000 for the Service Corps of Retired Executives program authorized by section 8(b)(1) [15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)].

"(2) Additional authorizations.—

"(A) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administration for fiscal year 2006 such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act not elsewhere provided for, including administrative expenses and necessary loan capital for disaster loans pursuant to section 7(b) [15 U.S.C. 636(b)], and to carry out the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, including salaries and expenses of the Administration.

"(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, for fiscal year 2006—

"(i) no funds are authorized to be used as loan capital for the loan program authorized by section 7(a)(21) except by transfer from another Federal department or agency to the Administration, unless the program level authorized for general business loans under paragraph (1)(B)(i) is fully funded; and

"(ii) the Administration may not approve loans on its own behalf or on behalf of any other Federal department or agency, by contract or otherwise, under terms and conditions other than those specifically authorized under this Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, except that it may approve loans under section 7(a)(21) of this Act in gross amounts of not more than $2,000,000.

"(f) Fiscal Year 2004 Purchase and Guarantee Authority Under Title III of Small Business Investment Act of 1958.—For fiscal year 2004, for the programs authorized by title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.), the Administration is authorized to make—

"(1) $4,000,000,000 in purchases of participating securities; and

"(2) $3,000,000,000 in guarantees of debentures.

"(g) Authority To Increase Amount of General Business Loans.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3) and with respect to fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, if the Administrator determines that the amount of commitments by the Administrator for general business loans authorized under section 7(a) [15 U.S.C. 636(a)] for a fiscal year could exceed the limit on the total amount of commitments the Administrator may make for those loans under this Act, an appropriations Act, or any other provision of law, the Administrator may make commitments for those loans for that fiscal year in an aggregate amount equal to not more than 115 percent of that limit.

"(2) Notice required before exercising authority.—Not later than 30 days before the date on which the Administrator intends to exercise the authority under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit notice of intent to exercise the authority to—

"(A) the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Small Business and the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

"(3) Limitation.—The Administrator shall not exercise the authority under paragraph (1) more than once during any fiscal year.

"(h) Microloan Program.—For each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, the Administration is authorized to make—

"(1) $80,000,000 in technical assistance grants, as provided in section 7(m) [15 U.S.C. 636(m)]; and

"(2) $110,000,000 in direct loans, as provided in section 7(m)."

Category Management Training

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, §871, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3788, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 8 months after the date of the enactment of this section [Jan. 1, 2021], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, in coordination with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and any other head of a Federal agency (as determined by the Administrator), shall develop a training curriculum on category management for staff of Federal agencies with procurement or acquisition responsibilities. Such training shall include—

"(1) best practices for procuring goods and services from small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)); and

"(2) information on avoiding conflicts with the requirements of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).

"(b) Use of Curriculum.—The Administrator of the Small Business Administration—

"(1) shall ensure that staff for Federal agencies described in subsection (a) receive the training described in such subsection; and

"(2) may request the assistance of the relevant Director of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (as described in section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k))) to carry out the requirements of paragraph (1).

"(c) Submission to Congress.—The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall provide a copy of the training curriculum developed under subsection (a) to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate.

"(d) Category Management Defined.—In this section, the term 'category management' has the meaning given by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget."

Small Business Act Contracting Requirements Training

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §1622(a), (b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2069, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this part [Jan. 2, 2013], the Defense Acquisition University and the Federal Acquisition Institute shall each provide a course on contracting requirements under the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.], including the requirements for small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, qualified HUBZone small business concerns, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and small business concerns owned and controlled by women.

"(b) Course Required.—To have a Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (or any successor certification) or the equivalent Department of Defense certification an individual shall be required to complete the course established under subsection (a)."

Agency Achievement of Small Business Goals

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §1633(b), (c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2076, as amended by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §871, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 939, provided that:

"(b) Responsibility for Achieving Small Business Goals.—The head of an agency shall take steps to ensure that members of the senior executive service, as defined under section 3396(a) of title 5, United States Code, responsible for acquisition, other senior officials responsible for acquisition, and other members of the senior executive service, as appropriate, assume responsibility for the agency's success in achieving each of the small business prime contracting and subcontracting goals and percentages by—

"(1) promoting a climate or environment that is responsive to small business concerns;

"(2) communicating the importance of achieving the agency's small business contracting goals; and

"(3) encouraging small business awareness, outreach, and support.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section [enacting this note and provisions set out as a note under section 3396 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] the term 'responsible for acquisition', with respect to a member of the senior executive service or other senior official, means such a member or official who acquires services or supplies, directs agency organizations to acquire services or supplies, oversees acquisition officials, including program managers, contracting officers, and other acquisition workforce personnel responsible for formulating and approving acquisition strategies and plans."

Loan Application Processing

Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VIII, §801], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-702, required the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to conduct a loan application processing study and to transmit the results to Congress not later than 1 year after Dec. 21, 2000.

Service Disabled Veterans

Pub. L. 105–135, title VII, §§701–704, 707, 709, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2636–2638, provided that:

"SEC. 701. PURPOSES.

"The purposes of this title [amending sections 631b, 636, and 637 of this title and enacting this note] are—

"(1) to foster enhanced entrepreneurship among eligible veterans by providing increased opportunities;

"(2) to vigorously promote the legitimate interests of small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans; and

"(3) to ensure that those concerns receive fair consideration in purchases made by the Federal Government.

"SEC. 702. DEFINITIONS.

"In this title:

"(1) Eligible veteran.—The term 'eligible veteran' means a disabled veteran (as defined in section 4211(3) of title 38, United States Code).

"(2) Small business concern owned and controlled by eligible veterans.—The term 'small business concern owned and controlled by eligible veterans' means a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 632])—

"(A) that is at least 51 percent owned by 1 or more eligible veterans, or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by 1 or more eligible veterans; and

"(B) whose management and daily business operations are controlled by eligible veterans.

"SEC. 703. REPORT BY SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

"(a) Study and Report.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 1997], the Administrator shall conduct a comprehensive study and submit to the Committees a final report containing findings and recommendations of the Administrator on—

"(A) the needs of small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans;

"(B) the availability and utilization of Administration programs by small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans;

"(C) the percentage, and dollar value, of Federal contracts awarded to small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans in the preceding 5 fiscal years; and

"(D) methods to improve Administration and other agency programs to serve the needs of small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans.

"(2) Contents.—The report under paragraph (1) shall include recommendations to Congress concerning the need for legislation and recommendations to the Office of Management and Budget, relevant offices within the Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"(b) Conduct of Study.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator—

"(1) may conduct surveys of small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans and service disabled veterans, including those who have sought financial assistance or other services from the Administration;

"(2) shall consult with the appropriate committees of Congress, relevant groups and organizations in the nonprofit sector, and Federal or State government agencies; and

"(3) shall have access to any information within other Federal agencies that pertains to such veterans and their small businesses, unless such access is specifically prohibited by law.

"SEC. 704. INFORMATION COLLECTION.

"After the date of issuance of the report required by section 703(a), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training and the Administrator, engage in efforts each fiscal year to identify small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans in the United States. The Secretary shall inform each small business concern identified under this section that information on Federal procurement is available from the Administrator.

"SEC. 707. ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING, COUNSELING, AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE.

"The Administrator shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that small business concerns owned and controlled by eligible veterans have access to programs established under the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] that provide entrepreneurial training, business development assistance, counseling, and management assistance to small business concerns, including, among others, the Small Business Development Center program and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program.

"SEC. 709. OUTREACH FOR ELIGIBLE VETERANS.

"The Administrator, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training, shall develop and implement a program of comprehensive outreach to assist eligible veterans, which program shall include business training and management assistance, employment and relocation counseling, and dissemination of information on veterans' benefits and veterans' entitlements."

Transition Reimbursement

Pub. L. 103–403, title IV, §414, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4197, authorized payment, for a 90-day period of time, of reasonable amounts of funds to pay salaries and expenses of members and staff of the National Women's Business Council appointed on or before Oct. 22, 1994.

Buy American Preference in Provision of Financial Assistance

Pub. L. 102–366, title I, §103, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 988, provided that: "In providing financial assistance with amounts appropriated pursuant to the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1992 Amendment note above], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall, when practicable, accord preference to small business concerns which use or purchase equipment and supplies produced in the United States. The Administrator shall also encourage small business concerns receiving such assistance to purchase such equipment and supplies."

Feasibility Study of Business Cooperation Network

Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §233, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2825, directed Administrator of the Small Business Administration to conduct a study of feasibility of establishing a business cooperation system similar to Business Cooperation Network developed by the European Economic Community, specified the purpose of the study, and directed Administrator, not later than one year after Nov. 15, 1990, to transmit to Congress a report containing the results of the study together with recommendations for such legislative and administrative actions as the Administrator considered appropriate.

Development of Women's Business Enterprise

Pub. L. 100–533, title IV, §§401–407, Oct. 25, 1988, 102 Stat. 2694, as amended, formerly set out as a note under this section, was transferred to chapter 97 (§7101 et seq.) of this title.

Disadvantaged Small Businesses

Pub. L. 100–533, title V, §504, Oct. 25, 1988, 102 Stat. 2698, provided that: "Nothing contained in this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above] is intended to reduce or limit any programs, benefit, or activity that is authorized by law to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined pursuant to section 8(d)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3))."

Globalization of Production; Report to Congress

Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8009, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1561, directed Administrator of Small Business Administration, within one year after Aug. 23, 1988, to submit a written report to Committees on Small Business of House of Representatives and Senate, prepared by Administration in conjunction with Bureau of Census and in cooperation with other relevant agencies, that would analyze to extent possible the effect of increased outsourcing and other shifts in production arrangements on small firms, particularly manufacturing firms, within United States subcontractor tier and to extent that such data is not available determine methods by which such data might be collected; assess the impact of specific economic policies, including, but not limited to, procurement, tax and trade policies, in facilitating outsourcing and other international production arrangements; and make recommendations as to changes in Government policy that would improve competitive position of smaller United States subcontractors, including recommendations as to incentives which could be provided to larger corporations to maximize their use of United States subcontractors and assist these subcontractors in changing production and marketing strategies and in obtaining new business in domestic and foreign markets.

National Seminars on Small Business Exports

Pub. L. 102–366, title II, §224, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 1000, directed Small Business Administration to conduct a National Seminar on Small Business Exports in Buffalo, New York, in connection with the World University Games Buffalo '93 during July, 1993, in order to develop recommendations designed to stimulate exports from small companies, with such Seminar to build upon the information collected by Administration through previously conducted regional small business trade conferences and prior conference in State of Washington and to specifically consider utility of, and make recommendations regarding, subsequent International Conference on Small Business and Trade.

Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8011, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1562, directed Small Business Administration to conduct a National Seminar on Small Business Exports within one year after Aug. 23, 1988, in order to develop recommendations designed to stimulate exports from small companies.

Appointment of Administrator of Small Business Administration to Trade Policy Committee; Special Trade Assistant for Small Business in Office of United States Trade Representative

Pub. L. 100–418, title VIII, §8012, Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1563, provided that:

"It is the sense of the Congress that the interests of the small business community have not been adequately represented in trade policy formulation and in trade negotiations. Therefore, it is the sense of the Congress that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration should be appointed as a member of the Trade Policy Committee and that the United States Trade Representative should consult with the Small Business Administration and its Office of Advocacy in trade policy formulation and in trade negotiations.

"Further, it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Trade Representative would better serve the needs of the small business community with full-time staff assistance with responsibilities for small business trade issues.

"Further, it is the sense of the Congress that the United States Trade Representative should appoint a special trade assistant for small business."

White House Conference on Small Business

Pub. L. 101–409, Oct. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 885, as amended by Pub. L. 103–81, §10, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 783, directed President to conduct National White House Conference on Small Business not earlier than May 1, 1995, and not later than Sept. 30, 1995, to increase public awareness of essential contribution of small business, to identify obstacles to small business, to examine status of women and minorities as small business owners, and to develop specific recommendations for action to maintain and encourage economic viability of small business, further provided for creation of White House Conference on Small Business Commission to oversee preparation for Conference, further provided for selection of Conference participants as well as planning and administration of Conference, further provided for final report to be submitted not later than four months after convening of Conference as well as annual follow-up reports by Small Business Administration for three years after submission of final report, and further provided for authorization of appropriations.

Pub. L. 98–276, May 8, 1984, 98 Stat. 169, directed President to call and conduct a National White House Conference on Small Business not later than Sept. 1, 1986, with Conference to submit a final report to President and Congress not more than six months from date on which Conference convened, and with that final report to include finding and recommendations of Conference as well as proposals for any legislative action necessary to implement Conference's recommendations; and required Small Business Administration to report to Congress annually during the 3-year period following submission of final report on status and implementation of findings and recommendations of Conference.

Asian Pacific Americans as Disadvantaged Minority in 1978

Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §118(c)(1), July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 840, provided that 1980 Amendment of subsec. (e)(1)(C) by Pub. L. 96–302, §118(a), which included Asian Pacific Americans among the disadvantaged minorities, shall apply as if included in the 1978 Amendment made by Pub. L. 95–507, §201, enacting subsec. (e) of this section.

Assistance to Automobile Dealers; Congressional Findings; Investigation by Administrator; Report to Congress

Pub. L. 96–185, §17, Jan. 7, 1980, 93 Stat. 1335, directed Administrator of Small Business Administration to investigate financial problems faced by small automobile dealers and determine what assistance through loans and loan guarantees may be needed to alleviate such problems and to report results of such investigation to Senate and House of Representatives not later than sixty days after Jan. 7, 1980.

Definitions

Pub. L. 105–135, §2, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2593, provided that: "In this Act [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note above]—

"(1) the term 'Administration' means the Small Business Administration;

"(2) the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration;

"(3) the term 'Committees' means the Committees on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Senate [Committee on Small Business of Senate now Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate]; and

"(4) the term 'small business concern' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)."

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, §2, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–725, provided that: "For purposes of this Act [probably should be "division", see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note above], the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration."

Executive Documents

Executive Order No. 11458

Ex. Ord. No. 11458, Mar. 5, 1969, 34 F.R. 4937, which related to a national program for minority business enterprise, was superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11625, Oct. 13, 1971, 36 F.R. 19967, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 11625. National Program for Minority Business Enterprise

Ex. Ord. No. 11625, Oct. 13, 1971, 36 F.R. 19967, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12007, Aug. 22, 1977, 42 F.R. 42839, provided:

The opportunity for full participation in our free enterprise system by socially and economically disadvantaged persons is essential if we are to obtain social and economic justice for such persons and improve the functioning of our national economy.

The Office of Minority Business Enterprise, established in 1969, greatly facilitated the strengthening and expansion of our minority enterprise program. In order to take full advantage of resources and opportunities in the minority enterprise field, we now must build on this foundation. One important way of improving our efforts is by clarifying the authority of the Secretary of Commerce (a) to implement Federal policy in support of the minority business enterprise program; (b) provide additional technical and management assistance to disadvantaged business; (c) to assist in demonstration projects; and (d) to coordinate the participation of all Federal departments and agencies in an increased minority enterprise effort.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:

Section 1. Functions of the Secretary of Commerce. (a) The Secretary of Commerce (hereinafter referred to as "the Secretary") shall—

(1) Coordinate as consistent with law the plans, programs, and operations of the Federal Government which affect or may contribute to the establishment, preservation, and strengthening of minority business enterprise.

(2) Promote the mobilization of activities and resources of State and local governments, businesses and trade associations, universities, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups towards the growth of minority business enterprises, and facilitate the coordination of the efforts of these groups with those of Federal departments and agencies.

(3) Establish a center for the development, collection, summarization, and dissemination of information that will be helpful to persons and organizations throughout the Nation in undertaking or promoting the establishment and successful operation of minority business enterprise.

(4) Within constraints of law and appropriations therefor, and according to his discretion, provide financial assistance to public and private organizations so that they may render technical and management assistance to minority business enterprises, and defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects conducted by public or private agencies or organizations which are designed to overcome the special problems of minority business enterprises or otherwise to further the purposes of this order.

(b) The Secretary, as he deems necessary or appropriate to enable him to better fulfill the responsibilities vested in him by subsection (a), may—

(1) With the participation of other Federal departments and agencies as appropriate, develop comprehensive plans and specific program goals for the minority enterprise program; establish regular performance monitoring and reporting systems to assure that goals are being achieved; and evaluate the impact of Federal support in achieving the objectives established by this order.

(2) Require a coordinated review of all proposed Federal training and technical assistance activities in direct support of the minority enterprise program to assure consistency with program goals and to avoid duplication.

(3) Convene, for purposes of coordination, meetings of the heads of such departments and agencies, or their designees, whose programs and activities may affect or contribute to the purposes of this order.

(4) Convene business leaders, educators, and other representatives of the private sector who are engaged in assisting the development of minority business enterprise or who could contribute to its development, for the purpose of proposing, evaluating and coordinating governmental and private activities in furtherance of the objectives of this order.

(5) Confer with and advise officials of State and local governments.

(6) Provide the managerial and organizational framework through which joint or collaborative undertakings with Federal departments or agencies or private organizations can be planned and implemented.

(7) Recommend appropriate legislative or executive actions.

Sec. 2. [Revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12007, Aug. 22, 1977, 42 F.R. 42839.]

Sec. 3. Responsibilities of Other Federal Departments and Agencies. (a) The head of each Federal department and agency, or a representative designated by him, when and in the manner so requested by the Secretary, shall furnish information, assistance, and reports to, and shall otherwise cooperate with, the Secretary in the performance of his functions hereunder.

(b) The head of each Federal department or agency shall, when so requested by the Secretary, designate his Under Secretary or such other similar official to have primary and continuing responsibility for the participation and cooperation of that department or agency in matters concerning minority business enterprise.

(c) The officials designated under the preceding paragraph, when so requested, shall review and report to the Secretary upon the policies and programs of the minority business enterprise program, and shall keep the Secretary informed of all proposed budgets, plans and programs of his department or agency affecting minority business enterprise.

(d) The head of each Federal department or agency, or a representative designated by him, shall, to the extent provided under regulations issued by the Secretary after consultation with the official designated in paragraph (b) above, report to the Secretary on any activity that falls within the scope of the minority business enterprise program as defined herein and in those regulations.

(e) Each Federal department or agency shall, within constraints of law and appropriations therefor, continue all current efforts to foster and promote minority business enterprises and to support the program herein set forth, and shall cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce in increasing the total Federal effort.

Sec. 4. Reports. The Secretary shall, not later than 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, submit to the President a full report of his activities hereunder during the previous fiscal year. Further, the Secretary shall, from time to time, submit to the President his recommendations for legislation or other action as he deems desirable to promote the purposes of this order. Each Federal department or agency shall report to the Secretary as hereinabove provided on a timely basis so that the Secretary may consider such reports for his report and recommendations to the President. Each Federal department or agency shall develop and implement systematic data collection processes which will provide to the Office of Minority Business Enterprise Information Center current data helpful in evaluating and promoting the efforts herein described.

Sec. 5. Policies and Standards. The Secretary may establish such policies, standards, definitions, criteria, and procedures to govern the implementation, interpretation, and application of this order, and generally perform such functions and take such steps as he may deem to be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes and carry out the provisions hereof.

Sec. 6. Definitions. For purposes of this order, the following definitions shall apply:

(a) "Minority business enterprise" means a business enterprise that is owned or controlled by one or more socially or economically disadvantaged persons. Such disadvantage may arise from cultural, racial, chronic economic circumstances or background or other similar cause. Such persons include, but are not limited to, Negroes, Puerto Ricans, Spanish-speaking Americans, American Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts.

(b) "State" means the States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories and possessions of the United States, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

Sec. 7. Construction. Nothing in this order shall be construed as subjecting any function vested in, or assigned pursuant to law to, any Federal department or agency or head thereof to the authority of any other agent or office exclusively, or as abrogating or restricting any such function in any manner.

Sec. 8. Prior Executive Order. Executive Order No. 11458 of March 5, 1969, is hereby superseded.

Advisory Council for Minority Enterprise

For provisions relating to termination of, see Ex. Ord. No. 12007, Aug. 22, 1977, 42 F.R. 42839, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Term of the Advisory Council for Minority Enterprise extended until Dec. 31, 1978, see Ex. Ord. No. 11948, Dec. 20, 1976, 41 F.R. 55705, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Order No. 12061

Ex. Ord. No. 12061, May 18, 1978, 43 F.R. 21865, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12091, Nov. 1, 1978, 43 F.R. 51373, which related to the Small Business Conference Commission, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12258, Dec. 31, 1980, 46 F.R. 1251, formerly set out as a note under section 1013 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Executive Order No. 12269

Ex. Ord. No. 12269, Jan. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 4673, which established a seven member President's Committee on Small Business Policy to advise the President on appropriate responses to the recommendations of the White House Conference on Small Business, designated the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to perform the functions of the President under Federal advisory committee provisions, and terminated the Committee on Dec. 31, 1982, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12553, Feb. 25, 1986, 51 F.R. 7237.

Ex. Ord. No. 12432. Minority Business Enterprise Development

Ex. Ord. No. 12432, July 14, 1983, 48 F.R. 32551, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including Section 205(a) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 486(a)) [now 40 U.S.C. 121(a)], in order to provide guidance and oversight for programs for the development of minority business enterprise pursuant to my statement of December 17, 1982 concerning Minority Business Development; and to implement the commitment of the Federal government to the goal of encouraging greater economic opportunity for minority entrepreneurs, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Minority Business Development Plans. (a) Minority business enterprise development plans shall be developed by each Federal agency having substantial procurement or grantmaking authority. Such agencies shall submit these plans to the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade on an annual basis.

(b) These annual plans shall establish minority enterprise development objectives for the participating agencies and methods for encouraging both prime contractors and grantees to utilize minority business enterprises. The plans shall, to the extent possible, build upon the programs administered by the Minority Business Development Agency and the Small Business Administration, including the goals established pursuant to Public Law 95–507 [see Tables for classification].

(c) The Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade, shall establish uniform guidelines for all Federal agencies to be utilized in establishing the minority business programs set forth in Section 2 of this Order.

(d) The participating agencies shall furnish an annual report regarding the implementation of their programs in such form as the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade may request, and at such time as the Secretary of Commerce shall designate.

(e) The Secretary of Commerce shall provide an annual report to the President, through the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade, on activities under this Order and agency implementation of minority business development programs.

Sec. 2. Minority Business Development Responsibilities of Federal Agencies. (a) To the extent permitted by law and consistent with its primary mission, each Federal agency which is required to develop a minority business development plan under Section 1 of this Order shall, to accomplish the objectives set forth in its plan, establish programs concerning provision of direct assistance, procurement assistance, and management and technical assistance to minority business enterprises.

(b) Each Federal agency shall, to the extent permitted by law and consistent with its primary mission, establish minority business development programs, consistent with Section 211 of Public Law 95–507 [amending 15 U.S.C. 637(d)] to develop and implement incentive techniques to encourage greater minority business subcontracting by Federal prime contractors.

(c) Each Federal agency shall encourage recipients of Federal grants and cooperative agreements to achieve a reasonable minority business participation in contracts let as a result of its grants and agreements. In cases where State and local governments are the recipients, such encouragement shall be consistent with principles of federalism.

(d) Each Federal agency shall provide the Cabinet Council on Commerce and Trade such information as it shall request from time to time concerning the agency's progress in implementing these programs.

Ronald Reagan.      

Ex. Ord. No. 12523. National White House Conference on Small Business

Ex. Ord. No. 12523, June 27, 1985, 50 F.R. 26963, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, and in order to implement the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act (Public Law 98–276) [set out above] it is hereby ordered as follows:

Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Executive order, the functions of the President under the Federal Advisory Committee Act [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] applicable to the White House Conference on Small Business Authorization Act, except that of reporting annually to the Congress, shall be performed by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration in accordance with the guidelines and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.

Ronald Reagan.      

Ex. Ord. No. 12928. Promoting Procurement With Small Businesses Owned and Controlled by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Minority Institutions

Ex. Ord. No. 12928, Sept. 16, 1994, 59 F.R. 48377, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, in order to enforce rigorously the letter and spirit of public laws that promote increased participation in Federal procurement by Small Businesses Owned and Controlled by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SDBs) as described in section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as described in 34 C.F.R. 608.2, and Minority Institutions (MIs) as referred to in sections 1046(3) and 316(b)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (20 U.S.C. 1135d-5(3) and 1059c(b)(1), respectively), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy Statement. It is the policy of the United States Government that all department and agency heads and all Federal employees involved in the procurement of any and all goods and services shall assist SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs, as applicable, to develop viable, self-sustaining businesses capable of competing on an equal basis in the mainstream of the American economy. To that end, all Federal personnel shall commit to the letter and spirit of all laws promoting the participation of SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs in Federal procurement. The laws promote:

(a) the award of contracts to SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs through the Small Business Administration Section 8(a) [15 U.S.C. 637(a)] Program, the Department of Defense Small and Disadvantaged Business Program, other agency programs, and through other specific statutory authority or appropriate means;

(b) the establishment of particular goals for SDBs, HBCUs, or MIs on an agency-by-agency basis and the requirement that prime contractors and other recipients of Federal funds attain similar goals in their procurement; and

(c) the establishment of other mechanisms that ensure that SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs have a fair opportunity to participate in Federal procurement.

Sec. 2. Attainment of Goals. All departments and agencies are required by law to establish participation goals of not less than 5 percent (15 U.S.C. 644(g)) or a greater percentage where otherwise required by law, as further provided in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter No. 91–1 of March 11, 1991. Although the Federal Government has made substantial strides toward meeting established SDB, HBCU, and MI participation goals, certain departments and agencies have from time to time failed to aggressively pursue such goals. Department and agency heads are henceforth directed to execute, implement, and otherwise aggressively strive to fulfill the statutorily-mandated procurement participation goals. In addition, all departments and agencies are encouraged to set reasonable participation goals that exceed statutory requirements, to the extent permitted by law.

Sec. 3. Subcontracting Plans. The Small Business Act, (15 U.S.C. 637(d)) and other related laws require certain prime contractors to maximize the use of SDBs in subcontracting plans and strive to achieve stated goals through prime contractors' subcontracting practices. Department and agency heads are directed to aggressively enforce these prime contractors' obligations to maximize awards of subcontracts to eligible SDBs.

Sec. 4. Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization ("OSDBU").

(a) Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)) establishes in each Federal department and agency an OSDBU and requires that the Director of the OSDBU "be responsible only to, and report directly to, the head of such agency or to the deputy of such head" (15 U.S.C. 644(k)(3)). To the extent not prohibited by law, each department and agency shall ensure that the aforementioned direct reporting requirements are henceforth vigorously enforced.

(b) Because of the importance of the OSDBU function, each department and agency shall also, to the extent not prohibited by law, comply with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter No. 79–1 of March 7, 1979, which provides implementation guidance on section 15k [15(k)] and the organizational placement and functions of the OSDBU.

Sec. 5. Anti-fraud Enforcement. All department and agency heads shall ensure that in enforcing the laws and requirements mentioned in this order, Federal benefits or contracts intended for SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs are not awarded to entities that are not legitimate SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs. Department and agency anti-fraud enforcement, however, shall not diminish agency vigor in achieving the aforementioned participation goals, which exist to promote the development of legitimate SDBs, HBCUs, and MIs. Nothing herein is intended to change self-certification requirements.

Sec. 6. Periodic Reports to the President. The Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy shall report to the President periodically on the progress of all departments and agencies in complying with the laws and requirements mentioned in this order.

Sec. 7. Independent Agencies. Independent agencies are requested to comply with the provisions of this order.

Sec. 8. This order shall be effective immediately.

William J. Clinton.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13169. Assistance to Small Business Exporters and Dislocated Workers

Ex. Ord. No. 13169, Oct. 6, 2000, 65 F.R. 60581, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 631 et seq., the Workforce Investment Act, [former] 29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq., and the Trade Act of 1974, 19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq. [19 U.S.C. 2101 et seq.], and in order to assist small businesses, including businesses headed by underserved populations, in participating in the export of products, and to expedite the delivery of adjustment assistance to dislocated workers, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. By its accession to the World Trade Organization, the People's Republic of China will be required to open its markets to a wide range of products and services provided by Americans. In addition, the United States has recently enacted a new law to facilitate trade with the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean Basin. Federal agencies should take steps to assist small businesses, including businesses headed by underserved populations, in capitalizing on these new opportunities. The agencies should also take steps to assist workers who lose their jobs as a result of competition from imports in their efforts to secure adjustment assistance benefits for which they are eligible.

Sec. 2. Interagency Task Force on Small Business Exports. (a) The Secretaries of Commerce and Labor, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the United States Trade Representative, and the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank shall, within 60 days from the date of this order, establish an interagency task force through the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC). The task force shall facilitate exports by United States small businesses, including businesses headed by underserved populations, particularly with respect to the People's Republic of China and the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean Basin. The TPCC shall submit an annual report to the President on the functions carried out by this task force during the preceding year. As part of its work, the task force shall assess the extent to which the establishment of permanent normal trade relations with the People's Republic of China, and the United States enactment of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, 19 U.S.C.A. 3701 et seq., and the United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, 19 U.S.C.A. 2701 note, may contribute to the creation of export opportunities for small businesses including businesses headed by underserved populations.

(b) For the purposes of this order, "businesses headed by underserved populations" means businesses headed by women or minorities, and/or located in rural communities.

Sec. 3. Expedited Response to Worker Dislocation. (a) The Secretary of Labor shall expedite the Federal response to worker dislocation through the Workforce Investment Act and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program by proactively seeking information, from a variety of sources, on actual or prospective layoffs, including the media and community and labor union members, and by sharing such information with appropriate state workforce officials. In addition, the Department of Labor (Labor) shall undertake a number of proactive steps to support public outreach activities aimed at workers, employers, the media, local officials, the community, and labor organizations and their members to improve awareness of the adjustment assistance available through Labor programs, including, but not limited to:

(1) developing a set of methods to inform employers of the services available through Labor workforce programs, which will explain the requirements of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, 29 U.S.C. 2101 et seq., and provide information on worker adjustment programs, including the Trade Adjustment Assistance and the basic dislocated worker programs, emphasizing the importance of early intervention to minimize the affects of work layoffs;

(2) improving websites and other modes of communication to provide basic information on dislocated worker and Trade Adjustment Assistance program contacts at the State and local level;

(3) developing a National Toll-Free Help Line to provide universal, accurate, and easy access to information about public workforce services to workers and employers;

(4) providing on-site technical assistance, in partnership with other Federal agencies, when there are layoffs or closures with multi-State impact, or when there are dislocations with significant community impact (such as areas that have been affected by numerous layoffs of apparel and textile workers);

(5) informing States directly when a secondary worker impact has been affirmed by Labor; and

(6) to the extent permitted by law, and subject to the availability of appropriations, providing funding or an outreach campaign for secondary workers (i.e., individuals indirectly affected by increased imports from other countries).

(b) The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, shall report annually on the employment effects of the establishment of permanent normal trade relations with the People's Republic of China.

Sec. 4. Judicial Review. This order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the United States, its officers, its employees, or any other person.

William J. Clinton.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13360. Providing Opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Businesses To Increase Their Federal Contracting and Subcontracting

Ex. Ord. No. 13360, Oct. 20, 2004, 69 F.R. 62549, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to strengthen opportunities in Federal contracting for service-disabled veteran businesses, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. America honors the extraordinary service rendered to the United States by veterans with disabilities incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during active service with the armed forces. Heads of agencies shall provide the opportunity for service-disabled veteran businesses to significantly increase the Federal contracting and subcontracting of such businesses. To achieve that objective, agencies shall more effectively implement section 15(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(g)), which provides that the President must establish a goal of not less than 3 percent for participation by service-disabled veteran businesses in Federal contracting, and section 36 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 657f), which gives agency contracting officers the authority to reserve certain procurements for service-disabled veteran businesses.

Sec. 2. Duties of Agency Heads. To implement the policy set forth in section 1, heads of agencies shall:

(a) develop a strategy to implement the policy set forth in section 1;

(b) make the agency's strategy publicly available and report annually to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration on implementation of the agency's strategy;

(c) designate a senior-level official who shall be responsible for developing and implementing the agency's strategy;

(d) include development and implementation of the agency's strategy and achievements in furtherance of the strategy as significant elements in any performance plans of the agency's designated agency senior-level official, chief acquisition officer, and director of small and disadvantaged business utilization; and

(e) include in the agency's strategy plans for:

(i) reserving agency contracts exclusively for service-disabled veteran businesses;

(ii) encouraging and facilitating participation by service-disabled veteran businesses in competitions for award of agency contracts;

(iii) encouraging agency contractors to subcontract with service-disabled veteran businesses and actively monitoring and evaluating agency contractors' efforts to do so;

(iv) training agency personnel on applicable law and policies relating to participation of service-disabled veteran businesses in Federal contracting; and

(v) disseminating information to service-disabled veteran businesses that would assist these businesses in participating in awards of agency contracts.

Sec. 3. Additional Duties of Administrator of the Small Business Administration. The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall:

(a) designate an appropriate entity within the Small Business Administration that shall, in coordination with the Veterans Affairs' Center for Veterans Enterprise (CVE), provide to service-disabled veteran businesses information and assistance concerning participation in Federal contracting;

(b) advise and assist heads of agencies in their implementation of section 2 of this order; and

(c) make available to service-disabled veteran businesses training in Federal contracting law, procedures, and practices that would assist such businesses in participating in Federal contracting.

Sec. 4. Additional Duties of Administrator of General Services. The Administrator of General Services shall:

(a) establish a Government-wide Acquisition Contract reserved for participation by service-disabled veteran businesses; and

(b) assist service-disabled veteran businesses to be included in Federal Supply Schedules.

Sec. 5. Additional Duties of the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) to develop training on contracting with service-disabled veteran businesses and make this training available on line through the DAU continuous learning program.

Sec. 6. Additional Duties of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assist agencies by making available services of the CVE and assist in verifying the accuracy of contractor registration databases with regard to service-disabled veteran businesses.

Sec. 7. Additional Duties of the Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall, respectively, direct the Transition Assistance Program and the Disability Transition Assistance Program to educate separating service members as to the benefits available to service-disabled veteran businesses and as to potential entrepreneurial opportunities.

Sec. 8. Definitions. As used in this order:

(a) the term "agency" means an "executive agency" as that term is defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code, excluding an executive agency that has fewer than 500 employees, the Government Accountability Office, or a Government corporation;

(b) the term "service-disabled" means, with respect to disability, that the disability was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty in the active service in the United States Armed Forces;

(c) the term "service-disabled veteran" means a veteran, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(2), with a disability that is service-connected, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101(16);

(d) the term "service-disabled veteran business" means a small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, as defined in section 3(q) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q)); and

(e) the term "small business concern" has the meaning specified in section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)) and the definitions and standards issued under that section.

Sec. 9. General Provisions. (a) Heads of agencies shall carry out duties assigned by sections 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this order to the extent consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) To the extent permitted by law, an agency shall disclose personally identifying information on service-disabled veterans to other agencies who require such information in order to discharge their responsibilities under this order.

(c) An agency that consists of a multi-member commission shall implement this order to the extent it determines appropriate to the accomplishment of the agency's mission.

(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities or entities, its officers, employees or agents, or any other person.

George W. Bush.      

Establishing an Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses

Memorandum of President of the United States, Apr. 26, 2010, 75 F.R. 22499, provided:

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

The Federal Government is the world's largest purchaser of goods and services, with purchases totaling over $500 billion per year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) and other national investments are providing new opportunities for small businesses to compete for Federal contracts, and it is critical that these investments tap into the talents and skills of a broad cross-section of American business and industry. Small businesses must be able to participate in the Nation's economic recovery, including businesses owned by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans of our Armed Forces. These businesses should be able to compete and participate effectively in Federal contracts.

The Congress has established a number of statutory goals designed to help small businesses compete for Federal contracts. In addition to the goal of awarding at least 23 percent of all Federal prime contracting dollars to small businesses, the Congress also established Government-wide contracting goals for participation by small businesses that are located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (at least 3 percent) or that are owned by women (at least 5 percent), socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (at least 5 percent), and service-disabled veterans (at least 3 percent). These aspirational goals help ensure that all Americans share in the jobs and opportunities created by Federal procurement.

In recent years, the Federal Government has not consistently reached its small business contracting goals. Although we have made some progress—particularly with respect to Recovery Act contracts—more work can and should be done. I am committed to ensuring that small businesses, including firms owned by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans, have fair access to Federal Government contracting. Indeed, where small businesses have the capacity to do more, we should strive to exceed the statutory goals. While Chief Acquisition Officers and Senior Procurement Executives have many priorities, small business contracting should always be a high priority in the procurement process.

Obtaining tangible results will require an honest and accurate accounting of our progress so that we can have transparency and accountability through Federal small business procurement data. Additionally, we must expand outreach strategies to alert small firms to Federal contracting opportunities.

In order to coordinate executive departments' and agencies' efforts towards ensuring that all small businesses have a fair chance to participate in Federal contracting opportunities, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Establishment. There is established an Interagency Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses (Task Force). The Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (Director), and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (Administrator) shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Task Force and shall direct its work.

Sec. 2. Membership. In addition to the Secretary, the Director, and the Administrator, the Task Force shall consist of the following members:

(i) the Secretary of the Treasury;

(ii) the Secretary of Defense;

(iii) the Attorney General;

(iv) the Secretary of Labor;

(v) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development;

(vi) the Secretary of Transportation;

(vii) the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;

(viii) the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(ix) the Administrator of General Services;

(x) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

(xi) the Director of the Minority Business Development Agency;

(xii) the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy;

(xiii) the Director of the Domestic Policy Council;

(xiv) the Director of the National Economic Council;

(xv) the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers; and

(xvi) the heads of such other executive departments, agencies, and offices as the President may, from time to time, designate.

A member of the Task Force may designate, to perform the Task Force functions of the member, one or more senior officials who are part of the member's department, agency, or office, and who are full-time officers or employees of the Federal Government.

Sec. 3. Functions. The Task Force shall provide to the President, not later than 120 days after the date of this memorandum, proposals and recommendations for:

(i) using innovative strategies, such as teaming, to increase opportunities for small business contractors and utilizing and expanding mentorship programs, such as the mentor-protégé program;

(ii) removing barriers to participation by small businesses in the Federal marketplace by unbundling large projects, improving training of Federal acquisition officials with respect to strategies for increasing small business contracting opportunities, and utilizing new technologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Federal program managers, acquisition officials, and the Directors of Offices of Small Business Programs and Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, their managers, and procurement center representatives in identifying and providing access to these opportunities;

(iii) expanding outreach strategies to match small businesses, including firms located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones and firms owned and controlled by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans of our Armed Forces, with contracting and subcontracting opportunities; and

(iv) establishing policies, including revision or clarification of existing legislation, regulations, or policies, that are necessary or appropriate to effectuate the objectives of this memorandum.

Sec. 4. Using Technology to Improve Transparency and Accountability. Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Assistant to the President and Chief Technology Officer and the Federal Chief Information Officer, in coordination with the Task Force, shall develop a website that illustrates the participation of small businesses, including those owned by women, minorities, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and service-disabled veterans of our Armed Forces, in Federal contracting. To foster greater accountability and transparency in, and allow oversight of, the Federal Government's progress, this website shall be designed to encourage improved collection, verification, and availability of Federal procurement data and provide accurate data on the Federal Government's progress in ensuring that all small businesses have a fair chance to participate in Federal contracting opportunities.

Sec. 5. Outreach. In developing its recommendations, the Task Force shall conduct outreach with representatives of small businesses and small business associations.

Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of any necessary appropriations.

(b) This memorandum does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(c) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide information to the Task Force, consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Task Force. Each executive department and agency shall bear its own expenses of participating in the Task Force.

(d) The Director is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.      

¹ So in original. The period probably should be a semicolon.

² So in original. Probably should be capitalized.

³ So in original. Probably should be "management".

§631a. Congressional declaration of small business economic policy

(a) Foster small business

For the purpose of preserving and promoting a competitive free enterprise economic system, Congress hereby declares that it is the continuing policy and responsibility of the Federal Government to use all practical means and to take such actions as are necessary, consistent with its needs and obligations and other essential considerations of national policy, to implement and coordinate all Federal department, agency, and instrumentality policies, programs, and activities in order to: foster the economic interests of small businesses; insure a competitive economic climate conducive to the development, growth and expansion of small businesses; establish incentives to assure that adequate capital and other resources at competitive prices are available to small businesses; reduce the concentration of economic resources and expand competition; and provide an opportunity for entrepreneurship, inventiveness, and the creation and growth of small businesses.

(b) Capital availability to small business

Congress further declares that the Federal Government is committed to a policy of utilizing all reasonable means, consistent with the overall economic policy goals of the Nation and the preservation of the competitive free enterprise system of the Nation, to establish private sector incentives that will help assure that adequate capital at competitive prices is available to small businesses. To fulfill this policy, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government shall use all reasonable means to coordinate, create, and sustain policies and programs which promote investment in small businesses, including those investments which expand employment opportunities and which foster the effective and efficient use of human and natural resources in the economy of the Nation.

(Pub. L. 96–302, title III, §302, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 848.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980, and not as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 631 of this title.

Short Title

For short title of title III of Pub. L. 96–302, as the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980, see Short Title of 1980 Amendments note set out under section 631 of this title.

§631b. Reports to Congress; state of small business

(a) Report on Small Business and Competition

The President shall transmit to the Congress not later than January 20 of each year a Report on Small Business and Competition which shall—

(1) examine the current role of small business in the economy on an industry-by-industry basis;

(2) present current and historical data on production, employment, investment, population, job creation and retention, annual business failures, annual business startups, and other economic variables for small business in the economy as a whole and for small business in each sector of the economy, with, to the extent practicable, specific statistics divided as to urban, suburban, and rural areas;

(3) identify economic trends which will or may affect the small business sector and the state of competition;

(4) examine the effects on small business and competition of policies, programs, and activities, including, but not limited to the Internal Revenue Code [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.], the Employee Retirement Income Security Act [29 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], the Securities Act of 1933 [15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.], and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 [15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.], and regulations promulgated thereunder; identify problems generated by such policies, programs, and activities; and recommend legislative and administrative solutions to such problems; and

(5) recommend a program for carrying out the policy declared in section 631a of this title, together with such recommendations for legislation as he may deem necessary or desirable.

(b) Appendix to report

The President also shall transmit simultaneously as an appendix to such annual report, a report, by agency and department, on the total dollar value of all Federal contracts exceeding $10,000 in amount and the dollar amount (including the subcontracts thereunder in excess of $10,000) awarded to small, minority-owned, female-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

(c) Supplementary reports

The President may transmit from time to time to the Congress reports supplementary to the Report on Small Business and Competition, each of which shall include such supplementary or revised recommendations as he may deem necessary or desirable to achieve the policy declared in section 631a of this title.

(d) Referral to Congressional committees

The Report on Small Business and Competition and all supplementary reports transmitted under subsections (b) and (c) of this section shall, when transmitted to Congress, be referred to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives.

(e) Small business concerns owned by disadvantaged individuals and by women ¹

The information and data required to be reported pursuant to subsection (a) shall separately detail those portions of such information and data that are relevant to—

(1) small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, by gender, as defined pursuant to section 637(d) of this title;

(2) small business concerns owned and controlled by women; and

(3) ² qualified HUBZone small business concern (as defined in section 632(p) ³ of this title).

(3) ² small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, as defined in section 632(q) of this title, and small business concerns owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, as defined in such section 632(q) of this title.

(Pub. L. 96–302, title III, §303, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 848; Pub. L. 100–533, title V, §503, Oct. 25, 1988, 102 Stat. 2697; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §124, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 3000; Pub. L. 101–574, title III, §305, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2829; Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, §604(c), title VII, §705, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2633, 2637; Pub. L. 106–50, title VI, §602, Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 248.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Internal Revenue Code, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is classified to Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is Pub. L. 93–406, Sept. 2, 1974, 88 Stat. 829, which is classified principally to chapter 18 (§1001 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of Title 29 and Tables.

The Securities Act of 1933, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is act May 27, 1933, ch. 38, title I, 48 Stat. 74, which is classified generally to subchapter I (§77a et seq.) of chapter 2A of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 77a of this title and Tables.

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, referred to in subsec. (a)(4), is act June 6, 1934, ch. 404, 48 Stat. 881, which is classified principally to chapter 2B (§78a et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 78a of this title and Tables.

Section 632(p) of this title, referred to in subsec. (e)(3), was redesignated section 657a(b) of this title by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, §1701(a)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1795.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Small Business Economic Policy Act of 1980, and not as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1999—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 106–50, §602(1), which directed amendment of par. (1) by striking "and" after the semicolon, could not be executed because the word "and" did not appear after the semicolon.

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 106–50, §602(2), which directed amendment of par. (2) by substituting "; and" for the period, could not be executed because par. (2) did not contain a period.

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 106–50, §602(3), added par. (3) relating to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans.

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–135, §705, substituted ", female-owned, and veteran-owned businesses" for "and female-owned businesses".

Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 105–135, §604(c), added par. (3).

1990—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 101–574 added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "present current and historical data on production, employment, investment, and other economic variables for small business in the economy as a whole and for small business in each sector of the economy;".

1988—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–533 and Pub. L. 100–590 added subsecs. (e) which were identical, except that the subsec. (e) added by Pub. L. 100–533, which is set out as text of this section, contained the phrase ", by gender," in par. (1).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Small Business of Senate changed to Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate. See Senate Resolution No. 123, One Hundred Seventh Congress, June 29, 2001. Previously, Select Committee on Small Business of Senate became Committee on Small Business of Senate. See Senate Resolution No. 101, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Mar. 25, 1981.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–135 effective Oct. 1, 1997, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–135, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date

Section effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as an Effective Date of 1980 Amendment note under section 631 of this title.

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of reporting provisions in subsecs. (a) and (b) of this section, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and pages 17 and 34 of House Document No. 103–7.

¹ See 1988 Amendment note below.

² So in original. Two pars. (3) have been enacted.

³ See References in Text note below.

§631c. Small Business Manufacturing Task Force

(a) Establishment

The Administrator of the Small Business Administration (referred to in this subtitle ¹ as the "Administrator") shall establish a Small Business Manufacturing Task Force (referred to in this section as the "Task Force") to address the concerns of small manufacturers.

(b) Chair

The Administrator shall assign a member of the Task Force to serve as chair of the Task Force.

(c) Duties

The Task Force shall—

(1) evaluate and identify whether programs and services are sufficient to serve the needs of small manufacturers;

(2) actively promote the programs and services of the Small Business Administration that serve small manufacturers; and

(3) identify and study the unique conditions facing small manufacturers and develop and propose policy initiatives to support and assist small manufacturers.

(d) Meetings

(1) Frequency

The Task Force shall meet not less than 4 times per year, and more frequently if necessary to perform its duties.

(2) Quorum

A majority of the members of the Task Force shall constitute a quorum to approve recommendations or reports.

(e) Personnel matters

(1) Compensation of members

Each member of the Task Force shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for services rendered as an officer or employee of the United States.

(2) Detail of SBA employees

Any employee of the Small Business Administration may be detailed to the Task Force without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.

(f) Report

Not later than 1 year after December 8, 2004, and annually thereafter, the Task Force shall submit a report containing the findings and recommendations of the task force to—

(1) the President;

(2) the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate; and

(3) the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives.

(Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §147, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3455.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This subtitle, referred to in subsec. (a), is subtitle D (§§141–147) of title I of div. K of Pub. L. 108–447, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3453, which enacted this section, amended sections 637, 648, 657b, and 657c of this title, enacted provisions set out as note under section 637 of this title, and amended provisions set out as a note under section 657b of this title. For complete classification of subtitle D to the Code, see Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, and not as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§632. Definitions

(a) Small business concerns

(1) In general

For the purposes of this chapter, a small-business concern, including but not limited to enterprises that are engaged in the business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries, shall be deemed to be one which is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its field of operation.

(2) Establishment of size standards

(A) In general

In addition to the criteria specified in paragraph (1) and subject to the requirements specified under subparagraph (C), the Administrator may specify detailed definitions or standards by which a business concern may be determined to be a small business concern for the purposes of this chapter or any other Act.

(B) Additional criteria

The standards described in paragraph (1) may utilize number of employees, dollar volume of business, net worth, net income, a combination thereof, or other appropriate factors.

(C) Requirements

Unless specifically authorized by statute, no Federal department (including the Administration when acting pursuant to subparagraph (A)) or agency may prescribe a size standard for categorizing a business concern as a small business concern, unless such proposed size standard—

(i) is proposed after an opportunity for public notice and comment;

(ii) provides for determining—

(I) the size of a manufacturing concern as measured by the manufacturing concern's average employment based upon employment during each of the manufacturing concern's pay periods for the preceding 24 months;

(II) the size of a business concern providing services on the basis of the annual average gross receipts of the business concern over a period of not less than 5 years;

(III) the size of other business concerns on the basis of data over a period of not less than 3 years; or

(IV) other appropriate factors; and

(iii) is approved by the Administrator.

(3) Variation by industry and consideration of other factors

When establishing or approving any size standard pursuant to paragraph (2), the Administrator shall ensure that the size standard varies from industry to industry to the extent necessary to reflect the differing characteristics of the various industries and consider other factors deemed to be relevant by the Administrator.

(4) Exclusion of certain security expenses from consideration for purpose of small business size standards

(A) Determination required

Not later than 30 days after January 6, 2006, the Administrator shall review the application of size standards established pursuant to paragraph (2) to small business concerns that are performing contracts in qualified areas and determine whether it would be fair and appropriate to exclude from consideration in the average annual gross receipts of such small business concerns any payments made to such small business concerns by Federal agencies to reimburse such small business concerns for the cost of subcontracts entered for the sole purpose of providing security services in a qualified area.

(B) Action required

Not later than 60 days after January 6, 2006, the Administrator shall either—

(i) initiate an adjustment to the size standards, as described in subparagraph (A), if the Administrator determines that such an adjustment would be fair and appropriate; or

(ii) provide a report to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives explaining in detail the basis for the determination by the Administrator that such an adjustment would not be fair and appropriate.

(C) Qualified areas

In this paragraph, the term "qualified area" means—

(i) Iraq,

(ii) Afghanistan, and

(iii) any foreign country which included a combat zone, as that term is defined in section 112(c)(2) of title 26, at the time of performance of the relevant Federal contract or subcontract.

(5) Alternative size standard

(A) In general

The Administrator shall establish an alternative size standard for applicants for business loans under section 636(a) of this title and applicants for development company loans under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.), that uses maximum tangible net worth and average net income as an alternative to the use of industry standards.

(B) Interim rule

Until the date on which the alternative size standard established under subparagraph (A) is in effect, an applicant for a business loan under section 636(a) of this title or an applicant for a development company loan under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 may be eligible for such a loan if—

(i) the maximum tangible net worth of the applicant is not more than $15,000,000; and

(ii) the average net income after Federal income taxes (excluding any carry-over losses) of the applicant for the 2 full fiscal years before the date of the application is not more than $5,000,000.

(6) Proposed rulemaking

In conducting rulemaking to revise, modify or establish size standards pursuant to this section, the Administrator shall consider, and address, and make publicly available as part of the notice of proposed rulemaking and notice of final rule each of the following:

(A) a detailed description of the industry for which the new size standard is proposed;

(B) an analysis of the competitive environment for that industry;

(C) the approach the Administrator used to develop the proposed standard including the source of all data used to develop the proposed rule making; and

(D) the anticipated effect of the proposed rulemaking on the industry, including the number of concerns not currently considered small that would be considered small under the proposed rule making and the number of concerns currently considered small that would be deemed other than small under the proposed rulemaking.

(7) Common size standards

In carrying out this subsection, the Administrator may establish or approve a single size standard for a grouping of 4-digit North American Industry Classification System codes only if the Administrator makes publicly available, not later than the date on which such size standard is established or approved, a justification demonstrating that such size standard is appropriate for each individual industry classification included in the grouping.

(8) Number of size standards

The Administrator shall not limit the number of size standards established pursuant to paragraph (2), and shall assign the appropriate size standard to each North American Industry Classification System Code.

(9) Petitions for reconsideration of size standards

(A) In general

A person may file a petition for reconsideration with the Office of Hearings and Appeals (as established under section 634(i) of this title) of a size standard revised, modified, or established by the Administrator pursuant to this subsection.

(B) Time limit

A person filing a petition for reconsideration described in subparagraph (A) shall file such petition not later than 30 days after the publication in the Federal Register of the notice of final rule to revise, modify, or establish size standards described in paragraph (6).

(C) Process for agency review

The Office of Hearings and Appeals shall use the same process it uses to decide challenges to the size of a small business concern to decide a petition for review pursuant to this paragraph.

(D) Judicial review

The publication of a final rule in the Federal Register described in subparagraph (B) shall be considered final agency action for purposes of seeking judicial review. Filing a petition for reconsideration under subparagraph (A) shall not be a condition precedent to judicial review of any such size standard.

(E) Rules or guidance

The Office of Hearings and Appeals shall begin accepting petitions for reconsideration described in subparagraph (A) after the date on which the Administration issues a rule or other guidance implementing this paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (B), petitions for reconsideration of size standards revised, modified, or established in a Federal Register final rule published between November 25, 2015, and the effective date of such rule or other guidance shall be considered timely if filed within 30 days of such effective date.

(b) "Agency" defined

For purposes of this chapter, any reference to an agency or department of the United States, and the term "Federal agency", shall have the meaning given the term "agency" by section 551(1) of title 5, but does not include the United States Postal Service or the Government Accountability Office.

(c) Qualified employee trust; eligibility for loan guarantee; "qualified employee trust" defined; regulations for treatment of trust as qualified employee trust

(1) For purposes of this chapter, a qualified employee trust shall be eligible for any loan guarantee under section 636(a) of this title with respect to a small business concern on the same basis as if such trust were the same legal entity as such concern.

(2) For purposes of this chapter, the term "qualified employee trust" means, with respect to a small business concern, a trust—

(A) which forms part of an employee stock ownership plan (as defined in section 4975(e)(7) of title 26)—

(i) which is maintained by such concern, and

(ii) which provides that each participant is entitled to direct the plan trustee as to the manner of how to vote the qualified employer securities (as defined in section 4975(e)(8) of title 26), which are allocated to the account of such participant with respect to a corporate matter which (by law or charter) must be decided by a vote conducted in accordance with section 409(e) of the title 26; and

(B) in the case of any loan guarantee under section 636(a) of this title, the trustee of which enters into an agreement with the Administrator which is binding on the trust and on such small business concern and which provides that—

(i) the loan guaranteed under section 636(a) of this title shall be used solely for the purchase of qualifying employer securities of such concern,

(ii) all funds acquired by the concern in such purchase shall be used by such concern solely for the purposes for which such loan was guaranteed,

(iii) such concern will provide such funds as may be necessary for the timely repayment of such loan, and the property of such concern shall be available as security for repayment of such loan, and

(iv) all qualifying employer securities acquired by such trust in such purchase shall be allocated to the accounts of participants in such plan who are entitled to share in such allocation, and each participant has a nonforfeitable right, not later than the date such loan is repaid, to all such qualifying employer securities which are so allocated to the participant's account.

(3) Under regulations which may be prescribed by the Administrator, a trust may be treated as a qualified employee trust with respect to a small business concern if—

(A) the trust is maintained by an employee organization which represents at least 51 percent of the employees of such concern, and

(B) such concern maintains a plan—

(i) which is an employee benefit plan which is designed to invest primarily in qualifying employer securities (as defined in section 4975(e)(8) of title 26),

(ii) which provides that each participant in the plan is entitled to direct the plan as to the manner in which voting rights under qualifying employer securities which are allocated to the account of such participant are to be exercised with respect to a corporate matter which (by law or charter) must be decided by a majority vote of the outstanding common shares voted,

(iii) which provides that each participant who is entitled to distribution from the plan has a right, in the case of qualifying employer securities which are not readily tradeable on an established market, to require that the concern repurchase such securities under a fair valuation formula, and

(iv) which meets such other requirements (similar to requirements applicable to employee stock ownership plans as defined in section 4975(e)(7) of title 26) as the Administrator may prescribe, and

(C) in the case of a loan guarantee under section 636(a) of this title, such organization enters into an agreement with the Administration which is described in paragraph (2)(B).

(d) "Qualified Indian tribe" defined

For purposes of section 636 of this title, the term "qualified Indian tribe" means an Indian tribe as defined in section 5304(a) ¹ of title 25, which owns and controls 100 per centum of a small business concern.

(e) "Public or private organization for the handicapped" defined

For purposes of section 636 of this title, the term "public or private organization for the handicapped" means one—

(1) which is organized under the laws of the United States or of any State, operated in the interest of handicapped individuals, the net income of which does not inure in whole or in part to the benefit of any shareholder or other individuals;

(2) which complies with any applicable occupational health and safety standard prescribed by the Secretary of Labor; and

(3) which, in the production of commodities and in the provision of services during any fiscal year in which it received financial assistance under this subsection, employs handicapped individuals for not less than 75 per centum of the man-hours required for the production or provision of the commodities or services.

(f) "Handicapped individual" defined

For purposes of section 636 of this title, the term "handicapped individual" means an individual—

(1) who has a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, defect, ailment, disease, or disability of a permanent nature which in any way limits the selection of any type of employment for which the person would otherwise be qualified or qualifiable; or

(2) who is a service-disabled veteran.

(g) "Energy measures" defined

For purposes of section 636 of this title, the term "energy measures" includes—

(1) solar thermal energy equipment which is either of the active type based upon mechanically forced energy transfer or of the passive type based on convective, conductive, or radiant energy transfer or some combination of these types;

(2) photovoltaic cells and related equipment;

(3) a product or service the primary purpose of which is conservation of energy through devices or techniques which increase the energy efficiency of existing equipment, methods of operation, or systems which use fossil fuels, and which is on the Energy Conservation Measures list of the Secretary of Energy or which the Administrator determines to be consistent with the intent of this subsection;

(4) equipment the primary purpose of which is production of energy from wood, biological waste, grain, or other biomass source of energy;

(5) equipment the primary purpose of which is industrial cogeneration of energy, district heating, or production of energy from industrial waste;

(6) hydroelectric power equipment;

(7) wind energy conversion equipment; and

(8) engineering, architectural, consulting, or other professional services which are necessary or appropriate to aid citizens in using any of the measures described in paragraph (1) through (7).

(h) "Credit elsewhere" defined

The term "credit elsewhere" means—

(1) for the purposes of this chapter (except as used in section 636(b) of this title), the availability of credit on reasonable terms and conditions to the individual loan applicant from non-Federal, non-State, or non-local government sources, considering factors associated with conventional lending practices, including—

(A) the business industry in which the loan applicant operates;

(B) whether the loan applicant is an enterprise that has been in operation for a period of not more than 2 years;

(C) the adequacy of the collateral available to secure the requested loan;

(D) the loan term necessary to reasonably assure the ability of the loan applicant to repay the debt from the actual or projected cash flow of the business; and

(E) any other factor relating to the particular credit application, as documented in detail by the lender, that cannot be overcome except through obtaining a Federal loan guarantee under prudent lending standards; and

(2) for the purposes of section 636(b) of this title, the availability of credit on reasonable terms and conditions from non-Federal sources taking into consideration the prevailing rates and terms in the community in or near where the applicant business concern transacts business, or the applicant homeowner resides, for similar purposes and periods of time.

(i) "Homeowners" defined

For purposes of section 636 of this title, the term "homeowners" includes owners and lessees of residential property and also includes personal property.

(j) "Small agricultural cooperative" defined

For the purposes of this chapter, the term "small agricultural cooperative" means an association (corporate or otherwise) acting pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j), whose size does not exceed the size standard established by the Administration for other similar agricultural small business concerns. In determining such size, the Administration shall regard the association as a business concern and shall not include the income or employees of any member shareholder of such cooperative.

(k) "Disaster" defined

(1) For the purposes of this chapter, the term "disaster" means a sudden event which causes severe damage including, but not limited to, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires, explosions, volcanoes, windstorms, landslides or mudslides, tidal waves, commercial fishery failures or fishery resource disasters (as determined by the Secretary of Commerce under the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act), ocean conditions resulting in the closure of customary fishing waters, riots, civil disorders or other catastrophes, except it does not include economic dislocations.

(2) For purposes of section 636(b)(2) of this title, the term "disaster" includes—

(A) drought;

(B) below average water levels in the Great Lakes, or on any body of water in the United States that supports commerce by small business concerns; and

(C) ice storms and blizzards.

(l) "Computer crime" defined

For purposes of this chapter—

(1) ² the term "computer crime" means—

(A) any crime committed against a small business concern by means of the use of a computer; and

(B) any crime involving the illegal use of, or tampering with, a computer owned or utilized by a small business concern.

(m) Definitions relating to contracting

In this chapter:

(1) Prime contract

The term "prime contract" has the meaning given such term in section 8701(4) of title 41.

(2) Prime contractor

The term "prime contractor" has the meaning given such term in section 8701(5) of title 41.

(3) Simplified acquisition threshold

The term "simplified acquisition threshold" has the meaning given such term in section 134 of title 41.

(4) Micro-purchase threshold

The term "micro-purchase threshold" has the meaning given such term in section 1902 of title 41.

(5) Total purchases and contracts for property and services

The term "total purchases and contracts for property and services" shall mean total number and total dollar amount of contracts and orders for property and services.

(n) "Small business concern owned and controlled by women" defined

For the purposes of this chapter, a small business concern is a small business concern owned and controlled by women if—

(1) at least 51 percent of small ³ business concern is owned by one or more women or, in the case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more women; and

(2) the management and daily business operations of the business are controlled by one or more women.

(o) Definitions of bundling of contract requirements and related terms

In this chapter:

(1) Bundled contract

The term "bundled contract" means a contract that is entered into to meet requirements that are consolidated in a bundling of contract requirements.

(2) Bundling of contract requirements

The term "bundling of contract requirements" means consolidating 2 or more procurement requirements for goods or services previously provided or performed under separate smaller contracts into a solicitation of offers for a single contract that is likely to be unsuitable for award to a small-business concern due to—

(A) the diversity, size, or specialized nature of the elements of the performance specified;

(B) the aggregate dollar value of the anticipated award;

(C) the geographical dispersion of the contract performance sites; or

(D) any combination of the factors described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C).

(3) Separate smaller contract

The term "separate smaller contract", with respect to a bundling of contract requirements, means a contract that has been performed by 1 or more small business concerns or was suitable for award to 1 or more small business concerns.

(p) Qualified HUBZone small business concern

In this chapter, the term "qualified HUBZone small business concern" has the meaning given such term in section 657a(b) of this title.

(q) Definitions relating to veterans

In this chapter, the following definitions apply:

(1) Service-disabled veteran

The term "service-disabled veteran" means a veteran with a disability that is service-connected (as defined in section 101(16) of title 38).

(2) Small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans

The term "small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans" means any of the following:

(A) A small business concern—

(i) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock (not including any stock owned by an ESOP) of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

(ii) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran.

(B) A small business concern—

(i) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans with a disability that is rated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as a permanent and total disability who are unable to manage the daily business operations of such concern; or

(ii) in the case of a publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock (not including any stock owned by an ESOP) of which is owned by one or more such veterans.

(C)(i) During the time period described in clause (ii), a small business concern that was a small business concern described in subparagraph (A) or (B) immediately prior to the death of a service-disabled veteran who was the owner of the concern, the death of whom causes the concern to be less than 51 percent owned by one or more service-disabled veterans, if—

(I) the surviving spouse of the deceased veteran acquires such veteran's ownership interest in such concern;

(II) such veteran had a service-connected disability (as defined in section 101(16) of title 38); and

(III) immediately prior to the death of such veteran, and during the period described in clause (ii), the small business concern is included in the database described in section 657f of this title.

(ii) The time period described in this clause is the time period beginning on the date of the veteran's death and ending on the earlier of—

(I) the date on which the surviving spouse remarries;

(II) the date on which the surviving spouse relinquishes an ownership interest in the small business concern; or

(III) the date that—

(aa) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as 100 percent disabling or who dies as a result of a service-connected disability, is 10 years after the date of the death of the veteran; or

(bb) in the case of a surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as less than 100 percent disabling who does not die as a result of a service-connected disability, is 3 years after the date of the death of the veteran.

(3) Small business concern owned and controlled by veterans

The term "small business concern owned and controlled by veterans" means a small business concern—

(A) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more veterans; and

(B) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more veterans.

(4) Veteran

The term "veteran" has the meaning given the term in section 101(2) of title 38.

(5) Relief from time limitations

(A) In general

Any time limitation on any qualification, certification, or period of participation imposed under this chapter on any program that is available to small business concerns shall be extended for a small business concern that—

(i) is owned and controlled by—

(I) a veteran who was called or ordered to active duty under a provision of law specified in section 101(a)(13)(B) of title 10 on or after September 11, 2001; or

(II) a service-disabled veteran who became such a veteran due to an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the active military, naval, or air service during a period of active duty pursuant to a call or order to active duty under a provision of law referred to in subclause (I) on or after September 11, 2001; and

(ii) was subject to the time limitation during such period of active duty.

(B) Duration

Upon submission of proper documentation to the Administrator, the extension of a time limitation under subparagraph (A) shall be equal to the period of time that such veteran who owned or controlled such a concern was on active duty as described in that subparagraph.

(C) Exception for programs subject to Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990

The provisions of subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall not apply to any programs subject to the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).

(6) ESOP

The term "ESOP" has the meaning given the term "employee stock ownership plan" in section 4975(e)(7) of title 26.

(7) Surviving spouse

The term "surviving spouse" has the meaning given such term in section 101(3) of title 38.

(r) Definitions relating to small business lending companies

As used in section 650 of this title:

(1) Small business lending company

The term "small business lending company" means a business concern that is authorized by the Administrator to make loans pursuant to section 636(a) of this title and whose lending activities are not subject to regulation by any Federal or State regulatory agency.

(2) Non-Federally regulated lender

The term "non-Federally regulated lender" means a business concern if—

(A) such concern is authorized by the Administrator to make loans under section 636 of this title;

(B) such concern is subject to regulation by a State; and

(C) the lending activities of such concern are not regulated by any Federal banking authority.

(s) Major disaster

In this chapter, the term "major disaster" has the meaning given that term in section 5122 of title 42.

(t) Small business development center

In this chapter, the term "small business development center" means a small business development center described in section 648 of this title.

(u) Region of the Administration

In this chapter, the term "region of the Administration" means the geographic area served by a regional office of the Administration established under section 633(a) of this title.

(v) Multiple award contract

In this chapter, the term "multiple award contract" means—

(1) a multiple award task order contract or delivery order contract that is entered into under the authority of sections 4101, 4103, 4105, and 4106 of title 41; and

(2) any other indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract that is entered into by the head of a Federal agency with 2 or more sources pursuant to the same solicitation.

(w) Presumption

(1) In general

In every contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, cooperative research and development agreement, or grant which is set aside, reserved, or otherwise classified as intended for award to small business concerns, there shall be a presumption of loss to the United States based on the total amount expended on the contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, cooperative research and development agreement, or grant whenever it is established that a business concern other than a small business concern willfully sought and received the award by misrepresentation.

(2) Deemed certifications

The following actions shall be deemed affirmative, willful, and intentional certifications of small business size and status:

(A) Submission of a bid or proposal for a Federal grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, or cooperative research and development agreement reserved, set aside, or otherwise classified as intended for award to small business concerns.

(B) Submission of a bid or proposal for a Federal grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, or cooperative research and development agreement which in any way encourages a Federal agency to classify the bid or proposal, if awarded, as an award to a small business concern.

(C) Registration on any Federal electronic database for the purpose of being considered for award of a Federal grant, contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, or cooperative research agreement, as a small business concern.

(3) Certification by signature of responsible official

(A) In general

Each solicitation, bid, or application for a Federal contract, subcontract, or grant shall contain a certification concerning the small business size and status of a business concern seeking the Federal contract, subcontract, or grant.

(B) Content of certifications

A certification that a business concern qualifies as a small business concern of the exact size and status claimed by the business concern for purposes of bidding on a Federal contract or subcontract, or applying for a Federal grant, shall contain the signature of an authorized official on the same page on which the certification is contained.

(4) Regulations

The Administrator shall promulgate regulations to provide adequate protections to individuals and business concerns from liability under this subsection in cases of unintentional errors, technical malfunctions, and other similar situations.

(x) Annual certification

(1) In general

Each business certified as a small business concern under this chapter shall annually certify its small business size and, if appropriate, its small business status, by means of a confirming entry on the Online Representations and Certifications Application database of the Administration, or any successor thereto.

(2) Regulations

Not later than 1 year after September 27, 2010, the Administrator, in consultation with the Inspector General and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Administration, shall promulgate regulations to ensure that—

(A) no business concern continues to be certified as a small business concern on the Online Representations and Certifications Application database of the Administration, or any successor thereto, without fulfilling the requirements for annual certification under this subsection; and

(B) the requirements of this subsection are implemented in a manner presenting the least possible regulatory burden on small business concerns.

(y) Policy on prosecutions of small business size and status fraud

Not later than 1 year after September 27, 2010, the Administrator, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall issue a Government-wide policy on prosecution of small business size and status fraud, which shall direct Federal agencies to appropriately publicize the policy.

(z) Aquaculture business disaster assistance

Subject to section 647(a) of this title and notwithstanding section 647(b)(1) of this title, the Administrator may provide disaster assistance under section 636(b)(2) of this title to aquaculture enterprises that are small businesses.

(aa) Venture capital operating company

In this chapter, the term "venture capital operating company" means an entity described in clause (i), (v), or (vi) of section 121.103(b)(5) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor thereto).

(bb) Hedge fund

In this chapter, the term "hedge fund" has the meaning given that term in section 1851(h)(2) of title 12.

(cc) Private equity firm

In this chapter, the term "private equity firm" has the meaning given the term "private equity fund" in section 1851(h)(2) of title 12.

(dd) Definitions pertaining to subcontracting

In this chapter:

(1) Subcontract

The term "subcontract" means a legally binding agreement between a contractor that is already under contract to another party to perform work, and a third party, hereinafter referred to as the subcontractor, for the subcontractor to perform a part, or all, of the work that the contractor has undertaken.

(2) First tier subcontractor

The term "first tier subcontractor" means a subcontractor who has a subcontract directly with the prime contractor.

(3) At any tier

The term "at any tier" means any subcontractor other than a subcontractor who is a first tier subcontractor.

(ee) Puerto Rico business

In this chapter, the term "Puerto Rico business" means a small business concern that has its principal office located in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(ff) Covered territory business

In this chapter, the term "covered territory business" means a small business concern that has its principal office located in one of the following:

(1) The United States Virgin Islands.

(2) American Samoa.

(3) Guam.

(4) The Northern Mariana Islands.

(Pub. L. 85–536, §2[3], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 94–305, title I, §112(b), June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 667; Pub. L. 95–507, title II, §224(b), Oct. 24, 1978, 92 Stat. 1772; Pub. L. 96–302, title V, §504, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 851; Pub. L. 96–481, title I, §108, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2323; Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §1903, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 771; Pub. L. 98–270, title III, §310, Apr. 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 98–362, §6, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 434; Pub. L. 98–473, title I, §111A(b), Oct. 12, 1984, 98 Stat. 1966; Pub. L. 99–272, title XVIII, §18016, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 371; Pub. L. 99–500, §101(c) [title X, §921(f)], Oct. 18, 1986, 100 Stat. 1783–82, 1783-149, and Pub. L. 99–591, §101(c) [title X, §921(f)], Oct. 30, 1986, 100 Stat. 3341–82, 3341-149; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title IX, formerly title IV, §921(f), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3929, renumbered title IX, Pub. L. 100–26, §3(5), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 273; Pub. L. 100–26, §10(b)(2), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 288; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VIII, §845, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 2027; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §119(b), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2999; Pub. L. 100–656, title VII, §732, Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3897; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VIII, §806(e)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1592; Pub. L. 102–366, title II, §222(a), Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 999; Pub. L. 103–355, title IV, §4404(a), title VII, §7106(d), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3349, 3376; Pub. L. 103–403, title III, §301, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4187; Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §104(b)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–730; Pub. L. 105–135, title IV, §412, title VI, §602(a), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2617, 2627; Pub. L. 106–50, title I, §103(a), title IV, §401(a), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 234, 243; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §§602–604, 611, 612(b)–615(a), title VIII, §806(b)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-697 to 2763A-701, 2763A-706; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §§151, 152(a)(1), (3)–(c)(1), 162, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3456, 3457, 3465; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, §10203, Aug. 10, 2005, 119 Stat. 1933; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §§844, 845(a)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3389, 3390; Pub. L. 110–186, title II, §205, Feb. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 629; Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, §§12063(c)(1), 12071, May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1408, 1411; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title XII, §§12063(c)(1), 12071, June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2170, 2173; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §§1116, 1202(b)(1), 1311, 1341, 1342, 1343(b), 1501, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2509, 2521, 2536, 2543-2545, 2550; Pub. L. 112–81, div. E, title LI, §5107(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1829; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §§1661, 1696(b)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2083, 2090; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVI, §1614(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 949; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §§866(a), 869(b), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 929, 938; Pub. L. 114–187, title IV, §412(a)(1), June 30, 2016, 130 Stat. 595; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XVIII, §§1831(b), 1832(a), 1833(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2658, 2661; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, §§1701(a)(2), (3), 1702(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1795, 1796, 1803; Pub. L. 115–189, §§3(e), 4(a)(1), June 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 1496; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §§861(a), 862(h), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1896, 1900; Pub. L. 115–324, §2, Dec. 17, 2018, 132 Stat. 4444; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §876, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1528; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, §§862(b)(3)(A), 863(a), 866(a)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3779, 3784, 3785; Pub. L. 117–328, div. S, title II, §204(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5270.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Small Business Investment Act of 1958, referred to in subsec. (a)(5), is Pub. L. 85–699, Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 689. Title V of the Act is classified generally to subchapter V (§695 et seq.) of chapter 14B of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title and Tables.

The Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j), referred to in subsec. (j), is act June 15, 1929, ch. 24, 46 Stat. 11, which is classified generally to chapter 7A (§1141 et seq.) of Title 12, Banks and Banking. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1141j(e) of Title 12 and Tables.

The Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act, referred to in subsec. (k)(1), is title II of Pub. L. 117–328, div. S, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5261. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 1801 of Title 16, Conservation, and Tables.

The Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (q)(5)(C), is title V of Pub. L. 93–344, as added by Pub. L. 101–508, title XIII, §13201(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–609, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§661 et seq.) of chapter 17A of Title 2, The Congress. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 621 of Title 2 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (m), "section 134 of title 41" substituted for "section 4(11) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(11))" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (v)(1), "sections 4101, 4103, 4105, and 4106 of title 41" substituted for "sections 303H through 303K of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253h through 253k)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Pub. L. 99–591 is a corrected version of Pub. L. 99–500.

Prior Provisions

Prior similar provisions were contained in section 203 of act July 30, 1953, ch. 282, title II, 67 Stat. 233, which was previously classified to this section. See Codification note set out under section 631 of this title.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 117–328 substituted "(as determined by the Secretary of Commerce under the Fishery Resource Disasters Improvement Act)" for "(as determined by the Secretary of Commerce under section 4107(b) of title 16)".

2021—Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 116–283, §863(a)(1), inserted "and subject to the requirements specified under subparagraph (C)" after "paragraph (1)".

Subsec. (a)(2)(C). Pub. L. 116–283, §863(a)(2)(A), inserted "(including the Administration when acting pursuant to subparagraph (A))" after "no Federal department or agency" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 116–283, §863(a)(2)(B), substituted "24 months" for "12 months".

Subsec. (q)(2)(C)(i)(III). Pub. L. 116–283, §862(b)(3)(A), substituted "section 657f of this title" for "section 8127(f) of title 38".

Subsec. (ff). Pub. L. 116–283, §866(a)(1), added subsec. (ff).

2019—Subsec. (q)(2)(C)(i)(II). Pub. L. 116–92, §876(1), struck out "rated as 100 percent disabling under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs or such veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability" before the semicolon.

Subsec. (q)(2)(C)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 116–92, §876(2), amended subcl. (III) generally. Prior to amendment, subcl. (III) read as follows: "immediately prior to the death of such veteran, and during the period described in clause (ii), the small business concern is included in the database described in section 8127(f) of title 38."

2018—Subsec. (a)(2)(C)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 115–324 substituted "5 years" for "3 years".

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 115–232, §862(h), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "which provides that each participant in the plan is entitled to direct the plan as to the manner in which voting rights under qualifying employer securities (as defined in section 4975(e)(8) of title 26) which are allocated to the account of such participant are to be exercised with respect to a corporate matter which (by law or charter) must be decided by a majority vote of outstanding common shares voted; and".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–189, §4(a)(1), added subsec. (h) and struck out former subsec. (h). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "For purposes of this chapter the term 'credit elsewhere' means the availability of credit from non-Federal sources on reasonable terms and conditions taking into consideration the prevailing rates and terms in the community in or near where the concern transacts business, or the homeowner resides, for similar purposes and periods of time."

Subsec. (r)(2). Pub. L. 115–189, §3(e), substituted "regulated lender" for "regulated SBA lender" in heading and text.

Subsec. (ee). Pub. L. 115–232, §861(a), added subsec. (ee).

2017—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–91, §1702(b), amended subsec. (m) generally. Prior to amendment, text defined the term "simplified acquisition threshold".

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 115–91, §1701(a)(2), (3), added subsec. (p) and redesignated and transferred former subsec. (p) of this section to subsec. (b) of section 657a of this title.

2016—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §1831(b), substituted "operation" for "operation: Provided, That notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agricultural enterprise shall be deemed to be a small business concern if it (including its affiliates) has annual receipts not in excess of $750,000".

Subsec. (a)(9)(E). Pub. L. 114–328, §1833(b), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (p)(4)(A). Pub. L. 114–187 amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The term 'qualified census tract' has the meaning given that term in section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii) of title 26."

Subsec. (q)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §1832(a)(1), amended par. (2) generally. Text read as follows: "The term 'small business concern owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans' means a small business concern—

"(A) not less than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more service-disabled veterans; and

"(B) the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse or permanent caregiver of such veteran."

Subsec. (q)(6), (7). Pub. L. 114–328, §1832(a)(2), added pars. (6) and (7).

2015—Subsec. (a)(9). Pub. L. 114–92, §869(b), added par. (9).

Subsec. (p)(1)(F). Pub. L. 114–92, §866(a)(1), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (p)(3)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 114–92, §866(a)(2), added subpar. (D) and redesignated former subpars. (D) and (E) as (E) and (F), respectively.

Subsec. (p)(4)(D). Pub. L. 114–92, §866(a)(3)(A), amended subpar. (D) generally, substituting new definition of "base closure area" for prior definition which consisted of provisions similar to those in new cl. (i)(I).

Subsec. (p)(4)(E). Pub. L. 114–92, §866(a)(3)(B), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(I)(aa). Pub. L. 114–92, §866(a)(4)(A), substituted "subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), or (F) of paragraph (3)" for "subparagraph (A), (B), (C), (D), or (E) of paragraph (3)" and struck out "or" at end.

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(I)(bb), (cc). Pub. L. 114–92, §866(a)(4)(B), (C), added item (bb) and redesignated former item (bb) as (cc).

2013—Pub. L. 112–239, §1661(1), inserted section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 112–239, §1661(2)(A), inserted heading.

Subsec. (a)(1), (3). Pub. L. 112–239, §1661(2)(B), (C), inserted heading.

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 112–239, §1661(2)(D), realigned margins.

Subsec. (a)(6) to (8). Pub. L. 112–239, §1661(2)(E), added pars. (6) to (8).

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(III). Pub. L. 112–239, §1696(b)(1)(A), added subcl. (III) and struck out former subcl. (III) which read as follows: "with respect to any subcontract entered into by the small business concern pursuant to a contract awarded to the small business concern under section 657a of this title, the small business concern will ensure that—

"(aa) in the case of a contract for services (except construction), not less than 50 percent of the cost of contract performance incurred for personnel will be expended for its employees or for employees of other HUBZone small business concerns;

"(bb) in the case of a contract for procurement of supplies (other than procurement from a regular dealer in such supplies), not less than 50 percent of the cost of manufacturing the supplies (not including the cost of materials) will be incurred in connection with the performance of the contract in a HUBZone by 1 or more HUBZone small business concerns; and

"(cc) in the case of a contract for the procurement by the Secretary of Agriculture of agricultural commodities, none of the commodity being procured will be obtained by the prime contractor through a subcontract for the purchase of the commodity in substantially the final form in which it is to be supplied to the Government; and".

Subsec. (p)(5)(B) to (D). Pub. L. 112–239, §1696(b)(1)(B), (C), redesignated subpar. (D) as (B) and struck out former subpars. (B) and (C) which read as follows:

"(B) Change in percentages

"The Administrator may utilize a percentage other than the percentage specified in item (aa) or (bb) of subparagraph (A)(i)(III), if the Administrator determines that such action is necessary to reflect conventional industry practices among small business concerns that are below the numerical size standard for businesses in that industry category.

"(C) Construction and other contracts

"The Administrator shall promulgate final regulations imposing requirements that are similar to those specified in items (aa) and (bb) of subparagraph (A)(i)(III) on contracts for general and specialty construction, and on contracts for any other industry category that would not otherwise be subject to those requirements. The percentage applicable to any such requirement shall be determined in accordance with subparagraph (B)."

Subsec. (dd). Pub. L. 113–66 added subsec. (dd).

2011—Subsecs. (aa) to (cc). Pub. L. 112–81 added subsecs. (aa) to (cc).

2010—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 111–240, §1116, added par. (5).

Subsecs. (t), (u). Pub. L. 111–240, §1202(b)(1), added subsecs. (t) and (u).

Subsec. (v). Pub. L. 111–240, §1311, added subsec. (v).

Subsec. (w). Pub. L. 111–240, §1341, added subsec. (w).

Subsec. (x). Pub. L. 111–240, §1342, added subsec. (x).

Subsec. (y). Pub. L. 111–240, §1343(b), added subsec. (y).

Subsec. (z). Pub. L. 111–240, §1501, added subsec. (z).

2008—Subsec. (k)(2)(C). Pub. L. 110–246, §12071, added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (q)(5). Pub. L. 110–186 added par. (5).

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 110–246, §12063(c)(1), added subsec. (s).

2006—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 109–163, §844, added par. (4).

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 109–163, §845(a)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

2005—Subsec. (p)(4)(B)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 109–59 added subcl. (III).

2004—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 108–447, §151(b), struck out "of section 636(b)(2)" after "For the purposes".

Subsec. (p)(1)(E). Pub. L. 108–447, §152(a)(1), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (p)(3)(A). Pub. L. 108–447, §151(a)(1)(A), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: "a small business concern that is owned and controlled by one or more persons, each of whom is a United States citizen;".

Subsec. (p)(3)(E). Pub. L. 108–447, §151(a)(1)(B)–(D), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (p)(4)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 108–447, §152(b), amended subcl. (II) generally. Prior to amendment, subcl. (II) read as follows: "the unemployment rate is not less than 140 percent of the Statewide average unemployment rate for the State in which the county is located, based on the most recent data available from the Secretary of Labor."

Subsec. (p)(4)(C). Pub. L. 108–447, §152(c)(1), substituted "only until the later of—

"(i) the date on which the Census Bureau publicly releases the first results from the 2010 decennial census; or

"(ii) 3 years after"

for "only for the 3-year period following".

Subsec. (p)(4)(D). Pub. L. 108–447, §152(a)(3), added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(I)(aa). Pub. L. 108–447, §151(a)(2), substituted "(C), (D), or (E)" for "or (D)".

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 108–447, §162, added subsec. (r).

2000—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VIII, §806(b)], substituted "$750,000" for "$500,000".

Subsec. (p)(1)(D). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §613(1)], added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (p)(3). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §602], amended heading and text of par. (3) generally, substituting present provisions for provisions which had defined "HUBZone small business concern" as a small business concern that is owned and controlled by 1 or more persons, each of whom is a United States citizen, and the principal office of which is located in a HUBZone.

Subsec. (p)(3)(D). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §614(1)], added subpar. (D).

Subsec. (p)(4)(A). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §611(a)], substituted "section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii)" for "section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii)(I)".

Subsec. (p)(4)(B). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §611(b)], added subpar. (B) and struck out heading and text of former subpar. (B). Text read as follows: "The term 'qualified nonmetropolitan county' means any county—

"(i) that, based on the most recent data available from the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce—

"(I) is not located in a metropolitan statistical area (as defined in section 143(k)(2)(B) of title 26); and

"(II) in which the median household income is less than 80 percent of the nonmetropolitan State median household income; or

"(ii) that, based on the most recent data available from the Secretary of Labor, has an unemployment rate that is not less than 140 percent of the statewide average unemployment rate for the State in which the county is located."

Subsec. (p)(4)(C). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §613(2)], added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(I). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §603(a)], added subcl. (I) and struck out former subcl. (I) which read as follows: "it is a HUBZone small business concern;".

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(I)(aa). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §614(2)], substituted "subparagraph (A), (B), or (D)" for "subparagraph (A) or (B)".

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(II). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §603(a)], added subcl. (II) and struck out former subcl. (II) which read as follows: "not less than 35 percent of the employees of the small business concern reside in a HUBZone, and the small business concern will attempt to maintain this employment percentage during the performance of any contract awarded to the small business concern on the basis of a preference provided under section 657a(b) of this title; and".

Subsec. (p)(5)(A)(i)(III)(cc). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §612(b)(1)], added item (cc).

Subsec. (p)(5)(C). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §615(a)], which directed amendment of subpar. (C) by substituting "items (aa) and (bb) of subparagraph (A)(i)(III)" for "subclause (IV) and (V) of subparagraph (A)(i)", was executed by making the substitution for "subclauses (IV) and (V) of subparagraph (A)(i)", to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (p)(5)(D)(i). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §603(b)], inserted "once the Administrator has made the certification required by subparagraph (A)(i) regarding a qualified HUBZone small business concern and has determined that subparagraph (A)(ii) does not apply to that concern," before "include".

Subsec. (p)(6). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §604], added par. (6).

Subsec. (p)(7). Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title VI, §612(b)(2)], added par. (7).

1999—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 106–50, §401(a), amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) read as follows: "For purposes of section 636 of this title, the term 'handicapped individual' means a person who has a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, defect, ailment, disease, or disability of a permanent nature which in any way limits the selection of any type of employment for which the person would otherwise be qualified or qualifiable."

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 106–50, §103(a), added subsec. (q).

1997—Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 105–135, §412, added subsec. (o).

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 105–135, §602(a), added subsec. (p).

1996—Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 104–208 inserted "commercial fishery failures or fishery resource disasters (as determined by the Secretary of Commerce under section 4107(b) of title 16)," after "tidal waves,".

1994—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–403 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "In addition to the criteria specified in paragraph (1), the Administrator may specify detailed definitions or standards (by number of employees or dollar volume of business) by which a business concern is to be recognized as a small business concern for the purposes of this chapter or any other Act. Unless specifically authorized by statute, the Secretary of a department or the head of a Federal agency may not prescribe for the use of such department or agency a size standard for categorizing a business concern as a small business concern, unless such proposed size standard—

"(A) is being proposed after an opportunity for public notice and comment;

"(B) provides for determining, over a period of not less than 3 years—

"(i) the size of a manufacturing concern on the basis of the number of its employees during that period; and

"(ii) the size of a concern providing services on basis of the average gross receipts of the concern during that period; and

"(C) is approved by the Administrator."

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 103–355, §4404(a), substituted " 'simplified acquisition threshold' " for " 'small purchase threshold' ".

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 103–355, §7106(d), added subsec. (n).

1992—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 102–366 added pars. (2) and (3) and struck out at end of par. (1) "In addition to the foregoing criteria the Administrator, in making a detailed definition, may use these criteria, among others: Number of employees and dollar volume of business: Provided, That the Administration shall not promulgate, amend, or rescind any rule [or] regulation with respect to size standards prior to March 31, 1981. Where the number of employees is used as one of the criteria in making such definition for any of the purposes of this chapter, the maximum number of employees which a small-business concern may have under the definition shall vary from industry to industry to the extent necessary to reflect differing characteristics of such industries and to take proper account of other relevant factors."

1990—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 101–510 added subsec. (m).

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–656 struck out pars. (2) to (5) which established a program for review of size standards for eligibility of business concerns in certain industry categories for a procurement restricted to small business concerns under section 637(a) or 644(a) of this title and provided for adjustment of those standards and periodic review of the program.

Pub. L. 100–456 inserted provisions in par. (4)(C) respecting applicability of regulations to contracts entered into on or after Oct. 1, 1988.

Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 100–590 added subsec. (k) and redesignated subsec. (j), defining "computer crime", as (l).

1987—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 100–26, §10(b)(2)(A), substituted "dollar value of the contracts to be awarded in that industry category" for "value of contracts to be awarded under such sections".

Subsec. (a)(4)(A)(i). Pub. L. 100–26, §10(b)(2)(B), substituted "paragraph (3)" for "paragraph (3)(A)".

Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 100–26, §10(b)(2)(C), substituted "shall be made not later than 180 days after the end of each such" for "made with the expiration of 180 days after each".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–500, Pub. L. 99–591, and Pub. L. 99–661 amended subsec. (a) identically designating existing provision as par. (1) and adding pars. (2) to (5).

Pub. L. 99–272 inserted proviso that notwithstanding any other provision of law, an agricultural enterprise shall be deemed to be a small business concern if it, including its affiliates, has annual receipts not in excess of $500,000.

Subsec. (c)(2)(A), (3)(B)(i), (iv). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954", which for purposes of codification was translated as "title 26" thus requiring no change in text.

1984—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 98–473 in subsec. (j) added by Pub. L. 98–270 substituted "as a business concern and shall not include the income or employees of any member shareholder of such cooperative" for "as an entity and shall not include the income or employees of any member shareholder of such cooperative: Provided, That such an association shall not be deemed to be a small agricultural cooperative unless each member of the board of directors of the association, or each member of the governing body of the association if it is not incorporated, also individually qualifies as a small business concern".

Pub. L. 98–362 added subsec. (j) defining "computer crime".

Pub. L. 98–270 added subsec. (j) defining "small agricultural cooperative".

1981—Subsecs. (d) to (i). Pub. L. 97–35 added subsecs. (d) to (i).

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–481, in the additional criteria inserted proviso that the Administration shall not promulgate, amend, or rescind any rule or regulation with respect to size standards prior to March 31, 1981.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–302 added subsec. (c).

1978—Pub. L. 95–507 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

1976—Pub. L. 94–305 inserted reference to enterprises that are engaged in business of production of food and fiber, ranching and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, §862(b)(3), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3778, provided that the amendment made by section 862(b)(3)(A) shall take effect on the transfer date (2 years after Jan. 1, 2021, see section 862(a) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note under section 657f of this title).

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, §863(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3784, provided that: "This section [amending this section] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021]."

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §876, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1528, provided that the amendment made by section 876 is effective on the date specified in section 1832(e) of Pub. L. 114–328 (Oct. 1, 2018, see Effective Date of 2016 Amendment note below).

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 1701 of Pub. L. 115–91 effective Jan. 1, 2020, see section 1701(j) of Pub. L. 115–91, set out as a note under section 657a of this title.

Effective Date of 2016 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XVIII, §1832(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2660, provided that: "The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), (c), and (d) [amending this section, section 637 of this title, and section 8127 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits] shall take effect on the date on which the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs jointly issue regulations implementing such sections [probably should be "subsections"] [regulations effective Oct. 1, 2018, see 83 F.R. 48908; see also section 862(c)(3) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note under section 657f of this title]."

Effective Date of 2015 Amendment

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §866(b), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 931, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a)(3)(B) [amending this section] shall apply to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) or a catastrophic incident that occurs on or after the date of enactment of such subsection [Nov. 25, 2015]."

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–135 effective Oct. 1, 1997, see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–135, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §104(b)(2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–731, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall be effective with respect to any disaster occurring on or after March 1, 1994."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

For effective date and applicability of amendment by Pub. L. 103–355, see section 10001 of Pub. L. 103–355, set out as a note under section 8752 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–26, §12(c), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 289, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 5 [amending section 2365 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and amending provisions set out as notes under sections 1621, 2326, and 2437 of Title 10] and 10 [amending this section, sections 637 and 644 of this title, and provisions set out as a note under this section] shall apply as if included in each instance of the Defense Acquisition Improvement Act (as specified in section 2) [title X of section 101(c) of Pub. L. 99–500 and Pub. L. 99–591, and title IX of div. A of Pub. L. 99–661] when each was enacted [Oct. 18, 1986, Oct. 30, 1986, and Nov. 14, 1986, respectively]."

Effective Date of 1986 Amendment; Initial Review of Standards

Section 101(c) [title X, §921(g), (h)] of Pub. L. 99–500 and Pub. L. 99–591, and section 921(g), (h) of title IX, formerly title IV, of Pub. L. 99–661; renumbered title IX and amended by Pub. L. 100–26, §§3(5), 10(a)(2), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 273, 288; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VIII, §809(d), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1130, provided that:

"(g) Effective Dates.—Except as otherwise provided in subsection (h), the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 637 and 644 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes below] shall take effect on October 1, 1987.

"(h) Initial Review of Size Standards.—(1) Paragraph (2) of section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (as added by subsection (f)) [15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 18, 1986].

"(2) The first review conducted by the Administrator under such paragraph shall review the periods beginning on October 1, 1983, and ending on September 30, 1986, and shall be completed not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(3) If the Administrator of the Small Business Administration determines, on the basis of the review referred to in paragraph (2), that contracts awarded under the set-aside programs under sections 8(a) and 15(a) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 637(a), 644(a)] in any industry category subject to that review exceed 30 percent of the dollar value of the total contract awards for that industry category, as determined in accordance with the last sentence of section 15(a)(3) of such Act, the Administrator shall propose adjustments to the size standards for such industry category establishing eligibility for a set-aside program to a size that will likely reduce the number of contracts which may be set aside to approximately 30 percent of the dollar value of the contracts to be awarded in that industry category. The Administrator shall publish proposed regulations, including any revised size standards, in the Federal Register by November 30, 1987, or the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1988 and 1989 [Pub. L. 100–180, Dec. 4, 1987], whichever is later. The proposed regulations shall provide not less than 60 days for public comment. The Administrator shall issue final regulations not later than May 31, 1988.

Effective Date of 1984 Amendments

Pub. L. 98–270, title III, §312, Apr. 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 161, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 310 and 311 of this title [amending this section and section 636 of this title] shall apply to loans granted on the basis of any disaster with respect to which a declaration has been issued after September 1, 1982, under section 7(b)(2) (A), (B), or (C) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 636(b)(2)(A), (B), (C)] or with respect to which a certification has been made after such date under section 7(b)(2)(D) of such Act."

Pub. L. 98–270, title III, §313, Apr. 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 162, provided that: "This title [amending this section and sections 633, 636, and 647 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 632 and 636 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 631 of this title] shall take effect October 1, 1983."

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–362 effective Oct. 1, 1984, see section 7(a) of Pub. L. 98–362, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendments note under section 633 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 97–35 effective Aug. 13, 1981, but shall not affect any financing made, obligated, or committed under this chapter or chapter 14B of this title prior to Aug. 13, 1981, see section 1918 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Regulations

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XVIII, §1835, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2662, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall issue guidance pertaining to the amendments made by this title [see Tables for classification] to the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] and section 8127 of title 38, United States Code. The Administrator and the Secretary shall provide notice and opportunity for comment on such guidance for a period of not less than 60 days."

Pub. L. 114–187, title IV, §412(a)(2), June 30, 2016, 130 Stat. 595, provided that: "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 30, 2016]."

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §1696(c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2091, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this part [Jan. 2, 2013], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue guidance with respect to the changes made to the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] by the amendments in this subtitle [subtitle C (§§1621–1699a) of title XVI of div. A of Pub. L. 112–239, see Tables for classification], with opportunities for notice and comment."

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §845(d), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3391, provided that: "Not later than 45 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 6, 2006], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall promulgate final rules to carry out this section [amending this section and section 636 of this title] and the amendments made by this section."

Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, §605, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2635, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 1997], the Administrator shall publish in the Federal Register such final regulations as may be necessary to carry out this title [see Short Title of 1997 Amendment note set out under section 631 of this title] and the amendments made by this title.

"(b) Federal Acquisition Regulation.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which final regulations are published under subsection (a), the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation in order to ensure consistency between the Federal Acquisition Regulation, this title and the amendments made by this title, and the final regulations published under subsection (a)."

Pub. L. 102–366, title II, §222(b), Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 999, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 4, 1992], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue proposed regulations to implement the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section]. Final regulations shall be issued not later than 270 days after such date of enactment.

"(2) Listing of additional size standards.—The regulations required by paragraph (1) shall include a listing of all small business size standards prescribed by statute or by individual Federal departments and agencies, identifying the programs or purposes to which such size standards apply."

Implementation

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title XVI, §1614(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 949, provided that:

"(1) Requirement for plan.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate a plan to implement this section [amending this section and section 637 of this title] and the amendments made by this section. The plan shall contain assurances that the appropriate tracking mechanisms are in place to enable transparency of subcontracting activities at all tiers.

"(2) Completion of plan actions.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, the Secretary of Defense, and the Administrator of General Services shall complete the actions required by the plan.

"(3) Regulations.—No later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall promulgate any regulations necessary, and the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised, to implement this section and the amendments made by this section.

"(4) Applicability.—Any regulations promulgated pursuant to paragraph (3) shall apply to contracts entered into after the last day of the fiscal year in which the regulations are promulgated."

Small Business Compliance Guide

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §1681(c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2086, provided that: "Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this part [Jan. 2, 2013], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue (pursuant to section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–121; 5 U.S.C. 601 note]) a compliance guide to assist business concerns in accurately determining their status as a small business concern."

Prohibition on Using TARP Funds or Tax Increases

Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1136, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2520, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), nothing in section 1111 [amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 636 of this title], 1112 [amending section 696 of this title], 1113 [amending section 636 of this title], 1114 [124 Stat. 2508], 1115 [amending section 689d of this title], 1116 [amending this section], 1117 [amending section 634 of this title], 1118 [124 Stat. 2509], 1122 [amending section 696 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 696 of this title], or 1131 [amending section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 636 of this title], or an amendment made by such sections, shall be construed to limit the ability of Congress to appropriate funds.

"(b) TARP Funds and Tax Increases.—

"(1) In general.—Any covered amounts may not be used to carry out section 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114, 1115, 1116, 1117, 1118, 1122, or 1131, or an amendment made by such sections.

"(2) Definition.—In this subsection, the term 'covered amounts' means—

"(A) the amounts made available to the Secretary of the Treasury under title I of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 S.C. [sic] 5201 et seq.) [12 U.S.C. 5211 et seq.] to purchase (under section 101 [12 U.S.C. 5211]) or guarantee (under section 102 [12 U.S.C. 5212]) assets under that Act [12 U.S.C. 5201 et seq.]; and

"(B) any revenue increase attributable to any amendment to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.] made during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 27, 2010] and ending on December 31, 2010."

Updated Size Standards

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XVIII, §1831(c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2658, provided that: "Size standards established for agricultural enterprises under section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)) shall be subject to the rolling review procedures established under section 1344(a) of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 [Pub. L. 111–240] (15 U.S.C. 632 note) [set out below]."

Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1344, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2545, provided that:

"(a) Rolling Review.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator shall—

"(A) during the 18-month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 27, 2010], and during every 18-month period thereafter, conduct a detailed review of not less than 1/3 of the size standards for small business concerns established under section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)), which shall include holding not less than 2 public forums located in different geographic regions of the United States;

"(B) after completing each review under subparagraph (A) make appropriate adjustments to the size standards established under section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act to reflect market conditions;

"(C) make publicly available—

"(i) information regarding the factors evaluated as part of each review conducted under subparagraph (A); and

"(ii) information regarding the criteria used for any revised size standards promulgated under subparagraph (B); and

"(D) not later than 30 days after the date on which the Administrator completes each review under subparagraph (A), submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and make publicly available a report regarding the review, including why the Administrator—

"(i) used the factors and criteria described in subparagraph (C); and

"(ii) adjusted or did not adjust each size standard that was reviewed under the review.

"(2) Complete review of size standards.—The Administrator shall ensure that each size standard for small business concerns established under section 3(a)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)) is reviewed under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once every 5 years.

"(b) Rules.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 27, 2010], the Administrator shall promulgate rules for conducting the reviews required under subsection (a)."

[For definitions of "Administrator" and "small business concern" as used in section 1344 of Pub. L. 111–240, set out above, see section 1001 of Pub. L. 111–240, set out under this section.]

HUBZone Status Time Line and Commencement

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, §1698, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 2091, provided that:

"(a) Definition.—In this section, the term 'covered base closure area' means a base closure area that, on or before the date of enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013], was treated as a HUBZone for purposes of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) pursuant to section 152(a)(2) of the Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 [Pub. L. 108–447] (15 U.S.C. 632 note).

"(b) Treatment as HUBZone.—

"(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), a covered base closure area shall be treated as a HUBZone for purposes of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) during the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

"(2) Limitation.—The total period of time that a covered base closure area is treated as a HUBZone for purposes of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) pursuant to this section and section 152(a)(2) of the Small Business Reauthorization and Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 (15 U.S.C. 632 note) may not exceed 5 years."

Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §152(a)(2), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3457, which required that a base closure area that had undergone final closure be treated as a HUBZone for purposes of this chapter for 5 years, was repealed by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, §1701(f), (j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1800, 1803, effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Continued Effectiveness of Numerical Size Standards in Effect on September 30, 1988

The last sentence of section 732 of Pub. L. 100–656 which provided that any numerical size standard that pertained to any of the designated industry groups, and that was in effect on Sept. 30, 1988, was to remain in effect for the duration of the Program, was repealed by Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title VIII, §850(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1726.

Report on Effect of 1986 Amendments

Section 101(c) [title X, §921(i)] of Pub. L. 99–500 and Pub. L. 99–591, and section 921(i) of title IX, formerly title IV, of Pub. L. 99–661; renumbered title IX, Pub. L. 100–26, §3(5), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 273, directed Administrator of the Small Business Administration, not later than July 15, 1987, to submit to Congress a report on the amendments to sections 632, 637, and 644 of this title made by this section which was to include Administrator's views on the advisability and feasibility of implementing such amendments, Administrator's findings and determinations under the review of size standards for businesses that qualify as small businesses carried out pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)(B), a determination of whether or not the amendments to section 632 of this title would further the interests of the set-aside program, and recommendations for furthering certain interests in a more efficient or effective manner than provided in such amendments.

Definitions

Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1001, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2507, provided that: "In this title [enacting sections 634g, 648b, and 657q of this title and section 4713a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, amending this section, sections 631, 633, 634, 634c, 636, 637, 644, 648, 649, 656, 657a, 689d, 695, and 696 of this title, section 604 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 2382 of Title 10, Armed Forces, repealing former section 634g of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 631, 636, 637, 644, 649, 649b, and 696 of this title, and sections 428 and 433 of Title 41, Public Contracts, amending provisions set out as notes under section 631 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as notes under section 644 of this title]—

"(1) the terms 'Administration' and 'Administrator' mean the Small Business Administration and the Administrator thereof, respectively; and

"(2) the term 'small business concern' has the meaning given that term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)."

¹ So in original. Probably should be a reference to subsec. "(e)" of section 5304, which defines Indian tribe.

² So in original. No par. (2) has been enacted.

³ So in original. Probably should be preceded by "the".

§633. Small Business Administration

(a) Creation; principal, branch, and regional offices

In order to carry out the policies of this chapter there is created an agency under the name "Small Business Administration" (herein referred to as the Administration), which Administration shall be under the general direction and supervision of the President and shall not be affiliated with or be within any other agency or department of the Federal Government. The principal office of the Administration shall be located in the District of Columbia. The Administration may establish such branch and regional offices in other places in the United States as may be determined by the Administrator of the Administration. As used in this chapter, the term "United States" includes the several States, the Territories and possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, and the District of Columbia.

(b) Appointment of Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Associate Administrators; duties of Administrator: preparation of data base and publication of economic indices and annual report; risk management database; computer security and education program

(1) The management of the Administration shall be vested in an Administrator who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall be a person of outstanding qualifications known to be familiar and sympathetic with small-business needs and problems. The Administrator shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or employment than that of serving as Administrator. In carrying out the programs administered by the Small Business Administration including its lending and guaranteeing functions, the Administrator shall not discriminate on the basis of sex or marital status against any person or small business concern applying for or receiving assistance from the Small Business Administration, and the Small Business Administration shall give special consideration to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and their survivors or dependents. The President also may appoint a Deputy Administrator, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator is authorized to appoint Associate Administrators (including the Associate Administrator specified in section 671 of this title) to assist in the execution of the functions vested in the Administration. One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development, who shall administer the Office of Veterans Business Development established under section 657b of this title. One of the Associate Administrators shall be designated at the time of his appointment as the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development who shall be an employee in the competitive service or in the Senior Executive Service and a career appointee and shall be responsible to the Administrator for the formulation and execution of the policies and programs under sections 636(j) and 637(a) of this title which provide assistance to minority small business concerns. The Deputy Administrator shall be Acting Administrator of the Administration during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Administrator. One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for International Trade, who shall be the head of the Office of International Trade established under section 649 of this title. One such Associate Administrator shall be the Chief Hearing Officer, who shall administer the Office of Hearings and Appeals established under section 634(i) of this title.

(2) The Administrator also shall be responsible for—

(A) establishing and maintaining an external small business economic data base for the purpose of providing the Congress and the Administration information on the economic condition and the expansion or contraction of the small business sector. To that end, the Administrator shall publish on a regular basis national small business economic indices and, to the extent feasible, regional small business economic indices, which shall include, but need not be limited to, data on—

(i) employment, layoffs, and new hires;

(ii) number of business establishments and the types of such establishments such as sole proprietorships, corporations, and partnerships;

(iii) number of business formations and failures;

(iv) sales and new orders;

(v) back orders;

(vi) investment in plant and equipment;

(vii) changes in inventory and rate of inventory turnover;

(viii) sources and amounts of capital investment, including debt, equity, and internally generated funds;

(ix) debt to equity ratios;

(x) exports;

(xi) number and dollar amount of mergers and acquisitions by size of acquiring and acquired firm; and

(xii) concentration ratios; and

(B) publishing annually a report giving a comparative analysis and interpretation of the historical trends of the small business sector as reflected by the data acquired pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this subsection.

(3) Risk management database.—

(A) Establishment.—The Administration shall establish, within the management system for the loan programs authorized by subsections (a) and (b) of section 636 of this title and title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.], a management information system that will generate a database capable of providing timely and accurate information in order to identify loan underwriting, collections, recovery, and liquidation problems.

(B) Information to be maintained.—In addition to such other information as the Administration considers appropriate, the database established under subparagraph (A) shall, with respect to each loan program described in subparagraph (A), include information relating to—

(i) the identity of the institution making the guaranteed loan or issuing the debenture;

(ii) the identity of the borrower;

(iii) the total dollar amount of the loan or debenture;

(iv) the total dollar amount of government exposure in each loan;

(v) the district of the Administration in which the borrower has its principal office;

(vi) the principal line of business of the borrower, as identified by Standard Industrial Classification Code (or any successor to that system);

(vii) the delinquency rate for each program (including number of instances and days overdue);

(viii) the number and amount of repurchases, losses, and recoveries in each program;

(ix) the number of deferrals or forbearances in each program (including days and number of instances);

(x) comparisons on the basis of loan program, lender, district and region of the Administration, for all the data elements maintained; and

(xi) underwriting characteristics of each loan that has entered into default, including term, amount and type of collateral, loan-to-value and other actual and projected ratios, line of business, credit history, and type of loan.

(C) Deadline for operational capability.—The database established under subparagraph (A) shall—

(i) be operational not later than June 30, 1997; and

(ii) capture data beginning on the first day of the second quarter of fiscal year 1997 beginning after such date and thereafter.

(4)(A) The Administrator shall establish a small business computer security and education program to—

(i) provide small business concerns information regarding—

(I) utilization and management of computer technology;

(II) computer crimes committed against small business concerns; and

(III) security for computers owned or utilized by small business concerns;

(ii) provide for periodic forums for small business concerns to improve their knowledge of the matters described in clause (i); and

(iii) provide training opportunities to educate small business users on computer security techniques.

(B) The Administrator, after consultation with the Director of the Institute of Computer Sciences and Technology within the Department of Commerce, shall develop information and materials to carry out the activities described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.

(c) Revolving funds; disaster loan fund; business loan and investment fund; payments into funds; appropriations; reports to Congress; business-type budgets; borrowing authority: terms and conditions of notes, interest rate, public debt transactions; payments into miscellaneous receipts; authorization of appropriations for losses and interest subsidies

(1) There are established in the Treasury the following revolving funds: (A) a disaster loan fund which shall be available for financing functions performed under sections 634(e), 636(b)(1), 636(b)(2), 636(b)(3), 636(b)(4), 636(d)(2), and 636(m) of this title; and (B) a business loan and investment fund which shall be available for financing functions performed under sections 634(g), 636(a) and 637(a) of this title, and titles III, IV and V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq., 692 et seq., 695 et seq.].

(2) All repayments of loans and debentures, payments of interest and other receipts arising out of transactions heretofore or hereafter entered into by the Administration (A) pursuant to sections 634(e), 636(b)(1), 636(b)(2), 636(b)(3), 636(b)(4), 636(b)(5), 636(b)(6), 636(b)(7), 636(b)(8), 636(d)(2), and 636(g) of this title, shall be paid into a disaster loan fund; and (B) pursuant to sections 634(g), 636(a), 636(h), 636(i), 636(l),¹ 636(m), and 637(a) of this title, and titles III, IV and V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq., 692 et seq., 695 et seq.], shall be paid into the business loan and investment fund.

(3) Unexpended balances of appropriations made to the fund pursuant to this subsection, as in effect immediately prior to the effective date of this paragraph, shall be allocated, together with related assets and liabilities, to the funds established by paragraph (1) in such amounts as the Administrator shall determine.

(4) The Administration shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations, Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, as soon as possible after the beginning of each calendar quarter, a full and complete report on the status of each of the funds established by paragraph (1). Business-type budgets for each of the funds established by paragraph (1) shall be prepared, transmitted to the Committees on Appropriations, the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and considered, and enacted in the manner prescribed by law (sections 9103 and 9104 of title 31) for wholly owned Government corporations.

(5)(A) The Administration is authorized to make and issue notes to the Secretary of the Treasury for the purpose of obtaining funds necessary for discharging obligations under the revolving funds created by paragraph (1) and for authorized expenditures out of the funds. Such notes shall be in such form and denominations and have such maturities and be subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Administration with the approval of the Secretary of the Treasury. Such notes shall bear interest at a rate fixed by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average market yield of outstanding marketable obligations of the United States having maturities comparable to the notes issued by the Administration under this paragraph. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized and directed to purchase any notes of the Administration issued hereunder, and, for that purpose, the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under chapter 31 of title 31, and the purposes for which such securities may be issued under such chapter are extended to include the purchase of notes issued by the Administration. All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of the Treasury of such notes shall be treated as public debt transactions of the United States. All borrowing authority contained herein shall be effective only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in advance in appropriation Acts.

(B)(i) Moneys in the funds established in paragraph (1) not needed for current operations may be paid into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury.

(ii) Following the close of each fiscal year, the Administration shall pay into the miscellaneous receipts of the United States Treasury the actual interest that the Administration collects during that fiscal year on all financings made under this chapter.

(C) Except on those loan disbursements on which interest is paid under paragraph (5)(B)(ii), the Administration shall pay into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury, following the close of each fiscal year, interest received by the Administration on financing functions performed under this chapter and titles III and V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq., 695 et seq.] providing the capital used to perform such functions originated from appropriated funds. Such payments shall be treated by the Department of the Treasury as interest income, not as retirement of indebtedness.

(D) There are authorized to be appropriated, in any fiscal year, such sums as may be necessary for losses and interest subsidies incurred by the funds established by paragraph (1), but not previously reimbursed.

(d) Creation and composition of Loan Policy Board; establishment of policies

There is created the Loan Policy Board of the Small Business Administration, which shall consist of the following members, all ex officio: The Administrator, as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce. Either of the said Secretaries may designate an officer of his Department, who has been appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to act in his stead as a member of the Loan Policy Board with respect to any matter or matters. The Loan Policy Board shall establish general policies (particularly with reference to the public interest involved in the granting and denial of applications for financial assistance by the Administration and with reference to the coordination of the functions of the Administration with other activities and policies of the Government), which shall govern the granting and denial of applications for financial assistance by the Administration.

(e) Prohibition on provision of assistance

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administration is prohibited from providing any financial or other assistance to any business concern or other person engaged in the production or distribution of any product or service that has been determined to be obscene by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(f) Certification of compliance with child support obligations

(1) In general

For financial assistance approved after the promulgation of final regulations to implement this section, each recipient of financial assistance under this chapter, including a recipient of a direct loan or a loan guarantee, shall certify that the recipient is not more than 60 days delinquent under the terms of any—

(A) administrative order;

(B) court order; or

(C) repayment agreement entered into between the recipient and the custodial parent or State agency providing child support enforcement services,

that requires the recipient to pay child support, as such term is defined in section 662(b) ¹ of title 42.

(2) Enforcement

Not later than 6 months after October 22, 1994, the Administration shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to enforce compliance with the requirements of this subsection.

(g) Business Opportunity Specialists

(1) Duties

The exclusive duties of a Business Opportunity Specialist employed by the Administrator and reporting to the senior official appointed by the Administrator with responsibilities under sections 637, 644, 657a, and 657f of this title (or the designee of such official) shall be to implement sections 636, 637, and 657r of this title and to complete other duties related to contracting programs under this chapter. Such duties shall include—

(A) with respect to small business concerns eligible to receive contracts and subcontracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title—

(i) providing guidance, counseling, and referrals for assistance with technical, management, financial, or other matters that will improve the competitive viability of such concerns;

(ii) identifying causes of success or failure of such concerns;

(iii) providing comprehensive assessments of such concerns, including identifying the strengths and weaknesses of such concerns;

(iv) monitoring and documenting compliance with the requirements of sections 636 and 637 of this title and any regulations implementing those sections;

(v) explaining the requirements of sections 636, 637, 644, 657a, 657f, and 657r of this title; and

(vi) advising on compliance with contracting regulations (including the Federal Acquisition Regulation) after award of such a contract or subcontract;

(B) reviewing and monitoring compliance with mentor-protege agreements under section 657r of this title;

(C) representing the interests of the Administrator and small business concerns in the award, modification, and administration of contracts and subcontracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title; and

(D) reporting fraud or abuse under section 636, 637, 644, 657a, 657f, or 657r of this title or any regulations implementing such sections.

(2) Certification requirements

(A) In general

Consistent with the requirements of subparagraph (B), a Business Opportunity Specialist described under section 636(j)(10)(D) of this title shall have a Level I Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (or any successor certification) or the equivalent Department of Defense certification.

(B) Delay of certification requirement

The certification described in subparagraph (A) is not required—

(i) for any person serving as a Business Opportunity Specialist on December 12, 2017, until the date that is one calendar year after the date such person was appointed as a Business Opportunity Specialist; or

(ii) for any person serving as a Business Opportunity Specialist on or before January 3, 2013, until January 3, 2020.

(3) Job posting requirements

The duties and certification requirements described in this subsection shall be included in any initial job posting for the position of a Business Opportunity Specialist.

(h) Commercial market representatives

(1) Duties

The principal duties of a commercial market representative employed by the Administrator and reporting to the senior official appointed by the Administrator with responsibilities under sections 637, 644, 657a, and 657f of this title (or the designee of the official) shall be to advance the policies established in section 637(d)(1) of this title relating to subcontracting, including—

(A) helping prime contractors to find small business concerns that are capable of performing subcontracts;

(B) for contractors awarded contracts containing the clause described in section 637(d)(3) of this title, providing—

(i) counseling on the responsibility of the contractor to maximize subcontracting opportunities for small business concerns;

(ii) instruction on methods and tools to identify potential subcontractors that are small business concerns; and

(iii) assistance to increase awards to subcontractors that are small business concerns through visits, training, and reviews of past performance;

(C) providing counseling on how a small business concern may promote the capacity of the small business concern to contractors awarded contracts containing the clause described in section 637(d)(3) of this title; and

(D) conducting periodic reviews of contractors awarded contracts containing the clause described in section 637(d)(3) of this title to assess compliance with subcontracting plans required under section 637(d)(6) of this title.

(2) Certification requirements

(A) In general

Consistent with the requirements of subparagraph (B), a commercial market representative referred to in section 644(q)(3) of this title shall have a Level I Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (or any successor certification) or the equivalent Department of Defense certification.

(B) Delay of certification requirement

The certification described in subparagraph (A) is not required—

(i) for any person serving as a commercial market representative on December 12, 2017, until the date that is one calendar year after the date on which the person was appointed as a commercial market representative; or

(ii) for any person serving as a commercial market representative on or before November 25, 2015, until November 25, 2020.

(3) Job posting requirements

The duties and certification requirements described in this subsection shall be included in any initial job posting for the position of a commercial market representative.

(Pub. L. 85–536, §2[4], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 85–699, title II, §202, formerly §202(a), Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 690, renumbered Pub. L. 87–341, §11(h)(1), Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 757; amended Pub. L. 86–367, §1, Sept. 22, 1959, 73 Stat. 647; Pub. L. 87–70, title III, §305(c), June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 167; Pub. L. 87–198, Sept. 5, 1961, 75 Stat. 468; Pub. L. 87–305, §3, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 666; Pub. L. 87–341, §§11(h)(3), (4), 12, Oct. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 757; Pub. L. 87–550, §1(a), July 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 220; Pub. L. 89–59, §§1(c), 2, June 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 207; Pub. L. 89–78, July 21, 1965, 79 Stat. 243; Pub. L. 89–117, title III, §316(d), Aug. 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 484; Pub. L. 89–334, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1294; Pub. L. 89–409, §§1, 2, May 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 132; Pub. L. 89–779, §8(a), (b), Nov. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 1364; Pub. L. 90–104, title I, §102, Oct. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 268; Pub. L. 90–448, title XVII, §1721, Aug. 1, 1968, 82 Stat. 610; Pub. L. 91–173, title V, §504(c), Dec. 30, 1969, 83 Stat. 802; Pub. L. 91–558, title I, §101, Dec. 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 1468; Pub. L. 91–596, §28(c), Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1618; Pub. L. 91–597, §25(c), Dec. 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 1634; Pub. L. 92–16, May 18, 1971, 85 Stat. 39; Pub. L. 92–320, §1, June 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 382; Pub. L. 92–385, §2(b), Aug. 16, 1972, 86 Stat. 556; Pub. L. 92–500, §8(b), Oct. 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 899; Pub. L. 92–595, §3(a), Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1316; Pub. L. 93–237, §§1, 3(b), 8, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1023–1025; Pub. L. 93–386, §§2(a)(2), (3), 7, Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 742, 748; Pub. L. 94–273, §2(5), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 375; Pub. L. 95–14, §§1–3, Mar. 24, 1977, 91 Stat. 25; Pub. L. 95–89, title I, §101(a)–(c), title II, §§201, 202, title III, §304, title IV, §401, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 553, 557, 559; Pub. L. 95–315, §4, July 4, 1978, 92 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 95–507, title II, §206, Oct. 24, 1978, 92 Stat. 1766; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §121, title IV, §401, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 842, 849; Pub. L. 96–481, title I, §103, Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2321; Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §§1908, 1913(b), 1915, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 778, 780; Pub. L. 98–270, title III, §306, Apr. 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 161; Pub. L. 98–352, §5, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 331; Pub. L. 98–362, §§3, 4, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 431, 433; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §111(a), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2995; Pub. L. 100–656, title IV, §401(a), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3873; Pub. L. 101–37, §11(a), June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 73; Pub. L. 101–515, title V, §1(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2140; Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §221(a), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2823; Pub. L. 102–140, title VI, §609(k), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 831; Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, §§601, 611, 612, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4201, 4204; Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §102, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–725; Pub. L. 106–50, title II, §201(a), Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 235; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §132(a), (c), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3452, 3453; Pub. L. 110–234, title XII, §12068(b)(1), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1410; Pub. L. 110–246, §4(a), title XII, §12068(b)(1), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664, 2172; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §§1202(b)(2), 1203(b), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2521; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §§865(a)(1), (b), 869(a)(2), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 927, 928, 938; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, §§1704, 1705, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1806, 1807.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The effective date of this paragraph, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is July 1, 1966, pursuant to Pub. L. 89–409, §2.

The Small Business Investment Act of 1958, referred to in subsecs. (b)(3)(A) and (c)(1), (2), (5)(C), is Pub. L. 85–699, Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 689. Titles III, IV, and V of the Act are classified generally to subchapters III (§681 et seq.), IV (§692 et seq.), and V (§695 et seq.) of chapter 14B of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title and Tables.

Section 636(l) of this title, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B), was amended generally to read "[RESERVED]." by Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §107(d), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–732. Subsequently, Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1131(a), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2512, struck out that subsec. (l) and added a new subsec. (l).

Section 662 of title 42, referred to in subsec. (f)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 104–193, title III, §362(b)(1), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2246.

Codification

In subsec. (c)(4), (5)(A), "(sections 9103 and 9104 of title 31)" substituted for "(sections 102, 103, and 104 of the Government Corporation Control Act (31 U.S.C. 847–849))", and "chapter 31 of title 31" and "such chapter" substituted for "the Second Liberty Bond Act, as amended" and "such Act, as amended,", respectively, on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub. L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 110–246.

Prior Provisions

Prior similar provisions were contained in section 204 of act July 30, 1953, ch. 282, title II, 67 Stat. 233, as amended by acts Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 628, §3, 69 Stat. 547; Feb. 2, 1956, ch. 29, §1, 70 Stat. 10; July 31, 1956, ch. 804, title I, §§106(a), 107(b), 70 Stat. 737; Pub. L. 85–4, Feb. 11, 1957, 71 Stat. 4; Pub. L. 85–120, §1, Aug. 3, 1957, 71 Stat. 341, which was previously classified to this section. See Codification note set out under section 631 of this title.

Amendments

2017—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–91, §1704, amended subsec. (g) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (g) related to certification requirements for Business Opportunity Specialists.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–91, §1705, amended subsec. (h) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) related to certification requirements for commercial market representatives.

2015—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–92, §869(a)(2), inserted at end "One such Associate Administrator shall be the Chief Hearing Officer, who shall administer the Office of Hearings and Appeals established under section 634(i) of this title."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–92, §865(a)(1), added subsec. (g).

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 114–92, §865(b), added subsec. (h).

2010—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–240, §1203(b), substituted "Associate Administrators" for "five Associate Administrators" in fifth sentence and inserted at end "One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for International Trade, who shall be the head of the Office of International Trade established under section 649 of this title."

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(x). Pub. L. 111–240, §1202(b)(2), substituted "district and region of the Administration" for "Administration district and region".

2008—Subsec. (c)(1), (2). Pub. L. 110–246, §12068(b)(1), in pars. (1) and (2) substituted "636(d)(2)" for "636(c)(2)" and in par. (2) struck out "636(e)," after "636(a),".

2004—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 108–447, §132(a), (c), temporarily added subsecs. (g) and (h), which related to gifts and co-sponsorship of events, respectively. See Termination Date of 2004 Amendment note below.

1999—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 106–50 substituted "five Associate Administrators" for "four Associate Administrators" in fifth sentence and inserted after fifth sentence "One such Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator for Veterans Business Development, who shall administer the Office of Veterans Business Development established under section 657b of this title."

1996—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 104–208 added par. (3).

1994—Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 103–403, §601, amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "The Administration shall pay into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury, following the close of each fiscal year, interest on the average of loan disbursements outstanding throughout the year providing such disbursements are made from amounts appropriated for the disaster loan fund after October 1, 1980 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the disaster loan fund, or from amounts appropriated to the business loan and investment fund on or after October 1, 1981 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the business loan and investment fund and received on or after October 1, 1981. This interest shall be calculated solely on the amount of loan disbursements net of losses at the rate provided under paragraph (5)(A)."

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–403, §611, added subsec. (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 103–403, §612, added subsec. (f).

1991—Subsec. (c)(1)(A), (2)(B). Pub. L. 102–140 inserted reference to section 636(m).

1990—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–515 and Pub. L. 101–574 amended par. (1) identically, substituting "The President also may appoint a Deputy Administrator, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator is authorized to appoint" for "The Administrator is authorized to appoint a Deputy Administrator and".

1989—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–37 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 100–656, §401(a), see 1988 Amendment note below.

1988—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–656, §401(a), as amended by Pub. L. 101–37, inserted "who shall be an employee in the competitive service or in the Senior Executive Service and a career appointee" after "Capital Ownership Development".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 100–590, §111(a), substituted "III, IV" for "III".

1984—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 98–362, §§3, 7(b), added par. (3) and provided for future repeal of par. (3). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 98–362, §4, added par. (4).

Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 98–270 inserted reference to section 636(b)(4).

Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 98–352 inserted reference to section 634(g).

1981—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–35, §1913(b), substituted "636(c)(2) of this title" for "636(b)(4), 636(b)(5), 636(b)(6), 636(b)(7), 636(b)(8), 636(c)(2), and 636(g) of this title".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–35, §1908, struck out reference to sections 636(e), 636(h), 636(i), and 636(l).

Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 97–35, §1915, substituted "for the disaster loan fund after October 1, 1980 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the disaster loan fund, or from amounts appropriated to the business loan and investment fund on or after October 1, 1981 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from funds appropriated to the business loan and investment fund and received on or after October 1, 1981" for "after October 1, 1980 or are made from repayments of principal of loans made from appropriated funds".

1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–302, §401, designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 96–481, which provided for "striking all after the phrase 'Capital Ownership Development' through the period" and inserting new text in lieu thereof was executed by striking all after "Capital Ownership Development" through period at end of sentence and not at end of paragraph which resulted in substituting provisions that the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development shall be responsible to the Administrator for the formulation and execution of the policies and programs under sections 636(j) and 637(a) of this title for provisions, that such Administrator shall be responsible for the formulation of policy relating to the Administration's programs which provide assistance to minority small business concerns and in the review of the Administration's execution of such programs in light of such policy.

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 96–302, §121, inserted provisions other than subpar. (B)(ii) and incorporated partly in subpar. (A) and in subpar. (B)(ii) prior par. (5) provisions requiring Administration payment of interest on outstanding cash disbursements at close of each fiscal year into the miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury from par. (1) funds at rates that consider current average yields on outstanding interest-bearing marketable Federal debt obligations of comparable maturities as calculated for the September preceding the fiscal year.

1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–507 substituted "Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development" for "Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business".

Subsec. (c)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 95–315 inserted reference to section 636(l).

1977—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 95–89, §§101(a), 304, 401(1), struck out end text from cls. (A) and (B) reading ", including administrative expenses in connection with such functions"; inserted in cl. (A) reference to section 634(e); and inserted in cl. (A) and struck out from cl. (B) reference to section 636(b)(3).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 95–89, §§201, 304, 401(2), inserted in cl. (A) reference to section 636(g); inserted in cl. (A) reference to section 634(e); and inserted in cl. (A) and struck out from cl. (B) reference to section 636(b)(3).

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 95–89, §101(b), struck out last sentence authorization of appropriations of capital for the funds in amounts necessary to carry out the functions of the Administration to remain available until expended.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 95–89, §§101(c), 202, repealed provisions of par. (4) which limited the total amount of loans, guarantees, and other obligations, to be outstanding at any one time: under sections 636(a), (b)(3), (e), (h), (i) and 637(a) of this title to $7,400,000,000; under title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to $887,500,000; under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to $525,000,000; and under section 636(i) of this title to $525,000,000; redesignated par. (5) as (4) and substituted reference to submission of reports to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives for the prior reference the Committees on Banking and Currency of the Senate and House of Representatives; substituted reference to transmission of business-type budgets to the Committees on Appropriations, the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives for prior reference to such transmission to the Congress; and deleted the second sentence providing that if at the close of the preceding calendar quarter the aggregate amount outstanding or committed by the Administration in carrying out its functions under the sections or titles referred to in former par. (4) exceeded 75 per centum of the total amount authorized to be outstanding under such sections or titles, the Administration's report shall include its recommendations for such additional authority as it deems appropriate.

Pub. L. 95–14 substituted "$7,400,000,000" for "$6,000,000,000", "$525,000,000" for "$450,000,000", and "$887,500,000" for "$725,000,000".

Subsec. (c)(5), (6). Pub. L. 95–89, §202, redesignated pars. (5) and (6) as (4) and (5), respectively.

1976—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 94–273 substituted "September" for "June".

1974—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 93–386, §7, in fourth sentence increased from three to four the number of Associate Administrators authorized to be appointed and inserted fifth sentence authorizing one of the Associate Administrators at the time of appointment to be designated as Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business. As enacted section 7 of Pub. L. 93–386 amended the third sentence and inserted a fourth sentence to subsec. (b), however the amendment was executed to fourth sentence and the new sentence was inserted as a fifth sentence editorially since this would appear to be the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 93–237, §8, inserted provisions that the Administrator shall not discriminate on the basis of sex or marital status against any person or small business concern applying for or receiving assistance from the Administration and that the Administration shall give special consideration to veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States and their survivors or dependents in carrying out the programs administered by the Administration.

Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(2), inserted references to sections 636(b)(8) and 636(i) and struck out reference to title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

Pub. L. 93–237, §3(b), substituted "636(h)" for "636(g)" in cl. (B).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(2), inserted references to sections 636(b)(8) and 636(i) of this title and struck out reference to title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

Pub. L. 93–237, §3(b), substituted "636(h)" for "636(g)" in cl. (B).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 93–386, §2(a)(3), in cl. (A) substituted "636(i), and 637(a) of this title, shall not exceed $6,000,000,000" for "and 637(a) of this title, and title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, shall not exceed $4,875,000,000", in cl. (B) substituted "$725,000,000" for "$556,250,000", and in cl. (D) substituted "section 636(i) of this title, shall not exceed $450,000,000" for "title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 shall not exceed $381,250,000".

Pub. L. 93–237, §§1, 3(b), substituted "$4,875,000,000" for "$4,300,000,000" and "636(h)" for "636(g)" in cl. (A), "$556,250,000" for "$500,000,000" in cl. (B), "$525,000,000" for "$500,000,000" in cl. (C) and "$381,250,000" for "$350,000,000" in cl. (D).

1972—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 92–595 inserted reference to section 636(g).

Pub. L. 92–500 made disaster loan fund available for financing functions performed under section 636(g) of this title.

Pub. L. 92–385, §2(b)(1), inserted reference to section 636(b)(7).

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 92–595 inserted reference to section 636(g).

Pub. L. 92–385, §2(b)(2), inserted reference to sections 636(b)(5), 636(b)(6), 636(b)(7).

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 92–595 inserted reference to section 636(g).

Pub. L. 92–320 substituted "$4,300,000,000", "$500,000,000", and "$350,000,000" for "$3,100,000,000", "$450,000,000" and "$300,000,000", respectively.

1971—Subsec. (c)(4)(A). Pub. L. 92–16 substituted "$3,100,000,000" for "$2,200,000,000".

1970—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 91–597 made disaster loan fund available for financing requirements imposed by section 636(b)(5) of this title relating to additions and alterations pursuant to the Egg Products Inspection Act, etc. See, also, 1969 Amendment note hereunder.

Pub. L. 91–596 made disaster loan fund available for financing functions under section 636(b)(6) of this title.

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 91–558 substituted "$2,200,000,000" for "$1,900,000,000" in cl. (A), "$500,000,000" for "$300,000,000" in cl. (C), and "$300,000,000" for "$200,000,000" in cl. (D).

1969—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 91–173 made disaster loan fund available for financing functions under section 636(b)(5) of this title, relating to loans to coal mine operators.

1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–448 inserted "the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands,".

1967—Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 90–104, §102(1)–(4), substituted $1,900,000,000 for $1,400,000,000 in cl. (A), $450,000,000 for $400,000,000 in cl. (B), $300,000,000 for $200,000,000 in cl. (C), and $200,000,000 for $100,000,000 in cl. (D).

1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–779 substituted "a Deputy Administrator and three Associate Administrators (including the Associate Administrator specified in section 671 of this title)" for "three Deputy Administrators" as the officers to be appointed by the Administrator to assist in the execution of the functions vested in the Administration, and inserted provision that the Deputy Administrator shall be acting Administrator of the Administration during the absence or disability of the Administrator or in the event of a vacancy in the office of the Administrator.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–409, §1, increased by $125 million the appropriation authorization for the single SBA fund from $1,841 million to $1,966 million and the authorization for outstanding loans and commitments for regular business loans, disaster loans, and prime contract authority from $1,375 million to $1,500 million.

Pub. L. 89–409, §2, provided for a disaster loan fund and business loan and investment fund in place of one prior SBA fund, incorporated existing provisions in par. (2), provided for allocation of unexpended balances of appropriations for prior single fund and for an appropriation authorization in par. (3), removed disaster loans from any limitation, provided limitations in par. (4) of $1,400 million for regular business loans, displaced business disaster loans, trade adjustment loans, prime contract authority, and loans under title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, $400 million for small business investment companies, $200 million for loans to State and local development companies, $100 million for loans under title IV of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, incorporated existing reporting provisions in par. (4), including additional requirement of inclusion of recommendations whenever 75 percent of any ceiling in outstanding obligations is exceeded, required establishment of business-type loans, and incorporated existing provisions in par. (6).

1965—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 89–334 substituted "$1,841,000,000" for "$1,721,000,000".

Pub. L. 89–117 substituted "$1,721,000,000" for "$1,716,000,000" and inserted proviso that the limitation imposed by fifth sentence concerning the maximum aggregate permitted to be outstanding from the fund for functions under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 be inapplicable to functions under title IV thereof.

Pub. L. 89–78 increased from $341,000,000 to $461,000,000 the limit on the aggregate permissible amount outstanding from the fund at any time for the exercise of the functions of the Administration under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

Pub. L. 89–59 inserted references to section 636(c)(2) in first sentence and in fourth sentence, where first appearing and in cl. (2) thereof, and increased the authorized appropriations to the revolving fund from $1,666,000,000 to $1,716,000,000 and the aggregate amount outstanding at any one time for regular business loans, disaster loans, and prime contract authority from $1,325,000,000 to $1,375,000,000.

1962—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–550 increased the authorized appropriations to the revolving fund from $1,200,000,000 to $1,666,000,000, and the aggregate amount outstanding for purposes of sections 636(a), 636(b), and 637(a) of this title from $875,000,000 to $1,325,000,000, and for functions under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 from $325,000,000 to $341,000,000 directed that appropriations to the revolving fund shall remain available until expended, required all repayments of loans and debentures, payments of interest, and other receipts arising out of transactions financed from the fund to be paid into the fund, and a report to Congressional committees whenever the aggregate amount outstanding for the purposes of sections 636(a) and 637(a) of this title exceeds $1,222,000,000, or for the purpose of section 636(b) of this title exceeds $103,000,000, changed the method of computing interest paid into miscellaneous receipts by substituting provisions requiring payment, following the close of each fiscal year, of interest on the outstanding cash disbursements from the fund, at rates determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average yields on outstanding interest-bearing marketable public debt obligations of the United States of comparable maturities as calculated for the month of June preceding such fiscal year, for provisions which required payment of interest, at the close of each fiscal year, on the net amount of cash disbursements from advances at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average rate on outstanding interest-bearing marketable public debt obligations of the United States of comparable maturities, and eliminated provisions which authorized advances from the revolving fund when requested by the Administration.

1961—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–341, among other changes, substituted "$1,200,000,000" for "$1,125,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$325,000,000" for "$250,000,000".

Pub. L. 87–305 substituted "$1,125,000,000" for "$1,020,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$725,000,000" for "$595,000,000".

Pub. L. 87–198 substituted "$1,020,000,000" for "$1,000,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$595,000,000" for "$575,000,000".

Pub. L. 87–70 substituted "$1,000,000,000" for "$975,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$150,000,000" for "$125,000,000".

1959—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 86–367 substituted "$975,000,000" for "$900,000,000" wherever appearing, and "$575,000,000" for "$500,000,000".

1958—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 85–699 substituted "$900,000,000" for "$650,000,000" wherever appearing, and inserted provisions authorizing the revolving fund to be used in the exercise of the functions of the Administration under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and providing that not more than an aggregate of $250,000,000 shall be outstanding at any one time for the exercise of the functions under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Small Business of Senate changed to Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate. See Senate Resolution No. 123, One Hundred Seventh Congress, June 29, 2001. Previously, Select Committee on Small Business of Senate became Committee on Small Business of Senate. See Senate Resolution No. 101, Ninety-Seventh Congress, Mar. 25, 1981.

Effective Date of 2008 Amendment

Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L. 110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Termination Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §132(c), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3453, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 637 of this title] are repealed on October 1, 2006."

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, §3, Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–725, provided that: "Except as otherwise expressly provided, this Act [probably should be "division", see Short Title of 1996 Amendment note set out under section 631 of this title] and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on October 1, 1996."

Effective Date of 1990 Amendments

Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §221(b), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2823, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to any vacancy in the position of Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 15, 1990]."

Pub. L. 101–515, §1(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2140, provided that: "The provisions of subsection (a) of this section [amending this section] shall apply to any vacancy in the position of Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration after the effective date of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–37 applicable as if included in Pub. L. 100–656, see section 32 of Pub. L. 101–37, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–656 effective Aug. 15, 1989, see section 803(b)(1)(C) of Pub. L. 100–656, as amended, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 1984 Amendments

Pub. L. 98–362, §7, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 434, as amended by Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §131(a), Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 3004; Pub. L. 101–515, title V, §11, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 2145; Pub. L. 101–574, title II, §212, Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2821; Pub. L. 102–140, title VI, §609(g), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 826; Pub. L. 102–366, title II, §225, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 1001; Pub. L. 103–403, title IV, §401(b), Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4190; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(a)(66), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4312, provided that:

"(a) This Act [amending this section and sections 632 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 631 and 637 of this title] shall take effect on October 1, 1984.

"(b) The amendments made to section 4(b)(3) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 633(b)(3)] by section 3 of this Act are repealed on October 1, 1988. The amendments made to section 8(b)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1)(A)] by section 5(a)(2) of this Act are repealed on October 1, 1994. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Administrator from continuing such committee under the authority of section 8(b)(3) of the Small Business Act and chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code."

[Section 401(b) of Pub. L. 103–403, which directed that section 7(b) of Pub. L. 98–362, set out above, be amended in the second sentence by striking out "and the amendments made to section 8(b)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act by section 5(a)(2) of this Act are" and inserting "is", could not be executed, because the language sought to be struck out begins with "The amendments" and not "and the amendments", and because the amendment would result in an incomplete sentence.]

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–270 effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 313 of Pub. L. 98–270, set out as an Effective Date of 1984 Amendments note under section 632 of this title.

Effective Date of 1981 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1908 and 1913(b) of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and amendment by section 1915 of Pub. L. 97–35 effective Aug. 13, 1981, but not to affect any financing made, obligated, or committed under this chapter or chapter 14B of this title prior to Aug. 13, 1981, see section 1918 of Pub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1977 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–89, title I, §106, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 557, provided that: "This title [amending this section, sections 636, 694, 694–2, and 694c of this title, and provisions set out as a note under section 631 of this title] shall become effective on October 1, 1977."

Effective Date of 1970 Amendments

For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 91–597, see section 29 of Pub. L. 91–597, set out as a note under section 1031 of Title 21, Food and Drugs.

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–596 effective 120 days after Dec. 29, 1970, see section 34 of Pub. L. 91–596, set out as a note under section 651 of Title 29, Labor.

Effective Date of 1966 Amendment

Pub. L. 89–409, §2, May 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 132, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective July 1, 1966.

Transfer of Functions

Functions, powers, and duties of Office of Audits and Investigations in Small Business Administration transferred to Office of Inspector General in Small Business Administration, as established by Pub. L. 95–452, §2, Oct. 12, 1978, 92 Stat. 1101, formerly set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees. See section 422(a)(1)(T) of Title 5.

Administrator's Order

Pub. L. 106–50, title VII, §701, Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 249, provided that: "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall strengthen and reissue the Administrator's order regarding the third sentence of section 4(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)), relating to nondiscrimination and special considerations for veterans, and take all necessary steps to ensure that its provisions are fully and vigorously implemented."

Completion of Planning for Loan Monitoring System

Pub. L. 105–135, title II, §233, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2607, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Administrator shall perform and complete the planning needed to serve as the basis for funding the development and implementation of the computerized loan monitoring system, including—

"(1) fully defining the system requirement using on-line, automated capabilities to the extent feasible;

"(2) identifying all data inputs and outputs necessary for timely report generation;

"(3) benchmark loan monitoring business processes and systems against comparable industry processes and, if appropriate, simplify or redefine work processes based on these benchmarks;

"(4) determine data quality standards and control systems for ensuring information accuracy;

"(5) identify an acquisition strategy and work increments to completion;

"(6) analyze the benefits and costs of alternatives and use to demonstrate the advantage of the final project;

"(7) ensure that the proposed information system is consistent with the agency's information architecture; and

"(8) estimate the cost to system completion, identifying the essential cost element.

"(b) Report.—

"(1) In general.—On the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 2, 1997], the Administrator shall submit a report on the progress of the Administrator in carrying out subsection (a) to—

"(A) the Committees; and

"(B) the Comptroller General of the United States.

"(2) Evaluation.—Not later than 28 days after receipt of the report under paragraph (1)(B), the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

"(A) prepare a written evaluation of the report for compliance with subsection (a); and

"(B) submit the evaluation to the Committees.

"(3) Limitation.—None of the funds provided for the purchase of the loan monitoring system may be obligated or expended until 45 days after the date on which the Committees and the Comptroller General of the United States receive the report under paragraph (1)."

Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development

Pub. L. 100–656, title IV, §401(b), Nov. 15, 1988, 102 Stat. 3873, as amended by Pub. L. 101–37, §11(b), June 15, 1989, 103 Stat. 73, provided that: "The position of Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development referred to in paragraph (1) of section 4(b) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)] shall be a career reserved position."

Availability of Funds

Pub. L. 100–71, title I, July 11, 1987, 101 Stat. 396, provided in part that: "hereafter, notwithstanding any law, rule or regulation, moneys in any fund established by the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] which are not needed for current operations shall remain in such funds and shall be available solely to carry out the provisions and purposes of programs operated from such funds pursuant to law as provided in appropriations Acts."

Finding and Purpose of 1984 Amendment

Pub. L. 98–362, §2, July 16, 1984, 98 Stat. 431, provided that:

"(a) The Congress hereby finds that—

"(1) there is increased dependency on, and proliferation of, information technology (including computers, data networks, and other communication devices) in the small business community;

"(2) such technology has permitted an increase in criminal activity against small business;

"(3) small businesses in particular frequently lack the education and awareness of computer security techniques and technologies which would enable them to protect their computer systems from unauthorized access and the manipulation or destruction of their computer hardware, software, and stored data;

"(4) profitmaking organizations have substantial expertise in computer technology, communications, and management assistance that is not otherwise available; and

"(5) the use of this expertise in the Small Business Administration's training delivery system would improve substantially the quantity and quality of the agency's management assistance programs.

"(b) The purposes of this Act [amending this section and sections 632 and 637 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 631 and 637 of this title] are—

"(1) to improve the management by small businesses of their information technology,

"(2) to educate and encourage small businesses to protect such technology from intentional or unintentional manipulation or destruction; and

"(3) to permit cooperation with profitmaking organizations in providing management assistance to small business."

Audit by General Accounting Office of Small Business Administration; Report to Congress

Pub. L. 93–386, §13, Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 750, directed General Accounting Office to conduct a full-scale audit of Small Business Administration, including all field offices and to submit audit to House and Senate not later than six months from Aug. 23, 1974.

Nonavailability of Unobligated Funds After June 30, 1974

Pub. L. 93–237, §1, Jan. 2, 1974, 87 Stat. 1023, provided in part that any additional amounts authorized by Pub. L. 93–237 [amending this section, sections 636 and 639 of this title, section 1961 of Title 7, Agriculture, and section 3142–1 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, section 636 of this title, and sections 1961 and 1969 of Title 7] which were not obligated by June 30, 1974, were no longer to be available after that date.

Additional Capital for Revolving Fund

The following acts appropriated additional capital:

1965—$76,000,000—Pub. L. 89–309, ch. IX, Oct. 31, 1965, 79 Stat. 1151.

$84,000,000—Pub. L. 89–309, ch. IX, Oct. 31, 1965, 79 Stat. 1151 [effective only upon enactment into law of authorizing legislation].

$150,000,000—Pub. L. 89–164, title V, Sept. 2, 1965, 79 Stat. 641.

$100,000,000—Pub. L. 89–16, title I, ch. IX, Apr. 30, 1965, 79 Stat. 92.

1964—$45,000,000—Pub. L. 88–635, ch. IX, Oct. 7, 1964, 78 Stat. 1032.

1963—$90,000,000—Pub. L. 88–245, title V, Dec. 30, 1963, 77 Stat. 798.

1962—$300,000,000—Pub. L. 87–843, title V, Oct. 18, 1962, 76 Stat. 1102.

$40,000,000—Pub. L. 87–545, title I, July 25, 1962, 76 Stat. 213.

1961—$160,000,000—Pub. L. 87–332, Sept. 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 742.

$20,000,000—Pub. L. 87–125, title IV, Aug. 3, 1961, 75 Stat. 281.

1960—$50,000,000—Pub. L. 86–451, title III, May 13, 1960, 74 Stat. 102.

1959—$150,000,000—Pub. L. 86–88, title III, July 13, 1959, 73 Stat. 209.

1958—$200,000,000—Pub. L. 85–766, ch. II, Aug. 27, 1958, 72 Stat. 867.

$20,000,000—Pub. L. 85–457, June 13, 1958, 72 Stat. 186.

1957—$100,000,000—Pub. L. 85–170, ch. II, Aug. 28, 1957, 71 Stat. 428.

$45,000,000—Pub. L. 85–19, ch. I, Apr. 20, 1957, 71 Stat. 16.

1956—$50,000,000—Act June 20, 1956, ch. 415, title III, 70 Stat. 325.

Business Loan and Investment Fund; Increase in Financing Functions; Monthly Reports to Congress

Pub. L. 91–151, title III, Dec. 23, 1969, 83 Stat. 378, provided that: "The Small Business Administration shall promptly increase the level of its financing functions utilizing the business loan and investment fund established under section 4(c)(1)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(c)(1)(B)) [subsec. (c)(1)(B) of this section] by $70,000,000 above the level prevailing at the time of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 1969]. The Small Business Administration shall submit to Congress a monthly report of its implementation of this section."

Transfer of Funds for Trade Adjustment Loans

Pub. L. 89–409, §3(b), May 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 133, provided in part that any unexpended balances of appropriations heretofore appropriated for the purposes of such section [former section 637a of this title] were transferred to the business loan and investment fund established by section 4(c)(1) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (c)(1) of this section].

Such transfer of funds as effective July 1, 1966, see section 3(c) of Pub. L. 89–409, set out as Effective Date of 1966 Amendment note under section 636 of this title.

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.

Transfer of Functions

Loan Policy Board, provided for in subsec. (d) of this section, abolished and functions, including functions of chairman and other officers, transferred to Administrator of Small Business Administration by sections 11(b) and 13(a) of Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1965, eff. July 27, 1965, 30 F.R. 9353, 79 Stat. 1321, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§633a. Detailed justification for proposed changes in budget requests

Beginning in fiscal year 2013 and each fiscal year thereafter, the budget request for the Small Business Administration shall provide a detailed justification of any proposed changes from the enacted level by individual appropriation. The detailed justification shall include at a minimum a description of each credit and non-credit program including amount of funding and costs by appropriation account and fiscal year. For activities funded in multiple appropriations, the budget justification shall specify the amount included in each enacted appropriation, the amount proposed in the budget year and a justification for any proposed changes.

(Pub. L. 112–74, div. C, title V, §532, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 923.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012, and also as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, and not as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

§634. General powers

(a) Seal; appointment and compensation of personnel; use of other services and facilities

The Administration shall have power to adopt, alter, and use a seal, which shall be judicially noticed. The Administrator is authorized, subject to the civil service and classification laws, to select, employ, appoint, and fix the compensation of such officers, employees, attorneys, and agents as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter; to define their authority and duties; and to pay the costs of qualification of certain of them as notaries public. The Administration, with the consent of any board, commission, independent establishment, or executive department of the Government, may avail itself on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis of the use of information, services, facilities (including any field service thereof), officers, and employees thereof, in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) Powers of Administrator

In the performance of, and with respect to, the functions, powers, and duties vested in him by this chapter the Administrator may—

(1) sue and be sued in any court of record of a State having general jurisdiction, or in any United States district court, and jurisdiction is conferred upon such district court to determine such controversies without regard to the amount in controversy; but no attachment, injunction, garnishment, or other similar process, mesne or final, shall be issued against the Administrator or his property;

(2) under regulations prescribed by him, assign or sell at public or private sale, or otherwise dispose of for cash or credit, in his discretion and upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Administrator shall determine to be reasonable, any evidence of debt, contract, claim, personal property, or security assigned to or held by him in connection with the payment of loans granted under this chapter, and to collect or compromise all obligations assigned to or held by him and all legal or equitable rights accruing to him in connection with the payment of such loans until such time as such obligations may be referred to the Attorney General for suit or collection;

(3) deal with, complete, renovate, improve, modernize, insure, or rent, or sell for cash or credit upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Administrator shall determine to be reasonable, any real property conveyed to or otherwise acquired by him in connection with the payment of loans granted under this chapter;

(4) pursue to final collection, by way of compromise or otherwise, all claims against third parties assigned to the Administrator in connection with loans made by him. This shall include authority to obtain deficiency judgments or otherwise in the case of mortgages assigned to the Administrator. Section 6101 of title 41 shall not be construed to apply to any contract of hazard insurance or to any purchase or contract for services or supplies on account of property obtained by the Administrator as a result of loans made under this chapter if the premium therefor or the amount thereof does not exceed $1,000. The power to convey and to execute in the name of the Administrator deeds of conveyance, deeds of release, assignments and satisfactions of mortgages, and any other written instrument relating to real property or any interest therein acquired by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may be exercised by the Administrator or by any officer or agent appointed by him without the execution of any express delegation of power or power of attorney. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Administrator from delegating such power by order or by power of attorney, in his discretion, to any officer or agent he may appoint;

(5) acquire, in any lawful manner, any property (real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible), whenever deemed necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the activities authorized in sections 636(a) and 636(b) of this title;

(6) make such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the authority vested in him by or pursuant to this chapter;

(7) in addition to any powers, functions, privileges and immunities otherwise vested in him, take any and all actions (including the procurement of the services of attorneys by contract in any office where an attorney or attorneys are not or cannot be economically employed full time to render such services) when he determines such actions are necessary or desirable in making, servicing, compromising, modifying, liquidating, or otherwise dealing with or realizing on loans made under the provisions of this chapter: Provided, That with respect to deferred participation loans, including loans guaranteed under paragraph (15) or (35) of section 636(a) of this title, the Administrator may, in the discretion of and pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Administrator, authorize participating lending institutions to take actions relating to loan servicing on behalf of the Administrator, including determining eligibility and creditworthiness and loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation;

(8) pay the transportation expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence expenses, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, for travel of any person employed by the Administration to render temporary services not in excess of six months in connection with any disaster referred to in section 636(b) of this title from place of appointment to, and while at, the disaster area and any other temporary posts of duty and return upon completion of the assignment: Provided, That the Administrator may extend the six-month limitation for an additional six months if the Administrator determines the extension is necessary to continue efficient disaster loan making activities;

(9) accept the services and facilities of Federal, State, and local agencies and groups, both public and private, and utilize such gratuitous services and facilities as may, from time to time, be necessary, to further the objectives of section 636(b) of this title;

(10) upon purchase by the Administration of any deferred participation entered into under section 636 of this title, continue to charge a rate of interest not to exceed that initially charged by the participating institution on the amount so purchased for the remaining term of the indebtedness;

(11) make such investigations as he deems necessary to determine whether a recipient of or participant in any assistance under this chapter or any other person has engaged or is about to engage in any acts or practices which constitute or will constitute a violation of any provision of this chapter, or of any rule or regulation under this chapter, or of any order issued under this chapter. The Administration shall permit any person to file with it a statement in writing, under oath or otherwise as the Administration shall determine, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning the matter to be investigated. For the purpose of any investigation, the Administration is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any books, papers, and documents which are relevant to the inquiry. Such attendance of witnesses and the production of any such records may be required from any place in the United States. In case of contumacy by, or refusal to obey a subpena issued to, any person, including a recipient or participant, the Administration may invoke the aid of any court of the United States within the jurisdiction of which such investigation or proceeding is carried on, or where such person resides or carries on business, in requiring the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and documents; and such court may issue an order requiring such person to appear before the Administration, there to produce records, if so ordered, or to give testimony touching the matter under investigation. Any failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt thereof. All process in any such case may be served in the judicial district whereof such person is an inhabitant or wherever he may be found;

(12) impose, retain, and use only those fees which are specifically authorized by law or which are in effect on September 30, 1994, and in the amounts and at the rates in effect on such date, except that the Administrator may, subject to approval in appropriations Acts, impose, retain, and utilize, additional fees—

(A) not to exceed $100 for each loan servicing action (other than a loan assumption) requested after disbursement of the loan, including any substitution of collateral, release or substitution of a guarantor, reamortization, or similar action;

(B) not to exceed $300 for loan assumptions;

(C) not to exceed 1 percent of the amount of requested financings under title III of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 681 et seq.] for which the applicant requests a commitment from the Administration for funding during the following year; and

(D) to recover the direct, incremental cost involved in the production and dissemination of compilations of information produced by the Administration under the authority of this chapter and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.];

(13) collect, retain and utilize, subject to approval in appropriations Acts, any amounts collected by fiscal transfer agents and not used by such agent as payment of the cost of loan pooling or debenture servicing operations, except that amounts collected under this paragraph and paragraph (12) shall be utilized solely to facilitate the administration of the program that generated the excess amounts; and

(14) require any lender authorized to make loans under section 636 of this title to pay examination and review fees, which shall be deposited in the account for salaries and expenses of the Administration, and shall be available for the costs of examinations, reviews, and other lender oversight activities.

(c) Procurement of experts and consultants; compensation and expenses

To such extent as he finds necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, the Administrator is authorized to procure the temporary (not in excess of one year) or intermittent services of experts or consultants or organizations thereof, including stenographic reporting services, by contract or appointment, and in such cases such services shall be without regard to the civil-service and classification laws and, except in the case of stenographic reporting services by organizations, without regard to section 6101 of title 41. Any individual so employed may be compensated at a rate not in excess of the daily equivalent of the highest rate payable under section 5332 of title 5, including travel time, and, while such individual is away from his or her home or regular place of business, he or she may be allowed travel expenses (including per diem in lieu of subsistence) as authorized by section 5703 of title 5.

(d) Safety deposit box rentals

Section 3324(a) and (b) of title 31 shall not apply to prepayments of rentals made by the Administration on safety deposit boxes used by the Administration for the safeguarding of instruments held as security for loans or for the safeguarding of other documents.

(e) Undertaking or suspension of payment obligation; period; extension of maturity; repayment agreement; "required payments" defined

(1) Subject to the requirements and conditions contained in this subsection, upon application by a small business concern which is the recipient of a loan made under this chapter, the Administration may undertake the small business concern's obligation to make the required payments under such loan or may suspend such obligation if the loan was a direct loan made by the Administration. While such payments are being made by the Administration pursuant to the undertaking of such obligation or while such obligation is suspended, no such payment with respect to the loan may be required from the small business concern.

(2) The Administration may undertake or suspend for a period of not to exceed 5 years any small business concern's obligation under this subsection only if—

(A) without such undertaking or suspension of the obligation, the small business concern would, in the sole discretion of the Administration, become insolvent or remain insolvent;

(B) with the undertaking or suspension of the obligation, the small business concern would, in the sole discretion of the Administration, become or remain a viable small business entity; and

(C) the small business concern executes an agreement in writing satisfactory to the Administration as provided by paragraph (4).

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 636(a)(4)(C) and 636(i)(1) of this title, the Administration may extend the maturity of any loan on which the Administration undertakes or suspends the obligation pursuant to this subsection for a corresponding period of time.

(4)(A) Prior to the undertaking or suspension by the Administration of any small business concern's obligation under this subsection, the Administration, consistent with the purposes sought to be achieved herein, shall require the small business concern to agree in writing to repay to it the aggregate amount of the payments which were required under the loan during the period for which such obligation was undertaken or suspended, either—

(i) by periodic payments not less in amount or less frequently falling due than those which were due under the loan during such period, or

(ii) pursuant to a repayment schedule agreed upon by the Administration and the small business concern, or

(iii) by a combination of the payments described in clause (i) and clause (ii).

(B) In addition to requiring the small business concern to execute the agreement described in subparagraph (A), the Administration shall, prior to the undertaking or suspension of the obligation, take such action, and require the small business concern to take such action as the Administration deems appropriate in the circumstances, including the provision of such security as the Administration deems necessary or appropriate to insure that the rights and interests of the lender (Small Business Administration or participant) will be safeguarded adequately during and after the period in which such obligation is so undertaken or suspended.

(5) The term "required payments" with respect to any loan means payments of principal and interest under the loan.

(f) Sale of guaranteed portion of loans by lender or subsequent holder; limitations; secondary market

(1) The guaranteed portion of any loan made pursuant to this chapter may be sold by the lender, and by any subsequent holder, consistent with regulations on such sales as the Administration shall establish, subject to the following limitations:

(A) prior to the Administration's approval of the sale, or upon any subsequent resale, of any loan guaranteed by the Administration, if the lender certifies that such loan has been properly closed and that the lender has substantially complied with the provisions of the guarantee agreement and the regulations of the Administration, the Administration shall review and approve only materials not previously approved;

(B) all fees due the Administration on a guaranteed loan shall have been paid in full prior to any sale; and

(C) each loan, except each loan made under section 636(a)(14) of this title, shall have been fully disbursed to the borrower prior to any sale.

(2) After a loan is sold in the secondary market, the lender shall remain obligated under its guarantee agreement with the Administration, and shall continue to service the loan in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions of such agreement.

(3) The Administration shall develop such procedures as are necessary for the facilitation, administration, and promotion of secondary market operations, and for assessing the increase of small business access to capital at reasonable rates and terms as a result of secondary market operations. Beginning on March 31, 1997, the sale of the unguaranteed portion of any loan made under section 636(a) of this title shall not be permitted until a final regulation that applies uniformly to both depository institutions and other lenders is promulgated by the Administration setting forth the terms and conditions under which such sales can be permitted, including maintenance of appropriate reserve requirements and other safeguards to protect the safety and soundness of the program.

(4) Nothing in this subsection or subsection (g) of this section shall be interpreted to impede or extinguish the right of the borrower or the successor in interest to such borrower to prepay (in whole or in part) any loan made pursuant to section 636(a) of this title, the guaranteed portion of which may be included in such trust or pool, or to impede or extinguish the rights of any party pursuant to section 636(a)(6)(C) of this title or subsection (e) of this section.

(g) Trust certificates; guarantee of timely payments of principal and interest; full faith and credit of United States; collection of fees; subrogation; division of loan guarantees

(1) The Administration is authorized to issue trust certificates representing ownership of all or a fractional part of the guaranteed portion of one or more loans which have been guaranteed by the Administration under this chapter, or under section 696 of this title: Provided, That such trust certificates shall be based on and backed by a trust or pool approved by the Administration and composed solely of the entire guaranteed portion of such loans.

(2) The Administration is authorized, upon such terms and conditions as are deemed appropriate, to guarantee the timely payment of the principal of and interest on trust certificates issued by the Administration or its agent for purposes of this subsection. Such guarantee shall be limited to the extent of principal and interest on the guaranteed portions of loans which compose the trust or pool. In the event that a loan in such trust or pool is prepaid, either voluntarily or in the event of default, the guarantee of timely payment of principal and interest on the trust certificates shall be reduced in proportion to the amount of principal and interest such prepaid loan represents in the trust or pool. Interest on prepaid or defaulted loans shall accrue and be guaranteed by the Administration only through the date of payment on the guarantee. During the term of the trust certificate, it may be called for redemption due to prepayment or default of all loans constituting the pool.

(3) The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the payment of all amounts which may be required to be paid under any guarantee of such trust certificates issued by the Administration or its agent pursuant to this subsection.

(4)(A) The Administration may collect a fee for any loan guarantee sold into the secondary market under subsection (f) in an amount equal to not more than 50 percent of the portion of the sale price that exceeds 110 percent of the outstanding principal amount of the portion of the loan guaranteed by the Administration. Any such fee imposed by the Administration shall be collected by the Administration or by the agent which carries out on behalf of the Administration the central registration functions required by subsection (h) of this section and shall be paid to the Administration and used solely to reduce the subsidy on loans guaranteed under section 636(a) of this title: Provided, That such fee shall not be charged to the borrower whose loan is guaranteed: and, Provided further, That nothing herein shall preclude any agent of the Administration from collecting a fee approved by the Administration for the functions described in subsection (h)(2).¹

(B) The Administration is authorized to impose and collect, either directly or through a fiscal and transfer agent, a reasonable penalty on late payments of the fee authorized under subparagraph (A) in an amount not to exceed 5 percent of such fee per month plus interest.

(C) The Administration may contract with an agent to carry out, on behalf of the Administration, the assessment and collection of the annual fee established under section 636(a)(23) of this title. The agent may receive, as compensation for services, any interest earned on the fee while in the control of the agent before the time at which the agent is contractually required to remit the fee to the Administration.

(5)(A) In the event the Administration pays a claim under a guarantee issued under this subsection, it shall be subrogated fully to the rights satisfied by such payment.

(B) No State or local law, and no Federal law, shall preclude or limit the exercise by the Administration of its ownership rights in the portions of loans constituting the trust or pool against which the trust certificates are issued.

(6) If the amount of the guaranteed portion of any loan under section 636(a) of this title is more than $500,000, the Administrator shall, upon request of a pool assembler, divide the loan guarantee into increments of $500,000 and 1 increment of any remaining amount less than $500,000, in order to permit the maximum amount of any loan in a pool to be not more than $500,000. Only 1 increment of any loan guarantee divided under this paragraph may be included in the same pool. Increments of loan guarantees to different borrowers that are divided under this paragraph may be included in the same pool.

(h) Central registration of loans and trust certificates; contracts with agent; disclosures by sellers of guaranteed portions of loans; regulation of brokers and dealers; electronic registration

(1) Upon the adoption of final rules and regulations, the Administration shall—

(A) provide for a central registration of all loans and trust certificates sold pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of this section;

(B) contract with an agent to carry out on behalf of the Administration the central registration functions of this section and the issuance of trust certificates to facilitate pooling. Such agent shall provide a fidelity bond or insurance in such amounts as the Administration determines to be necessary to fully protect the interest of the Government;

(C) prior to any sale, require the seller to disclose to a purchaser of the guaranteed portion of a loan guaranteed under this chapter and to the purchaser of a trust certificate issued pursuant to subsection (g), information on the terms, conditions, and yield of such instrument. As used in this paragraph, if the instrument being sold is a loan, the term "seller" does not include (A) an entity which made the loan or (B) any individual or entity which sells three or fewer guaranteed loans per year; and

(D) have the authority to regulate brokers and dealers in guaranteed loans and trust certificates sold pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of this section.

(2) The agent described in paragraph (1)(B) may be compensated through any of the fees assessed under this section and any interest earned on any funds collected by the agent while such funds are in the control of the agent and before the time at which the agent is contractually required to transfer such funds to the Administration or to the holders of the trust certificates, as appropriate.

(3) Nothing in this subsection shall prohibit the utilization of a book-entry or other electronic form of registration for trust certificates. The Administration may, with the consent of the Secretary of the Treasury, use the book-entry system of the Federal Reserve System.

(i) Office of Hearings and Appeals

(1) Establishment

(A) Office

There is established in the Administration an Office of Hearings and Appeals—

(i) to impartially decide matters relating to program decisions of the Administrator—

(I) for which Congress requires a hearing on the record; or

(II) that the Administrator designates for hearing by regulation; and

(ii) which shall contain the office of the Administration that handles requests submitted pursuant to sections 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the "Freedom of Information Act") and maintains records pursuant to section 552a of title 5 (commonly referred to as the "Privacy Act of 1974").

(B) Jurisdiction

(i) In general

Except as provided in clause (ii), the Office of Hearings and Appeals shall hear appeals of agency actions under or pursuant to this chapter, the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and title 13 of the Code of Federal Regulations, and shall hear such other matters as the Administrator may determine appropriate.

(ii) Exception

The Office of Hearings and Appeals shall not adjudicate disputes that require a hearing on the record, except disputes pertaining to the small business programs described in this chapter.

(C) Associate Administrator

The head of the Office of Hearings and Appeals shall be the Chief Hearing Officer appointed under section 633(b)(1) of this title, who shall be responsible to the Administrator.

(2) Chief Hearing Officer duties

(A) In general

The Chief Hearing Officer shall—

(i) be a career appointee in the Senior Executive Service and an attorney licensed by a State, commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia; and

(ii) be responsible for the operation and management of the Office of Hearings and Appeals.

(B) Alternative dispute resolution

The Chief Hearing Officer may assign a matter for mediation or other means of alternative dispute resolution.

(3) Hearing officers

(A) In general

The Office of Hearings and Appeals shall appoint Hearing Officers to carry out the duties described in paragraph (1)(A)(i).

(B) Conditions of employment

A Hearing Officer appointed under this paragraph—

(i) shall serve in the excepted service as an employee of the Administration under section 2103 of title 5 and under the supervision of the Chief Hearing Officer;

(ii) shall be classified at a position to which section 5376 of title 5 applies; and

(iii) shall be compensated at a rate not exceeding the maximum rate payable under such section.

(C) Authority; powers

Notwithstanding section 556(b) of title 5—

(i) a Hearing Officer may hear cases arising under section 554 of such title;

(ii) a Hearing Officer shall have the powers described in section 556(c) of such title; and

(iii) the relevant provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of such title (except for section 556(b) of such title) shall apply to such Hearing Officer.

(D) Treatment of current personnel

An individual serving as a Judge in the Office of Hearings and Appeals (as that position and office are designated in section 134.101 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations) on the effective date of this subsection shall be considered as qualified to be, and redesignated as, a Hearing Officer.

(4) Determinations regarding status of concerns

(A) In general

Not later than 2 days after the date on which a final determination that a business concern does not meet the requirements of the status such concern claims to hold is made, such concern or the Administrator, as applicable, shall update the status of such concern in the System for Award Management (or any successor system).

(B) Administrator updates

If such concern fails to update the status of such concern as described in subparagraph (A), not later than 2 days after such failure the Administrator shall make such update.

(C) Notification

A concern required to make an update described under subparagraph (A) shall notify a contracting officer for each contract with respect to which such concern has an offer or bid pending of the determination made under subparagraph (A), if the concern finds, in good faith, that such determination affects the eligibility of the concern to perform such a contract.

(5) Hearing Officer defined

In this subsection, the term "Hearing Officer" means an individual appointed or redesignated under this subsection who is an attorney licensed by a State, commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia.

(Pub. L. 85–536, §2[5], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 385; Pub. L. 87–305, §4, Sept. 26, 1961, 75 Stat. 666; Pub. L. 87–367, title I, §103(3), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 787; Pub. L. 92–310, title II, §224(a), June 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 206; Pub. L. 93–386, §§3(1), 10, Aug. 23, 1974, 88 Stat. 745, 749; Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §208, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 671; Pub. L. 95–89, title III, §303, Aug. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 558; Pub. L. 95–510, §103, Oct. 24, 1978, 92 Stat. 1781; Pub. L. 96–302, title I, §114, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 838; Pub. L. 98–352, §2, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 329; Pub. L. 100–590, title I, §113, Nov. 3, 1988, 102 Stat. 2997; Pub. L. 102–140, title VI, §609(a), Oct. 28, 1991, 105 Stat. 825; Pub. L. 102–564, title III, §307(d), Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4264; Pub. L. 103–81, §3(a), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 780; Pub. L. 103–282, §2, July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1422; Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, §602, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4202; Pub. L. 104–36, §4(b), Oct. 12, 1995, 109 Stat. 297; Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §103(e), title II, §§205(a), 208(i)(1), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–727, 3009-738, 3009-747; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(9) [title II, §209], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A-683; Pub. L. 108–306, §3, Sept. 24, 2004, 118 Stat. 1131; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §131, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3452; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1117, Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2509; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §869(a)(1), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 936; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XVIII, §1833(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2661; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §862(b)(2), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1898; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VIII, §863, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1852.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Small Business Investment Act of 1958, referred to in subsecs. (b)(12)(C), (D) and (i)(1)(B)(i), is Pub. L. 85–699, Aug. 21, 1958, 72 Stat. 689, which is classified principally to chapter 14B (§661 et seq.) of this title. Title III of the Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§681 et seq.) of chapter 14B of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 661 of this title and Tables.

Subsection (h)(2) of this section, referred to in subsec. (g)(4)(A), was redesignated subsec. (h)(1)(B) by Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title II, §205(a)(1), (2), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–738.

The effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (i)(3)(D), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 114–92, which added subsec. (i) and which was approved Nov. 25, 2015.

Codification

In subsec. (b)(4), "Section 6101 of title 41" substituted for "Section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (41 U.S.C., sec. 5)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (b)(8), "subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5" substituted for "the Travel Expense Act of 1949" on authority of Pub. L. 89–554, §7(b), Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 631, the first section of which enacted Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

In subsec. (c), "section 6101 of title 41" substituted for "section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (41 U.S.C., sec. 5)" on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, §6(c), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (d), "Section 3324(a) and (b) of title 31" substituted for "Section 3648 of the Revised Statutes (31 U.S.C. 529)" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.

Prior Provisions

Prior similar provisions were contained in section 205 of act July 30, 1953, ch. 282, title II, 67 Stat. 234, as amended by act Aug. 9, 1955, ch. 628, §4, 69 Stat. 547, which was classified to this section. See Codification note set out under section 631 of this title.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (i)(4), (5). Pub. L. 117–81 added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).

2018—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 115–232 inserted ", including loans guaranteed under paragraph (15) or (35) of section 636(a) of this title" after "deferred participation loans".

2016—Subsec. (i)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–328 amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Office of Hearings and Appeals shall only hear appeals of matters as described in this chapter, the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and title 13 of the Code of Federal Regulations."

2015—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 114–92 added subsec. (i).

2010—Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 111–240 added par. (6).

2004—Subsec. (b)(14). Pub. L. 108–447 added par. (14).

Subsec. (g)(4)(C). Pub. L. 108–306, §3(1), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (h)(2), (3). Pub. L. 108–306, §3(2), added par. (2) and redesignated former par. (2) as (3).

2000—Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 106–554 amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: "each loan shall have been fully disbursed to the borrower prior to any sale."

1996—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 104–208, §208(i)(1), substituted ": Provided, That with respect to deferred participation loans, the Administrator may, in the discretion of and pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Administrator, authorize participating lending institutions to take actions relating to loan servicing on behalf of the Administrator, including determining eligibility and creditworthiness and loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation" for ": Provided, That nothing herein shall be construed as authorizing the Administrator to contract or otherwise delegate his responsibility for loan servicing to other than Administration personnel, but with respect to deferred participation loans he may authorize participating lending institutions, in his discretion pursuant to regulations promulgated by him, to take such actions on his behalf, including, but not limited to the determination of eligibility and creditworthiness, and loan monitoring, collection and liquidation".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 104–208, §103(e), inserted at end "Beginning on March 31, 1997, the sale of the unguaranteed portion of any loan made under section 636(a) of this title shall not be permitted until a final regulation that applies uniformly to both depository institutions and other lenders is promulgated by the Administration setting forth the terms and conditions under which such sales can be permitted, including maintenance of appropriate reserve requirements and other safeguards to protect the safety and soundness of the program."

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 104–208, §205(a), designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) to (4) as subpars. (A) to (D), respectively, of par. (1), in subpar. (A) substituted "(A) provide for a central registration of all loans and trust certificates sold pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of this section;" for "(A) provide for a central registration of all loans and trust certificates sold pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of this section. Such central registration shall include, with respect to each sale, an identification of each lender who has sold the loan; the interest rate paid by the borrower to the lender; the lender's servicing fee; whether the loan is for a fixed rate or variable rate; an identification of each purchaser of the loan or trust certificate; the price paid by the purchaser for the loan or trust certificate; the interest rate paid on the loan or trust certificate; the fees of an agent for carrying out the functions described in paragraph (2) below; and such other information as the Administration deems appropriate;", and added par. (2).

1995—Subsec. (g)(4)(A). Pub. L. 104–36 substituted first sentence for former first sentence which read as follows: "The Administration may collect the following fees for loan guarantees sold into the secondary market pursuant to the provisions of subsection (f) of this section: an amount equal to (A) not more than 4/10 of one percent per year of the outstanding principal amount of the portion of such loan guaranteed by the Administration, and (B) not more than 50 percent of the portion of the sale price which is in excess of 110 percent of the outstanding principal amount of the portion of such loan guaranteed by the Administration.", and substituted "such fee" for "such fees" in two places in second sentence.

1994—Subsec. (b)(8). Pub. L. 103–282 inserted ": Provided, That the Administrator may extend the six-month limitation for an additional six months if the Administrator determines the extension is necessary to continue efficient disaster loan making activities" before semicolon at end.

Subsec. (b)(12), (13). Pub. L. 103–403 added pars. (12) and (13).

1993—Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 103–81 added par. (4) and struck out former par. (4) which read as follows: "The Administration shall not collect any fee for any guarantee under this subsection: Provided, That nothing herein shall preclude any agent of the Administration from collecting a fee approved by the Administration for the functions described in subsection (h)(2) of this section."

1992—Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 102–564 substituted "section 636(a)(6)(C) of this title or subsection (e) of this section" for "subsection (e) of this section or section 636(a)(6) or 636(a)(8) of this title".

1991—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 102–140 substituted "or under section 696 of this title" for "except separate trust certificates shall be issued for loans approved under section 636(a)(13) of this title".

1988—Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 100–590 substituted "except separate trust certificates shall be issued for loans approved" for "except those".

1984—Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 98–352 added subsecs. (f) to (h).

1980—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 96–302 prohibited an interpretation that authorized the Administrator to contract or otherwise delegate his responsibility for loan servicing to other than Administration personnel, but sanctioned, with respect to deferred participation loans, authority for participating lending institutions to take action on behalf of the Administrator determining eligibility and creditworthiness, loan monitoring, collection, and liquidation, etc.

1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–510 substituted "Any individual so employed may be compensated at a rate not in excess of the daily equivalent of the highest rate payable under section 5332 of Title 5, including travel time, and, while such individual is away from his or her home or regular place of business, he or she may be allowed travel expenses (including per diem in lieu of subsistence) as authorized by section 5703 of Title 5" for "Any individual so employed may be compensated at a rate not in excess of $50 per diem, and, while such individual is away from his home or regular place of business, he may be allowed transportation and not to exceed $15 per diem in lieu of subsistence and other expenses".

1977—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–89 added subsec. (e).

1976—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 94–305 struck out subsec. (e) which provided for the appointment, by the Administrator, of the Chief Counsel for Advocacy who would serve as a focal point for complaints and suggestions, counsel small businessmen, develop proposals for change, represent interest of small businesses before federal agencies and enlist the cooperation of public and private agencies. See sections 634a to 634g of this title.

1974—Subsec. (b)(10), (11). Pub. L. 93–386, §3(1), added pars. (10) and (11).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 93–386, §10, added subsec. (e).

1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–310 struck out provisions which authorized the Administrator to provide bonds for officers, employees, attorneys, and agents.

1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–367 struck out authorization for fifteen additional positions in grades 16, 17, and 18 of the General Schedule of the Classification Act of 1949.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–305 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by sections 103 and 205 of Pub. L. 104–208 effective Oct. 1, 1996, see section 3 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 633 of this title.

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title II, §208(j), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–747, provided that: "This section [amending this section, sections 80a–18, 662, 681 to 683, 687, 687b, 687d, 687k to 687m, and 697f of this title, and section 1431 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, repealing sections 687i and 687j of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 681 and 683 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 631 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall become effective on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996]."

Effective Date of 1995 Amendment

Pub. L. 104–36, §8, Oct. 12, 1995, 109 Stat. 297, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of 1995 Amendment note set out under section 631 of this title] do not apply with respect to any loan made or guaranteed under the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.] or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 661 et seq.] before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 12, 1995].

"(b) Exceptions.—The amendments made by this Act apply to a loan made or guaranteed under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 12, 1995], if the loan is refinanced, extended, restructured, or renewed on or after the date of enactment of this Act."

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–81, §3(b), Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 781, provided that: "Any new fees imposed by the Administration pursuant to the authority conferred by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be applicable only to loans initially sold in the secondary market pursuant to the provisions of section 5(f) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (f) of this section] after August 31, 1993."

Pub. L. 103–81, §7, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 782, which provided that sections 3 and 5 of Pub. L. 103–81, amending this section and section 636 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 636 of this title, were repealed on Sept. 30, 1996, was repealed by Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §109(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–733, effective Sept. 29, 1996.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–510, §105, Oct. 24, 1978, 92 Stat. 1782, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 636 and 637 of this title and repealing sections 5031, 5032, and 5083 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare] shall be effective October 1, 1979."

Regulations

Pub. L. 98–352, §3, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 331, provided that:

"(a) Within ninety days after the date of enactment of this Act [July 10, 1984], the Small Business Administration shall develop and promulgate final rules and regulations to implement the central registration provisions provided for in section 5(h)(1) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 634(h)(1)], and shall contract with an agent for an initial period of not to exceed two years to carry out the functions provided for in section 5(h)(2) of such Act.

"(b) Within nine months after the date of enactment of this Act [July 10, 1984], the Small Business Administration shall consult with representatives of appropriate Federal and State agencies and officials, the securities industry, financial institutions and lenders, and small business persons, and shall develop and promulgate final rules and regulations to implement this Act [amending sections 633, 634, and 639 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 631 and 634 of this title] other than as provided for in subsection (a).

"(c) The Small Business Administration shall not implement any of the provisions under section 5(g) of the Small Business Act, as amended [15 U.S.C. 634(g)], until final rules and regulations become effective."

Authority for the Office of Hearings and Appeals To Decide Appeals Relating to Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concerns

Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title VIII, §864, Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1852, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 27, 2021], the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue a rule authorizing the Office of Hearings and Appeals of the Administration to decide all appeals from formal protest determinations in connection with the status of a concern as a qualified HUBZone small business concern (as such term is defined in section 31(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a(b))[)]."

Asset Sales

Pub. L. 105–135, title V, §505, Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2624, provided that: "In connection with the Administration's implementation of a program to sell to the private sector loans and other assets held by the Administration, the Administration shall provide to the Committees a copy of the draft and final plans describing the sale and the anticipated benefits resulting from such sale."

Preferred Lender Standard Review Program

Pub. L. 104–208, div. D, title I, §103(h), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–728, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996], the Administrator shall commence a standard review program for the Preferred Lender Program established by section 5(b)(7) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 634(b)(7)), which shall include annual or more frequent assessments of the participation of the lender in the program, including defaults, loans, and recoveries of loans made by that lender under the authority of this section. The Administrator shall require such standard review for each new entrant to the Preferred Lender Program."

Study and Report Regarding 1993 Amendments To Impose Secondary Market Fees and To Reduce Loan Guarantee Percentages

Pub. L. 103–81, §6, Aug. 13, 1993, 107 Stat. 782, provided that: "The Administration shall study, monitor and evaluate the impact of the amendments made by sections 3 and 5 of this Act [amending this section and section 636 of this title] on the ability of small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by minorities and women, to obtain financing and the impact of such sections on the effectiveness, viability and growth of the secondary market authorized by section 5(f) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (f) of this section]. Not later than 16 months after the date of enactment [Aug. 13, 1993], and annually thereafter, the Administration shall submit to the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and the House of Representatives [Committee on Small Business of Senate now Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate] a report containing the Administration's findings and recommendations on such impact, specifically including changes in the interest rates on financings provided to small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by minorities and women, through the use of the secondary market. The Administration shall segregate such findings and recommendations in the study according to the ethnic and gender components in these categories. Solely for the purposes of the study authorized herein, the term 'small business concerns owned and controlled by minorities', includes businesses owned and controlled by individuals belonging to one of the designated groups listed in section 8(d)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act [15 U.S.C. 637(d)(3)(C)]."

References in Other Laws to GS–16, 17, or 18 Pay Rates

References in laws to the rates of pay for GS–16, 17, or 18, or to maximum rates of pay under the General Schedule, to be considered references to rates payable under specified sections of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, see section 529 [title I, §101(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out in a note under section 5376 of Title 5.

Viability of Secondary Markets

Pub. L. 102–366, title II, §226, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 1001, provided that: "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration is authorized and directed to take such actions in the awarding of contracts as is deemed necessary to assure the continued long-term viability of the secondary markets in loans, debentures or other securities guaranteed by the Administration."

Small Business Loan Secondary Market Study

Pub. L. 102–366, title III, §311, Sept. 4, 1992, 106 Stat. 1005, directed Secretary of the Treasury, Director of Congressional Budget Office, and Chairman of Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with Administrator of Small Business Administration, to conduct a study of potential benefits of, and legal, regulatory, and market-based barriers to, developing a secondary market for loans to small businesses, specified considerations to be included in the study, and required that, not later than 1 year after Sept. 4, 1992, a report be submitted to Congress on results of the study, including recommendations for legislation to facilitate development of a secondary market for loans to small businesses.

Appropriations Not Authorized

Pub. L. 98–352, §6, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 332, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 633 and 639 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 631 of this title] does not authorize the appropriation of any funds."

Small Business Protection

Pub. L. 90–104, title III, §§301–303, Oct. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 272, authorized Administrator of Small Business Administration to conduct a special study of impact on small business concerns of robbery, burglary, shoplifting, vandalism, and other criminal activities, and report to President and to Congress results of study, including such recommendations he deemed appropriate for administrative and legislative action, within one year after Oct. 11, 1967.

¹ See References in Text note below.

§634a. Office of Advocacy within Small Business Administration; Chief Counsel for Advocacy

There is established within the Small Business Administration an Office of Advocacy. The management of the Office shall be vested in a Chief Counsel for Advocacy who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §201, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 668.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

§634b. Primary functions of Office of Advocacy

The primary functions of the Office of Advocacy shall be to—

(1) examine the role of small business in the American economy and the contribution which small business can make in improving competition, encouraging economic and social mobility for all citizens, restraining inflation, spurring production, expanding employment opportunities, increasing productivity, promoting exports, stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship, and providing an avenue through which new and untested products and services can be brought to the marketplace;

(2) assess the effectiveness of existing Federal subsidy and assistance programs for small business and the desirability of reducing the emphasis on such existing programs and increasing the emphasis on general assistance programs designed to benefit all small businesses;

(3) measure the direct costs and other effects of government regulation on small businesses; and make legislative and nonlegislative proposals for eliminating excessive or unnecessary regulations of small businesses;

(4) determine the impact of the tax structure on small businesses and make legislative and other proposals for altering the tax structure to enable all small businesses to realize their potential for contributing to the improvement of the Nation's economic well-being;

(5) study the ability of financial markets and institutions to meet small business credit needs and determine the impact of government demands for credit on small businesses;

(6) determine financial resource availability and to recommend methods for delivery of financial assistance to minority enterprises, including methods for securing equity capital, for generating markets for goods and services, for providing effective business education, more effective management and technical assistance, and training, and for assistance in complying with Federal, State, and local law;

(7) evaluate the efforts of Federal agencies, business and industry to assist minority enterprises;

(8) make such other recommendations as may be appropriate to assist the development and strengthening of minority and other small business enterprises;

(9) recommend specific measures for creating an environment in which all businesses will have the opportunity to complete ¹ effectively and expand to their full potential, and to ascertain the common reasons, if any, for small business successes and failures;

(10) determine the desirability of developing a set of rational, objective criteria to be used to define small business, and to develop such criteria, if appropriate;

(11) advise, cooperate with, and consult with, the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States with respect to section 504(e) of title 5; and

(12) evaluate the efforts of each department and agency of the United States, and of private industry, to assist small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans, as defined in section 632(q) of this title, and small business concerns owned and controlled by serviced-disabled ² veterans, as defined in such section 632(q) of this title, and to provide statistical information on the utilization of such programs by such small business concerns, and to make appropriate recommendations to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and to the Congress in order to promote the establishment and growth of those small business concerns.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §202, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 668; Pub. L. 96–481, title II, §203(b), Oct. 21, 1980, 94 Stat. 2327; Pub. L. 106–50, title VII, §702, Aug. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 250.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1999—Par. (12). Pub. L. 106–50 added par. (12).

1980—Par. (11). Pub. L. 96–481 added par. (11).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–481 effective Oct. 1, 1981, and applicable to adversary adjudication as defined in section 504(b)(1)(C) of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and to civil actions and adversary adjudications described in section 2412 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, which are pending on, or commenced on or after Oct. 1, 1981, see section 208 of Pub. L. 96–481, set out as an Effective Date note under section 504 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Termination of Administrative Conference of United States

For termination of Administrative Conference of United States, see provision of title IV of Pub. L. 104–52, set out as a note preceding section 591 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Advocacy Study of Paperwork and Tax Impact

Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, §613, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4205, directed Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to conduct a study of the impact of all Federal regulatory, paperwork, and tax requirements upon small business, and report its findings to Congress not later than 1 year after Oct. 22, 1994.

¹ So in original. Probably should be "compete".

² So in original.

§634c. Additional duties of Office of Advocacy

(a) In general

The Office of Advocacy shall also perform the following duties on a continuing basis:

(1) serve as a focal point for the receipt of complaints, criticisms, and suggestions concerning the policies and activities of the Administration and any other Federal agency which affects small businesses;

(2) counsel small businesses on how to resolve questions and problems concerning the relationship of the small business to the Federal Government;

(3) develop proposals for changes in the policies and activities of any agency of the Federal Government which will better fulfill the purposes of the Small Business Act and communicate such proposals to the appropriate Federal agencies;

(4) represent the views and interests of small businesses before other Federal agencies whose policies and activities may affect small business;

(5) enlist the cooperation and assistance of public and private agencies, businesses, and other organizations in disseminating information about the programs and services provided by the Federal Government which are of benefit to small businesses, and information on how small businesses can participate in or make use of such programs and services; and

(6) carry out the responsibilities of the Office of Advocacy under chapter 6 of title 5.

(b) Outreach and input from small businesses on trade promotion authority

(1) Definitions

In this subsection—

(A) the term "agency" has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5;

(B) the term "Chief Counsel for Advocacy" means the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration;

(C) the term "covered trade agreement" means a trade agreement being negotiated pursuant to section 4202(b) of title 19; and

(D) the term "Working Group" means the Interagency Working Group convened under paragraph (2)(A).

(2) Working group

(A) In general

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the President submits the notification required under section 4204(a) of title 19, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall convene an Interagency Working Group, which shall consist of an employee from each of the following agencies, as selected by the head of the agency or an official delegated by the head of the agency:

(i) The Office of the United States Trade Representative.

(ii) The Department of Commerce.

(iii) The Department of Agriculture.

(iv) Any other agency that the Chief Counsel for Advocacy, in consultation with the United States Trade Representative, determines to be relevant with respect to the subject of the covered trade agreement.

(B) Views of small businesses

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Chief Counsel for Advocacy convenes the Working Group under subparagraph (A), the Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall identify a diverse group of small businesses, representatives of small businesses, or a combination thereof, to provide to the Working Group the views of small businesses in the manufacturing, services, and agriculture industries on the potential economic effects of the covered trade agreement.

(3) Report

(A) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Chief Counsel for Advocacy convenes the Working Group under paragraph (2)(A), the Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives a report on the economic impacts of the covered trade agreement on small businesses, which shall—

(i) identify the most important priorities, opportunities, and challenges to various industries from the covered trade agreement;

(ii) assess the impact for new small businesses to start exporting, or increase their exports, to markets in countries that are parties to the covered trade agreement;

(iii) analyze the competitive position of industries likely to be significantly affected by the covered trade agreement;

(iv) identify—

(I) any State-owned enterprises in each country participating in negotiations for the covered trade agreement that could pose a threat to small businesses; and

(II) any steps to take to create a level playing field for those small businesses;

(v) identify any rule of an agency that should be modified to become compliant with the covered trade agreement; and

(vi) include an overview of the methodology used to develop the report, including the number of small business participants by industry, how those small businesses were selected, and any other factors that the Chief Counsel for Advocacy may determine appropriate.

(B) Delayed submission

To ensure that negotiations for the covered trade agreement are not disrupted, the President may require that the Chief Counsel for Advocacy delay submission of the report under subparagraph (A) until after the negotiations for the covered trade agreement are concluded, provided that the delay allows the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to submit the report to Congress not later than 45 days before the Senate or the House of Representatives acts to approve or disapprove the covered trade agreement.

(C) Avoidance of duplication

The Chief Counsel for Advocacy shall, to the extent practicable, coordinate the submission of the report under this paragraph with the United States International Trade Commission, the United States Trade Representative, other agencies, and trade advisory committees to avoid unnecessary duplication of reporting requirements.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §203, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 669; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1602(a), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2551; Pub. L. 114–125, title V, §502, Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 172.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Small Business Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is Pub. L. 85–536, §2(1 et seq.), July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 384, which is classified generally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 631 of this title and Tables.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–125 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted heading, and added subsec. (b).

2010—Par. (6). Pub. L. 111–240 added par. (6).

Executive Documents

Delegation of Authority Under 15 U.S.C. 634c(b)(3)(B)

Memorandum of President of the United States, Oct. 9, 2020, 85 F.R. 65631, provided:

Memorandum for the United States Trade Representative

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby delegate to the United States Trade Representative the authority vested in the President by section 634c(b)(3)(B) of title 15, United States Code.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Donald J. Trump.      

§634d. Staff and powers of Office of Advocacy

In carrying out the provisions of sections 634a to 634g of this title, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy may—

(1) employ and fix the compensation of such additional staff personnel as is deemed necessary, without regard to the provisions of title 5, governing appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to chapter 51, and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates but at rates not in excess of the lowest rate for GS–15 of the General Schedule: Provided, however, That not more than 14 staff personnel at any one time may be employed and compensated at a rate not in excess of GS–15, step 10, of the General Schedule;

(2) procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent as is authorized by section 3109 of title 5;

(3) consult with experts and authorities in the fields of small business investment, venture capital, investment and commercial banking and other comparable financial institutions involved in the financing of business, and with individuals with regulatory, legal, economic, or financial expertise, including members of the academic community, and individuals who generally represent the public interest;

(4) utilize the services of the National Advisory Council established pursuant to the provisions of section 637(b)(13) of this title and in accordance with the provisions of such statute, also appoint such other advisory boards or committees as is reasonably appropriate and necessary to carry out the provisions of sections 634a to 634g of this title; and

(5) hold hearings and sit and act at such times and places as he may deem advisable.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §204, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 669; Pub. L. 96–302, title IV, §402, July 2, 1980, 94 Stat. 850; Pub. L. 103–403, title VI, §§605(b), 610, Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 4203, 4204.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The General Schedule, referred to in par. (1), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5.

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–403, §§605(b), 610(1), in introductory provisions substituted "provisions of sections 634a to 634g of this title, the Chief" for "provisions of section 634b of this title, after consultation with and subject to the approval of the Administrator, the Chief".

Par. (1). Pub. L. 103–403, §610(2), substituted "14" for "ten" before "staff personnel".

1980—Par. (1). Pub. L. 96–302 authorized employment at any one time of ten staff personnel at rate of compensation not in excess of GS–15, step 10, of the General Schedule.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–302 effective Oct. 1, 1980, see section 507 of Pub. L. 96–302, set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

§634e. Assistance of Government agencies

Each department, agency, and instrumentality of the Federal Government is authorized and directed to furnish to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy such reports and other information as he deems necessary to carry out his functions under sections 634a to 634g of this title.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §205, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 670.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

§634f. Reports

The Chief Counsel may from time to time prepare and publish such reports as he deems appropriate. Not later than one year after June 4, 1976, he shall transmit to the Congress, the President and the Administration, a full report containing his findings and specific recommendations with respect to each of the functions referred to in section 634b of this title, including specific legislative proposals and recommendations for administration or other action. Not later than 6 months after June 4, 1976, he shall prepare and transmit a preliminary report on his activities. The reports shall not be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget or to any other Federal agency or executive department for any purpose prior to transmittal to the Congress and the President.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §206, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 670.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

§634g. Budgetary line item and authorization of appropriations

(a) Appropriation requests

Each budget of the United States Government submitted by the President under section 1105 of title 31 shall include a separate statement of the amount of appropriations requested for the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration, which shall be designated in a separate account in the General Fund of the Treasury.

(b) Administrative operations

The Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall provide the Office of Advocacy with appropriate and adequate office space at central and field office locations, together with such equipment, operating budget, and communications facilities and services as may be necessary, and shall provide necessary maintenance services for such offices and the equipment and facilities located in such offices.

(c) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out sections 634a to 634g of this title. Any amount appropriated under this subsection shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until expended.

(Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §207, as added Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1602(b), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2551.)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Small Business Act which comprises this chapter.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 634g, Pub. L. 94–305, title II, §207, June 4, 1976, 90 Stat. 671, related to authorization of appropriations, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1602(b), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2551.

§635. Deposit of moneys; depositaries, custodians, and fiscal agents; contributions to employees' compensation funds

(a) All moneys of the Administration not otherwise employed may be deposited with the Treasury of the United States subject to check by authority of the Administration. The Federal Reserve banks are authorized and directed to act as depositaries, custodians, and fiscal agents for the Administration in the general performance of its powers conferred by this chapter. Any banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, when designated by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall act as custodians and financial agents for the Administration. Each Federal Reserve bank, when designated by the Administrator as fiscal agent for the Administration, shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all expenses incurred as such fiscal agent.

(b) The Administrator shall contribute to the employees' compensation fund, on the basis of annual billings as determined by the Secretary of Labor, for the benefit payments made from such fund on account of employees engaged in carrying out functions financed by the revolving fund established by section 633(c) of this title. The annual billings shall also include a statement of the fair portion of the cost of the administration of such fund, which shall be paid by the Administrator into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

(Pub. L. 85–536, §2[6], July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 387.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Prior similar provisions were contained in section 206 of act July 30, 1953, ch. 282, title II, 67 Stat. 235, which was previously classified to this section. See Codification note set out under section 631 of this title.

§636. Additional powers

(a) Loans to small business concerns; allowable purposes; qualified business; restrictions and limitations

The Administration is empowered to the extent and in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts to make loans for plant acquisition, construction, conversion, or expansion, including the acquisition of land, material, supplies, equipment, and working capital, and to make loans to any qualified small business concern, including those owned by qualified Indian tribes, for purposes of this chapter. Such financings may be made either directly or in cooperation with banks or other financial institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred (guaranteed) basis. These powers shall be subject, however, to the following restrictions, limitations, and provisions:

(1) In general.—

(A) Credit elsewhere.—

(i) In general.—The Administrator has the authority to direct, and conduct oversight for, the methods by which lenders determine whether a borrower is able to obtain credit elsewhere. No financial assistance shall be extended pursuant to this subsection if the applicant can obtain credit elsewhere. No immediate participation may be purchased unless it is shown that a deferred participation is not available; and no direct financing may be made unless it is shown that a participation is not available.

(ii) Liquidity.—On and after October 1, 2015, the Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this subsection if the lender determines that the borrower is unable to obtain credit elsewhere solely because the liquidity of the lender depends upon the guaranteed portion of the loan being sold on the secondary market.

(B) Background checks.—Prior to the approval of any loan made pursuant to this subsection, or section 503 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 697], the Administrator may verify the applicant's criminal background, or lack thereof, through the best available means, including, if possible, use of the National Crime Information Center computer system at the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(C) Lending limits of lenders.—On and after October 1, 2015, the Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this subsection if the sole purpose for requesting the guarantee is to allow the lender to exceed the legal lending limit of the lender.

(2) Level of participation in guaranteed loans.—

(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraphs (B), (D), (E), and (F), in an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under this subsection (including a loan made under the Preferred Lenders Program), such participation by the Administration shall be equal to—

(i) 75 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the loan, if such balance exceeds $150,000; or

(ii) 85 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the loan, if such balance is less than or equal to $150,000.

(B) Reduced participation upon request.—

(i) In general.—The guarantee percentage specified by subparagraph (A) for any loan under this subsection may be reduced upon the request of the participating lender.

(ii) Prohibition.—The Administration shall not use the guarantee percentage requested by a participating lender under clause (i) as a criterion for establishing priorities in approving loan guarantee requests under this subsection.

(C) Interest rate under preferred lenders program.—

(i) In general.—The maximum interest rate for a loan guaranteed under the Preferred Lenders Program shall not exceed the maximum interest rate, as determined by the Administration, applicable to other loans guaranteed under this subsection.

(ii) Export-import bank lenders.—Any lender that is participating in the Delegated Authority Lender Program of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (or any successor to the Program) shall be eligible to participate in the Preferred Lenders Program.

(iii) Preferred lenders program defined.—For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "Preferred Lenders Program" means any program established by the Administrator, as authorized under the proviso in section 634(b)(7) of this title, under which a written agreement between the lender and the Administration delegates to the lender—

(I) complete authority to make and close loans with a guarantee from the Administration without obtaining the prior specific approval of the Administration; and

(II) complete authority to service and liquidate such loans without obtaining the prior specific approval of the Administration for routine servicing and liquidation activities, but shall not take any actions creating an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

(D) Participation under export working capital program.—In an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under the Export Working Capital Program established pursuant to paragraph (14)(A), such participation by the Administration shall be 90 percent.

(E) Participation in international trade loan.—In an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under paragraph (16), the participation by the Administration may not exceed 90 percent.

(F) Participation in the paycheck protection program.—In an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under paragraph (36), the participation by the Administration shall be 100 percent.

(3) No loan shall be made under this subsection—

(A) if the total amount outstanding and committed (by participation or otherwise) to the borrower from the business loan and investment fund established by this chapter would exceed $3,750,000 (or if the gross loan amount would exceed $5,000,000), except as provided in subparagraph (B);

(B) if the total amount outstanding and committed (on a deferred basis) solely for the purposes provided in paragraph (16) to the borrower from the business loan and investment fund established by this chapter would exceed $4,500,000 (or if the gross loan amount would exceed $5,000,000), of which not more than $4,000,000 may be used for working capital, supplies, or financings under paragraph (14) for export purposes; and

(C) if effected either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate basis if the amount would exceed $350,000.

(4) Interest rates and prepayment charges.—

(A) Interest rates.—Notwithstanding the provisions of the constitution of any State or the laws of any State limiting the rate or amount of interest which may be charged, taken, received, or reserved, the maximum legal rate of interest on any financing made on a deferred basis pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed a rate prescribed by the Administration, and the rate of interest for the Administration's share of any direct or immediate participation loan shall not exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum, and an additional amount as determined by the Administration, but not to exceed 1 per centum per annum: Provided, That for those loans to assist any public or private organization for the handicapped or to assist any handicapped individual as provided in paragraph (10) of this subsection, the interest rate shall be 3 per centum per annum.

(B) Payment of accrued interest.—

(i) In general.—Any bank or other lending institution making a claim for payment on the guaranteed portion of a loan made under this subsection shall be paid the accrued interest due on the loan from the earliest date of default to the date of payment of the claim at a rate not to exceed the rate of interest on the loan on the date of default, minus one percent.

(ii) Loans sold on secondary market.—If a loan described in clause (i) is sold on the secondary market, the amount of interest paid to a bank or other lending institution described in that clause from the earliest date of default to the date of payment of the claim shall be no more than the agreed upon rate, minus one percent.

(iii) Applicability.—Clauses (i) and (ii) shall not apply to loans made on or after October 1, 2000.

(C) Prepayment charges

(i) In general.—A borrower who prepays any loan guaranteed under this subsection shall remit to the Administration a subsidy recoupment fee calculated in accordance with clause (ii) if—

(I) the loan is for a term of not less than 15 years;

(II) the prepayment is voluntary;

(III) the amount of prepayment in any calendar year is more than 25 percent of the outstanding balance of the loan; and

(IV) the prepayment is made within the first 3 years after disbursement of the loan proceeds.

(ii) Subsidy recoupment fee.—The subsidy recoupment fee charged under clause (i) shall be—

(I) 5 percent of the amount of prepayment, if the borrower prepays during the first year after disbursement;

(II) 3 percent of the amount of prepayment, if the borrower prepays during the second year after disbursement; and

(III) 1 percent of the amount of prepayment, if the borrower prepays during the third year after disbursement.

(5) No such loans including renewals and extensions thereof may be made for a period or periods exceeding twenty-five years, except that such portion of a loan made for the purpose of acquiring real property or constructing, converting, or expanding facilities may have a maturity of twenty-five years plus such additional period as is estimated may be required to complete such construction, conversion, or expansion.

(6) All loans made under this subsection shall be of such sound value or so secured as reasonably to assure repayment: Provided, however, That—

(A) for loans to assist any public or private organization or to assist any handicapped individual as provided in paragraph (10) of this subsection any reasonable doubt shall be resolved in favor of the applicant;

(B) recognizing that greater risk may be associated with loans for energy measures as provided in paragraph (12) of this subsection, factors in determining "sound value" shall include, but not be limited to, quality of the product or service; technical qualifications of the applicant or his employees; sales projections; and the financial status of the business concern: Provided further, That such status need not be as sound as that required for general loans under this subsection; and ¹

(C) Repealed. Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, §1910, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 778.

On that portion of the loan used to refinance existing indebtedness held by a bank or other lending institution, the Administration shall limit the amount of deferred participation to 80 per centum of the amount of the loan at the time of disbursement: Provided further, That any authority conferred by this subparagraph on the Administration shall be exercised solely by the Administration and shall not be delegated to other than Administration personnel.

(7)(A) In general.—The Administrator may defer payments on the principal and interest of such loans for a grace period and use such other methods as it deems necessary and appropriate to assure the successful establishment and operation of such concern.

(B) Deferral requirements.—With respect to a deferral provided under this paragraph, the Administrator may allow lenders under this subsection—

(i) to provide full payment deferment relief (including payment of principal and interest) for a period of not more than 1 year; and

(ii) to provide an additional deferment period if the borrower provides documentation justifying such additional deferment.

(C) Secondary market.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), if an investor declines to approve a deferral or additional deferment requested by a lender under subparagraph (B), the Administrator shall exercise the authority to purchase the loan so that the borrower may receive full payment deferment relief (including payment of principal and interest) or an additional deferment as described in subparagraph (B).

(ii) Exception.—If, in a fiscal year, the Administrator determines that the cost of implementing clause (i) is greater than zero, the Administrator shall not implement that clause.

(8) The Administration may make loans under this subsection to small business concerns owned and controlled by disabled veterans (as defined in section 4211(3) of title 38).

(9) The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to finance residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale: Provided, however, That such loans shall not be used primarily for the acquisition of land.

(10) The Administration may provide guaranteed loans under this subsection to assist any public or private organization for the handicapped or to assist any handicapped individual, including service-disabled veterans, in establishing, acquiring, or operating a small business concern.

(11) The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to any small business concern, or to any qualified person seeking to establish such a concern when it determines that such loan will further the policies established in section 631(c) ² of this title, with particular emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals.

(12)(A) The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to assist any small business concern, including start up, to enable such concern to design architecturally or engineer, manufacture, distribute, market, install, or service energy measures: Provided, however, That such loan proceeds shall not be used primarily for research and development.

(b) ³ The Administration may provide deferred participation loans under this subsection to finance the planning, design, or installation of pollution control facilities for the purposes set forth in section 404 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 694–1]. Notwithstanding the limitation expressed in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a loan made under this paragraph may not result in a total amount outstanding and committed to a borrower from the business loan and investment fund of more than $1,000,000.

(13)  The  Administration  may  provide  financings under this subsection to State and local development companies for the purposes of, and subject to the restrictions in, title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.].

(14) Export working capital program.—

(A) In general.—The Administrator may provide extensions of credit, standby letters of credit, revolving lines of credit for export purposes, and other financing to enable small business concerns, including small business export trading companies and small business export management companies, to develop foreign markets. A bank or participating lending institution may establish the rate of interest on such financings as may be legal and reasonable.

(B) Terms.—

(i) Loan amount.—The Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this paragraph of more than $5,000,000.

(ii) Fees.—

(I) In general.—For a loan under this paragraph, the Administrator shall collect the fee assessed under paragraph (23) not more frequently than once each year.

(II) Untapped credit.—The Administrator may not assess a fee on capital that is not accessed by the small business concern.

(C) Considerations.—When considering loan or guarantee applications, the Administration shall give weight to export-related benefits, including opening new markets for United States goods and services abroad and encouraging the involvement of small businesses, including agricultural concerns, in the export market.

(D) Marketing.—The Administrator shall aggressively market its export financing program to small businesses.

(15)(A) The Administration may guarantee loans under this subsection—

(i) to qualified employee trusts with respect to a small business concern for the purpose of purchasing, and for any transaction costs associated with purchasing, stock of the concern under a plan approved by the Administrator which, when carried out, results in the qualified employee trust owning at least 51 per centum of the stock of the concern; and

(ii) to a small business concern under a plan approved by the Administrator, if the proceeds from the loan are only used to make a loan to a qualified employee trust, and for any transaction costs associated with making that loan, that results in the qualified employee trust owning at least 51 percent of the small business concern.

(B) The plan requiring the Administrator's approval under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to the Administration by the trustee of such trust or by the small business concern with its application for the guarantee. Such plan shall include an agreement with the Administrator which is binding on such trust and on the small business concern and which provides that—

(i) not later than the date the loan guaranteed under subparagraph (A) is repaid (or as soon thereafter as is consistent with the requirements of section 401(a) of title 26), at least 51 per centum of the total stock of such concern shall be allocated to the accounts of at least 51 per centum of the employees of such concern who are entitled to share in such allocation,

(ii) there will be periodic reviews of the role in the management of such concern of employees to whose accounts stock is allocated,

(iii) there will be adequate management to assure management expertise and continuity, and

(iv) with respect to a loan made to a trust, or to a cooperative in accordance with paragraph (35)—

(I) a seller of the small business concern may remain involved as an officer, director, or key employee of the small business concern when a qualified employee trust or cooperative has acquired 100 percent of ownership of the small business concern; and

(II) any seller of the small business concern who remains as an owner of the small business concern, regardless of the percentage of ownership interest, shall be required to provide a personal guarantee by the Administration.

(C) In determining whether to guarantee any loan under this paragraph, the individual business experience or personal assets of employee-owners shall not be used as criteria, except inasmuch as certain employee-owners may assume managerial responsibilities, in which case business experience may be considered.

(D) For purposes of this paragraph, a corporation which is controlled by any other person shall be treated as a small business concern if such corporation would, after the plan described in subparagraph (B) is carried out, be treated as a small business concern.

(E) The Administration shall compile a separate list of applications for assistance under this paragraph, indicating which applications were accepted and which were denied, and shall report periodically to the Congress on the status of employee-owned firms assisted by the Administration, which shall include—

(i) the total number of loans made to employee-owned business concerns that were guaranteed by the Administrator under this subsection or section 502 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 696), including the number of loans made—

(I) to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and

(II) to cooperatives;

(ii) the total number of financings made to employee-owned business concerns by companies licensed under section 301(c) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 696(c)) [15 U.S.C. 681(c)], including the number of financings made—

(I) to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and

(II) to cooperatives; and

(iii) any outreach and educational activities conducted by the Administration with respect to employee-owned business concerns.

(F) A small business concern that makes a loan to a qualified employee trust under subparagraph (A)(ii) is not required to contain the same terms and conditions as the loan made to the small business concern that is guaranteed by the Administration under such subparagraph.

(G) With respect to a loan made to a qualified employee trust under this paragraph, or to a cooperative in accordance with paragraph (35), the Administrator may, as deemed appropriate, elect to not require any mandatory equity to be provided by the qualified employee trust or cooperative to make the loan.

(16) International trade.—

(A) In general.—If the Administrator determines that a loan guaranteed under this subsection will allow an eligible small business concern that is engaged in or adversely affected by international trade to improve its competitive position, the Administrator may make such loan to assist such concern—

(i) in the financing of the acquisition, construction, renovation, modernization, improvement, or expansion of productive facilities or equipment to be used in the United States in the production of goods and services involved in international trade;

(ii) in the refinancing of existing indebtedness that is not structured with reasonable terms and conditions, including any debt that qualifies for refinancing under any other provision of this subsection; or

(iii) by providing working capital.

(B) Security.—

(i) In general.—Except as provided in clause (ii), each loan made under this paragraph shall be secured by a first lien position or first mortgage on the property or equipment financed by the loan or on other assets of the small business concern.

(ii) Exception.—A loan under this paragraph may be secured by a second lien position on the property or equipment financed by the loan or on other assets of the small business concern, if the Administrator determines the lien provides adequate assurance of the payment of the loan.

(C) Engaged in international trade.—For purposes of this paragraph, a small business concern is engaged in international trade if, as determined by the Administrator, the small business concern is in a position to expand existing export markets or develop new export markets.

(D) Adversely affected by international trade.—For purposes of this paragraph, a small business concern is adversely affected by international trade if, as determined by the Administrator, the small business concern—

(i) is confronting increased competition with foreign firms in the relevant market; and

(ii) is injured by such competition.

(E) Findings by certain federal agencies.—For purposes of subparagraph (D)(ii) the Administrator shall accept any finding of injury by the International Trade Commission or any finding of injury by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to chapter 3 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 [19 U.S.C. 2341 et seq.].

(F) List of export finance lenders.—

(i) Publication of list required.—The Administrator shall publish an annual list of the banks and participating lending institutions that, during the 1-year period ending on the date of publication of the list, have made loans guaranteed by the Administration under—

(I) this paragraph;

(II) paragraph (14); or

(III) paragraph (34).

(ii) Availability of list.—The Administrator shall—

(I) post the list published under clause (i) on the website of the Administration; and

(II) make the list published under clause (i) available, upon request, at each district office of the Administration.

(17) The Administration shall authorize lending institutions and other entities in addition to banks to make loans authorized under this subsection.

(18) Guarantee fees.—

(A) In general.—With respect to each loan guaranteed under this subsection (other than a loan that is repayable in 1 year or less), the Administration shall collect a guarantee fee, which shall be payable by the participating lender, and may be charged to the borrower, as follows:

(i) A guarantee fee not to exceed 2 percent of the deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is not more than $150,000.

(ii) A guarantee fee not to exceed 3 percent of the deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is more than $150,000, but not more than $700,000.

(iii) A guarantee fee not to exceed 3.5 percent of the deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is more than $700,000.

(iv) In addition to the fee under clause (iii), a guarantee fee equal to 0.25 percent of any portion of the deferred participation share that is more than $1,000,000.

(B) Retention of certain fees.—Lenders participating in the programs established under this subsection may retain not more than 25 percent of a fee collected under subparagraph (A)(i).

(19)(A) In addition to the Preferred Lenders Program authorized by the proviso in section 634(b)(7) of this title, the Administration is authorized to establish a Certified Lenders Program for lenders who establish their knowledge of Administration laws and regulations concerning the guaranteed loan program and their proficiency in program requirements. The designation of a lender as a certified lender shall be suspended or revoked at any time that the Administration determines that the lender is not adhering to its rules and regulations or that the loss experience of the lender is excessive as compared to other lenders, but such suspension or revocation shall not affect any outstanding guarantee.

(B) In order to encourage all lending institutions and other entities making loans authorized under this subsection to provide loans of $50,000 or less in guarantees to eligible small business loan applicants, the Administration shall develop and allow participating lenders to solely utilize a uniform and simplified loan form for such loans.

(C) Authority to liquidate loans.—

(i) In general.—The Administrator may permit lenders participating in the Certified Lenders Program to liquidate loans made with a guarantee from the Administration pursuant to a liquidation plan approved by the Administrator.

(ii) Automatic approval.—If the Administrator does not approve or deny a request for approval of a liquidation plan within 10 business days of the date on which the request is made (or with respect to any routine liquidation activity under such a plan, within 5 business days) such request shall be deemed to be approved.

(20)(A) The Administration is empowered to make loans either directly or in cooperation with banks or other financial institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred (guaranteed) basis to small business concerns eligible for assistance under subsection (j)(10) and section 637(a) of this title. Such assistance may be provided only if the Administration determines that—

(i) the type and amount of such assistance requested by such concern is not otherwise available on reasonable terms from other sources;

(ii) with such assistance such concern has a reasonable prospect for operating soundly and profitably within a reasonable period of time;

(iii) the proceeds of such assistance will be used within a reasonable time for plant construction, conversion, or expansion, including the acquisition of equipment, facilities, machinery, supplies, or material or to supply such concern with working capital to be used in the manufacture of articles, equipment, supplies, or material for defense or civilian production or as may be necessary to insure a well-balanced national economy; and

(iv) such assistance is of such sound value as reasonably to assure that the terms under which it is provided will not be breached by the small business concern.

(B)(i) No loan shall be made under this paragraph if the total amount outstanding and committed (by participation or otherwise) to the borrower would exceed $750,000.

(ii) Subject to the provisions of clause (i), in agreements to participate in loans on a deferred (guaranteed) basis, participation by the Administration shall be not less than 85 per centum of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement.

(iii) The rate of interest on financings made on a deferred (guaranteed) basis shall be legal and reasonable.

(iv) Financings made pursuant to this paragraph shall be subject to the following limitations:

(I) No immediate participation may be purchased unless it is shown that a deferred participation is not available.

(II) No direct financing may be made unless it is shown that a participation is unavailable.

(C) A direct loan or the Administration's share of an immediate participation loan made pursuant to this paragraph shall be any secured debt instrument—

(i) that is subordinated by its terms to all other borrowings of the issuer;

(ii) the rate of interest on which shall not exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loan and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum;

(iii) the term of which is not more than twenty-five years; and

(iv) the principal on which is amortized at such rate as may be deemed appropriate by the Administration, and the interest on which is payable not less often than annually.

(21)(A) The Administration may make loans on a guaranteed basis under the authority of this subsection—

(i) to a small business concern that has been (or can reasonably be expected to be) detrimentally affected by—

(I) the closure (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense installation; or

(II) the termination (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense program on which such small business was a prime contractor or subcontractor (or supplier) at any tier; or

(ii) to a qualified individual or a veteran seeking to establish (or acquire) and operate a small business concern.

(B) Recognizing that greater risk may be associated with a loan to a small business concern described in subparagraph (A)(i), any reasonable doubts concerning the firm's proposed business plan for transition to nondefense-related markets shall be resolved in favor of the loan applicant when making any determination regarding the sound value of the proposed loan in accordance with paragraph (6).

(C) Loans pursuant to this paragraph shall be authorized in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts for the purposes of loans under this paragraph.

(D) For purposes of this paragraph a qualified individual is—

(i) a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty involuntarily or pursuant to a program providing bonuses or other inducements to encourage voluntary separation or early retirement;

(ii) a civilian employee of the Department of Defense involuntarily separated from Federal service or retired pursuant to a program offering inducements to encourage early retirement; or

(iii) an employee of a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier at any tier of a Department of Defense program whose employment is involuntarily terminated (or voluntarily terminated pursuant to a program offering inducements to encourage voluntary separation or early retirement) due to the termination (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense program.

(E) Job creation and community benefit.—In providing assistance under this paragraph, the Administration shall develop procedures to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that such assistance is used for projects that—

(i) have the greatest potential for—

(I) creating new jobs for individuals whose employment is involuntarily terminated due to reductions in Federal defense expenditures; or

(II) preventing the loss of jobs by employees of small business concerns described in subparagraph (A)(i); and

(ii) have substantial potential for stimulating new economic activity in communities most affected by reductions in Federal defense expenditures.

(22) The Administration is authorized to permit participating lenders to impose and collect a reasonable penalty fee on late payments of loans guaranteed under this subsection in an amount not to exceed 5 percent of the monthly loan payment per month plus interest.

(23) Yearly fee.—

(A) In general.—With respect to each loan approved under this subsection, the Administration shall assess, collect, and retain a fee, not to exceed 0.55 percent per year of the outstanding balance of the deferred participation share of the loan, in an amount established once annually by the Administration in the Administration's annual budget request to Congress, as necessary to reduce to zero the cost to the Administration of making guarantees under this subsection. As used in this paragraph, the term "cost" has the meaning given that term in section 661a of title 2.

(B) Payer.—The yearly fee assessed under subparagraph (A) shall be payable by the participating lender and shall not be charged to the borrower.

(C) Lowering of borrower fees.—If the Administration determines that fees paid by lenders and by small business borrowers for guarantees under this subsection may be reduced, consistent with reducing to zero the cost to the Administration of making such guarantees—

(i) the Administration shall first consider reducing fees paid by small business borrowers under clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph (18)(A), to the maximum extent possible; and

(ii) fees paid by small business borrowers shall not be increased above the levels in effect on December 8, 2004.

(24) Notification requirement.—The Administration shall notify the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 15 days before making any significant policy or administrative change affecting the operation of the loan program under this subsection.

(25) Limitation on conducting pilot projects.—

(A) In general.—Not more than 10 percent of the total number of loans guaranteed in any fiscal year under this subsection may be awarded as part of a pilot program which is commenced by the Administrator on or after October 1, 1996.

(B) "Pilot program" defined.—In this paragraph, the term 'pilot program' means any lending program initiative, project, innovation, or other activity not specifically authorized by law.

(C) Low documentation loan program.—The Administrator may carry out the low documentation loan program for loans of $100,000 or less only through lenders with significant experience in making small business loans. Not later than 90 days after September 30, 1996, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations defining the experience necessary for participation as a lender in the low documentation loan program.

(26) Calculation of subsidy rate.—All fees, interest, and profits received and retained by the Administration under this subsection shall be included in the calculations made by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to offset the cost (as that term is defined in section 661a of title 2) to the Administration of purchasing and guaranteeing loans under this chapter.

(27) Repealed. Pub. L. 106–8, §3(c), Apr. 2, 1999, 113 Stat. 16.

(28) Leasing.—In addition to such other lease arrangements as may be authorized by the Administration, a borrower may permanently lease to one or more tenants not more than 20 percent of any property constructed with the proceeds of a loan guaranteed under this subsection, if the borrower permanently occupies and uses not less than 60 percent of the total business space in the property.

(29) Real estate appraisals.—

(A) In general.—With respect to a loan under this subsection that is secured by commercial real property, an appraisal of such property by a State licensed or certified appraiser—

(i) shall be required by the Administration in connection with any such loan, if such loan is in an amount greater than the Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold; or

(ii) may be required by the Administration or the lender in connection with any such loan, if such loan is in an amount equal to or less than the Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold, if such appraisal is necessary for appropriate evaluation of creditworthiness.

(B) Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold defined.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term "Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold" means the lesser of the threshold amounts set by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for when a federally related transaction that is a commercial real estate transaction requires an appraisal prepared by a State licensed or certified appraiser.

(30) Ownership requirements.—Ownership requirements to determine the eligibility of a small business concern that applies for assistance under any credit program under this chapter shall be determined without regard to any ownership interest of a spouse arising solely from the application of the community property laws of a State for purposes of determining marital interests.

(31) Express loans.—

(A) Definitions.—As used in this paragraph:

(i) The term "disaster area" means the area for which the President has declared a major disaster, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the declaration.

(ii) The term "express lender" means any lender authorized by the Administration to participate in the Express Loan Program.

(iii) The term "express loan" means any loan made pursuant to this paragraph in which a lender utilizes to the maximum extent practicable its own loan analyses, procedures, and documentation.

(iv) The term "Express Loan Program" means the program for express loans established by the Administration under paragraph (25)(B), as in existence on April 5, 2004, with a guarantee rate of not more than 50 percent.

(B) Restriction to express lender.—The authority to make an express loan shall be limited to those lenders deemed qualified to make such loans by the Administration. Designation as an express lender for purposes of making an express loan shall not prohibit such lender from taking any other action authorized by the Administration for that lender pursuant to this subsection.

(C) Grandfathering of existing lenders.—Any express lender shall retain such designation unless the Administration determines that the express lender has violated the law or regulations promulgated by the Administration or modifies the requirements to be an express lender and the lender no longer satisfies those requirements.

(D) Maximum loan amount.—The maximum loan amount under the Express Loan Program is $500,000.

(E) Option to participate.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Administration shall take no regulatory, policy, or administrative action, without regard to whether such action requires notification pursuant to paragraph (24), that has the effect of requiring a lender to make an express loan pursuant to subparagraph (D).

(F) Express loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency.—

(i) Definitions.—In this subparagraph—

(I) the term "biomass"—

(aa) means any organic material that is available on a renewable or recurring basis, including—

(AA) agricultural crops;

(BB) trees grown for energy production;

(CC) wood waste and wood residues;

(DD) plants (including aquatic plants and grasses);

(EE) residues;

(FF) fibers;

(GG) animal wastes and other waste materials; and

(HH) fats, oils, and greases (including recycled fats, oils, and greases); and

(bb) does not include—

(AA) paper that is commonly recycled; or

(BB) unsegregated solid waste;

(II) the term "energy efficiency project" means the installation or upgrading of equipment that results in a significant reduction in energy usage; and

(III) the term "renewable energy system" means a system of energy derived from—

(aa) a wind, solar, biomass (including biodiesel), or geothermal source; or

(bb) hydrogen derived from biomass or water using an energy source described in item (aa).

(ii) Loans.—The Administrator may make a loan under the Express Loan Program for the purpose of—

(I) purchasing a renewable energy system; or

(II) carrying out an energy efficiency project for a small business concern.

(G) Guarantee fee waiver for veterans.—

(i) Guarantee fee waiver.—The Administrator may not collect a guarantee fee described in paragraph (18) in connection with a loan made under this paragraph to a veteran or spouse of a veteran on or after October 1, 2015.

(ii) Definition.—In this subparagraph, the term "veteran or spouse of a veteran" means—

(I) a veteran, as defined in section 632(q)(4) of this title;

(II) an individual who is eligible to participate in the Transition Assistance Program established under section 1144 of title 10;

(III) a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10;

(IV) the spouse of an individual described in subclause (I), (II), or (III); or

(V) the surviving spouse (as defined in section 101 of title 38) of an individual described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) who died while serving on active duty or as a result of a disability that is service-connected (as defined in such section).

(H) Recovery opportunity loans.—

(i) In general.—The Administrator may guarantee an express loan to a small business concern located in a disaster area in accordance with this subparagraph.

(ii) Maximums.—For a loan guaranteed under clause (i)—

(I) the maximum loan amount is $150,000; and

(II) the guarantee rate shall be not more than 85 percent.

(iii) Overall cap.—A loan guaranteed under clause (i) shall not be counted in determining the amount of loans made to a borrower for purposes of subparagraph (D).

(iv) Operations.—A small business concern receiving a loan guaranteed under clause (i) shall certify that the small business concern was in operation on the date on which the applicable major disaster occurred as a condition of receiving the loan.

(v) Repayment ability.—A loan guaranteed under clause (i) may only be made to a small business concern that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, sufficient capacity to repay the loan.

(vi) Timing of payment of guarantees.—

(I) In general.—Not later than 90 days after the date on which a request for purchase is filed with the Administrator, the Administrator shall determine whether to pay the guaranteed portion of the loan.

(II) Recapture.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unless there is a subsequent finding of fraud by a court of competent jurisdiction relating to a loan guaranteed under clause (i), on and after the date that is 6 months after the date on which the Administrator determines to pay the guaranteed portion of the loan, the Administrator may not attempt to recapture the paid guarantee.

(vii) Fees.—

(I) In general.—Unless the Administrator has waived the guarantee fee that would otherwise be collected by the Administrator under paragraph (18) for a loan guaranteed under clause (i), and except as provided in subclause (II), the guarantee fee for the loan shall be equal to the guarantee fee that the Administrator would collect if the guarantee rate for the loan was 50 percent.

(II) Exception.—Subclause (I) shall not apply if the cost of carrying out the program under this subsection in a fiscal year is more than zero and such cost is directly attributable to the cost of guaranteeing loans under clause (i).

(viii) Rules.—Not later than 270 days after November 25, 2015, the Administrator shall promulgate rules to carry out this subparagraph.

(32) Loans for energy efficient technologies.—

(A) Definitions.—In this paragraph—

(i) the term "cost" has the meaning given that term in section 661a of title 2;

(ii) the term "covered energy efficiency loan" means a loan—

(I) made under this subsection; and

(II) the proceeds of which are used to purchase energy efficient designs, equipment, or fixtures, or to reduce the energy consumption of the borrower by 10 percent or more; and

(iii) the term "pilot program" means the pilot program established under subparagraph (B) ⁴

(B) Establishment.—The Administrator shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which the Administrator shall reduce the fees for covered energy efficiency loans.

(C) Duration.—The pilot program shall terminate at the end of the second full fiscal year after the date that the Administrator establishes the pilot program.

(D) Maximum participation.—A covered energy efficiency loan shall include the maximum participation levels by the Administrator permitted for loans made under this subsection.

(E) Fees.—

(i) In general.—The fee on a covered energy efficiency loan shall be equal to 50 percent of the fee otherwise applicable to that loan under paragraph (18).

(ii) Waiver.—The Administrator may waive clause (i) for a fiscal year if—

(I) for the fiscal year before that fiscal year, the annual rate of default of covered energy efficiency loans exceeds that of loans made under this subsection that are not covered energy efficiency loans;

(II) the cost to the Administration of making loans under this subsection is greater than zero and such cost is directly attributable to the cost of making covered energy efficiency loans; and

(III) no additional sources of revenue authority are available to reduce the cost of making loans under this subsection to zero.

(iii) Effect of waiver.—If the Administrator waives the reduction of fees under clause (ii), the Administrator—

(I) shall not assess or collect fees in an amount greater than necessary to ensure that the cost of the program under this subsection is not greater than zero; and

(II) shall reinstate the fee reductions under clause (i) when the conditions in clause (ii) no longer apply.

(iv) No increase of fees.—The Administrator shall not increase the fees under paragraph (18) on loans made under this subsection that are not covered energy efficiency loans as a direct result of the pilot program.

(F) GAO report.—

(i) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date that the pilot program terminates, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the pilot program.

(ii) Contents.—The report submitted under clause (i) shall include—

(I) the number of covered energy efficiency loans for which fees were reduced under the pilot program;

(II) a description of the energy efficiency savings with the pilot program;

(III) a description of the impact of the pilot program on the program under this subsection;

(IV) an evaluation of the efficacy and potential fraud and abuse of the pilot program; and

(V) recommendations for improving the pilot program.

(33) Increased veteran participation program.—

(A) Definitions.—In this paragraph—

(i) the term "cost" has the meaning given that term in section 661a of title 2;

(ii) the term "pilot program" means the pilot program established under subparagraph (B); and

(iii) the term "veteran participation loan" means a loan made under this subsection to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans of the Armed Forces or members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.

(B) Establishment.—The Administrator shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which the Administrator shall reduce the fees for veteran participation loans.

(C) Duration.—The pilot program shall terminate at the end of the second full fiscal year after the date that the Administrator establishes the pilot program.

(D) Maximum participation.—A veteran participation loan shall include the maximum participation levels by the Administrator permitted for loans made under this subsection.

(E) Fees.—

(i) In general.—The fee on a veteran participation loan shall be equal to 50 percent of the fee otherwise applicable to that loan under paragraph (18).

(ii) Waiver.—The Administrator may waive clause (i) for a fiscal year if—

(I) for the fiscal year before that fiscal year, the annual estimated rate of default of veteran participation loans exceeds that of loans made under this subsection that are not veteran participation loans;

(II) the cost to the Administration of making loans under this subsection is greater than zero and such cost is directly attributable to the cost of making veteran participation loans; and

(III) no additional sources of revenue authority are available to reduce the cost of making loans under this subsection to zero.

(iii) Effect of waiver.—If the Administrator waives the reduction of fees under clause (ii), the Administrator—

(I) shall not assess or collect fees in an amount greater than necessary to ensure that the cost of the program under this subsection is not greater than zero; and

(II) shall reinstate the fee reductions under clause (i) when the conditions in clause (ii) no longer apply.

(iv) No increase of fees.—The Administrator shall not increase the fees under paragraph (18) on loans made under this subsection that are not veteran participation loans as a direct result of the pilot program.

(F) GAO report.—

(i) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date that the pilot program terminates, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the pilot program.

(ii) Contents.—The report submitted under clause (i) shall include—

(I) the number of veteran participation loans for which fees were reduced under the pilot program;

(II) a description of the impact of the pilot program on the program under this subsection;

(III) an evaluation of the efficacy and potential fraud and abuse of the pilot program; and

(IV) recommendations for improving the pilot program.

(34) Export express program.—

(A) Definitions.—In this paragraph—

(i) the term "export development activity" includes—

(I) obtaining a standby letter of credit when required as a bid bond, performance bond, or advance payment guarantee;

(II) participation in a trade show that takes place outside the United States;

(III) translation of product brochures or catalogues for use in markets outside the United States;

(IV) obtaining a general line of credit for export purposes;

(V) performing a service contract from buyers located outside the United States;

(VI) obtaining transaction-specific financing associated with completing export orders;

(VII) purchasing real estate or equipment to be used in the production of goods or services for export;

(VIII) providing term loans or other financing to enable a small business concern, including an export trading company and an export management company, to develop a market outside the United States; and

(IX) acquiring, constructing, renovating, modernizing, improving, or expanding a production facility or equipment to be used in the United States in the production of goods or services for export; and

(ii) the term "express loan" means a loan in which a lender uses to the maximum extent practicable the loan analyses, procedures, and documentation of the lender to provide expedited processing of the loan application.

(B) Authority.—The Administrator may guarantee the timely payment of an express loan to a small business concern made for an export development activity.

(C) Level of participation.—

(i) Maximum amount.—The maximum amount of an express loan guaranteed under this paragraph shall be $500,000.

(ii) Percentage.—For an express loan guaranteed under this paragraph, the Administrator shall guarantee—

(I) 90 percent of a loan that is not more than $350,000; and

(II) 75 percent of a loan that is more than $350,000 and not more than $500,000.

(35) Loans to cooperatives.—

(A) Definition.—In this paragraph, the term "cooperative" means an entity that is determined to be a cooperative by the Administrator, in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulation.

(B) Authority.—The Administration shall guarantee loans made to a cooperative for the purpose described in paragraph (15).

(36) Paycheck protection program.—

(A) Definitions.—In this paragraph—

(i) the terms "appropriate Federal banking agency" and "insured depository institution" have the meanings given those terms in section 1813 of title 12;

(ii) the term "covered loan" means a loan made under this paragraph during the covered period;

(iii) the term "covered period" means the period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2021;

(iv) the term "eligible recipient" means an individual or entity that is eligible to receive a covered loan;

(v) the term "eligible self-employed individual" has the meaning given the term in section 7002(b) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116–127);

(vi) the term "insured credit union" has the meaning given the term in section 1752 of title 12;

(vii) the term "nonprofit organization" means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of title 26;

(viii) the term "payroll costs"—

(I) means—

(aa) the sum of payments of any compensation with respect to employees that is a—

(AA) salary, wage, commission, or similar compensation;

(BB) payment of cash tip or equivalent;

(CC) payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave;

(DD) allowance for dismissal or separation;

(EE) payment required for the provisions of group health care or group life, disability, vision, or dental insurance benefits, including insurance premiums;

(FF) payment of any retirement benefit; or

(GG) payment of State or local tax assessed on the compensation of employees; and

(bb) the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is incurred; and

(II) shall not include—

(aa) the compensation of an individual employee in excess of $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the compensation is paid or the obligation to pay the compensation is incurred;

(bb) taxes imposed or withheld under chapters 21, 22, or 24 of title 26 during the applicable period;

(cc) any compensation of an employee whose principal place of residence is outside of the United States;

(dd) qualified sick leave wages for which a credit is allowed under section 7001 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116–127); or

(ee) qualified family leave wages for which a credit is allowed under section 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Public Law 116–127);

(ix) the term "veterans organization" means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(19) of title 26 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of title 26;

(x) the term "community development financial institution" has the meaning given the term in section 4702 of title 12); ⁵

(xi) the term "community financial institutions" means—

(I) a community development financial institution;

(II) a minority depository institution, as defined in section 308 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 1463 note);

(III) a development company that is certified under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.); and

(IV) an intermediary, as defined in subsection (m)(11);

(xii) the term "credit union" means a State credit union or a Federal credit union, as those terms are defined, respectively, in section 1752 of title 12;

(xiii) the term "seasonal employer" means an eligible recipient that—

(I) does not operate for more than 7 months in any calendar year; or

(II) during the preceding calendar year, had gross receipts for any 6 months of that year that were not more than 33.33 percent of the gross receipts of the employer for the other 6 months of that year;

(xiv) the term "housing cooperative" means a cooperative housing corporation (as defined in section 216(b) of title 26) that employs not more than 300 employees;

(xv) the term "destination marketing organization" means a nonprofit entity that is—

(I) an organization described in section 501(c) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title; or

(II) a State, or a political subdivision of a State (including any instrumentality of such entities)—

(aa) engaged in marketing and promoting communities and facilities to businesses and leisure travelers through a range of activities, including—

(AA) assisting with the location of meeting and convention sites;

(BB) providing travel information on area attractions, lodging accommodations, and restaurants;

(CC) providing maps; and

(DD) organizing group tours of local historical, recreational, and cultural attractions; or

(bb) that is engaged in, and derives the majority of the operating budget of the entity from revenue attributable to, providing live events;

(xvi) the terms "exchange", "issuer", and "security" have the meanings given those terms in section 78c(a) of this title; and

(xvii) the term "additional covered nonprofit entity"—

(I) means an organization described in any paragraph of section 501(c) of title 26, other than paragraph (3), (4), (6), or (19), and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title; and

(II) does not include any entity that, if the entity were a business concern, would be described in section 120.110 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or in any successor regulation or other related guidance or rule that may be issued by the Administrator) other than a business concern described in paragraph (a) or (k) of such section.

(B) Paycheck protection loans.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Administrator may guarantee covered loans under the same terms, conditions, and processes as a loan made under this subsection.

(C) Registration of loans.—Not later than 15 days after the date on which a loan is made under this paragraph, the Administration shall register the loan using the TIN (as defined in section 7701 of title 26) assigned to the borrower.

(D) Increased eligibility for certain small businesses and organizations.—

(i) In general.—During the covered period, in addition to small business concerns, any business concern, nonprofit organization, housing cooperative, veterans organization, or Tribal business concern described in section 657a(b)(2)(C) of this title shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if the business concern, nonprofit organization, housing cooperative, veterans organization, or Tribal business concern employs not more than the greater of—

(I) 500 employees; or

(II) if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administration for the industry in which the business concern, nonprofit organization, housing cooperative, veterans organization, or Tribal business concern operates.

(ii) Inclusion of sole proprietors, independent contractors, and eligible self-employed individuals.—

(I) In general.—During the covered period, individuals who operate under a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor and eligible self-employed individuals shall be eligible to receive a covered loan.

(II) Documentation.—An eligible self-employed individual, independent contractor, or sole proprietorship seeking a covered loan shall submit such documentation as determined necessary by the Administrator and the Secretary, to establish the applicant as eligible.

(iii) Business concerns with more than 1 physical location.—

(I) In general.—During the covered period, any business concern that employs not more than 500 employees per physical location of the business concern and that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 72 at the time of disbursal shall be eligible to receive a covered loan.

(II) Eligibility of news organizations.—

(aa) Definition.—In this subclause, the term "included business concern" means a business concern, including any station which broadcasts pursuant to a license granted by the Federal Communications Commission under title III of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) without regard for whether such a station is a concern as defined in section 121.105 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto—

(AA) that employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for the North American Industry Classification System code applicable to the business concern, per physical location of such business concern; or

(BB) any nonprofit organization or any organization otherwise subject to section 511(a)(2)(B) of title 26 that is a public broadcasting entity (as defined in section 397(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(11))).

(bb) Eligibility.—During the covered period, an included business concern shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if—

(AA) the included business concern is majority owned or controlled by a business concern that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 511110 or 5151 or, with respect to a public broadcasting entity (as defined in section 397(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 397(11))), has a trade or business that falls under such a code; and

(BB) the included business concern makes a good faith certification that proceeds of the loan will be used to support expenses at the component of the included business concern that produces or distributes locally focused or emergency information.

(III) Eligibility of certain organizations.—Subject to the provisions in this subparagraph, during the covered period—

(aa) a nonprofit organization shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if the nonprofit organization employs not more than 500 employees per physical location of the organization; and

(bb) an additional covered nonprofit entity and an organization that, but for subclauses (I)(dd) and (II)(dd) of clause (vii), would be eligible for a covered loan under clause (vii) shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if the entity or organization employs not more than 300 employees per physical location of the entity or organization.

(IV) Eligibility of internet publishing organizations.—A business concern or other organization that was not eligible to receive a covered loan the day before March 11, 2021, is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code of 519130, certifies in good faith as an Internet-only news publisher or Internet-only periodical publisher, and is engaged in the collection and distribution of local or regional and national news and information shall be eligible to receive a covered loan for the continued provision of news, information, content, or emergency information if—

(aa) the business concern or organization employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for that North American Industry Classification code, per physical location of the business concern or organization; and

(bb) the business concern or organization makes a good faith certification that proceeds of the loan will be used to support expenses at the component of the business concern or organization that supports local or regional news.

(iv) Waiver of affiliation rules.—During the covered period, the provisions applicable to affiliations under section 121.103 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, are waived with respect to eligibility for a covered loan for—

(I) any business concern with not more than 500 employees that, as of the date on which the covered loan is disbursed, is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 72;

(II) any business concern operating as a franchise that is assigned a franchise identifier code by the Administration;

(III) any business concern that receives financial assistance from a company licensed under section 681 of this title;

(IV)(aa) any business concern (including any station which broadcasts pursuant to a license granted by the Federal Communications Commission under title III of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) without regard for whether such a station is a concern as defined in section 121.105 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto) that employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for the North American Industry Classification System code applicable to the business concern, per physical location of such business concern and is majority owned or controlled by a business concern that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 511110 or 5151; or

(bb) any nonprofit organization that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 5151; and

(V) any business concern or other organization that was not eligible to receive a covered loan the day before March 11, 2021, is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code of 519130, certifies in good faith as an Internet-only news publisher or Internet-only periodical publisher, and is engaged in the collection and distribution of local or regional and national news and information, if the business concern or organization—

(aa) employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for that North American Industry Classification code, per physical location of the business concern or organization; and

(bb) is majority owned or controlled by a business concern or organization that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code of 519130.

(v) Employee.—For purposes of determining whether a business concern, nonprofit organization, veterans organization, or Tribal business concern described in section 657a(b)(2)(C) of this title employs not more than 500 employees under clause (i)(I), or for purposes of determining the number of employees of a housing cooperative or a business concern or organization made eligible for a loan under this paragraph under subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (iii), subclause (IV) or (V) of clause (iv), clause (vii), or clause (ix), the term "employee" includes individuals employed on a full-time, part-time, or other basis.

(vi) Affiliation.—The provisions applicable to affiliations under section 121.103 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, shall apply with respect to a nonprofit organization, a business concern or organization made eligible for a loan under this paragraph under clause (vii), a housing cooperative, and a veterans organization in the same manner as with respect to a small business concern.

(vii) Eligibility for certain 501(c)(6) organizations.—

(I) In general.—Any organization that is described in section 501(c)(6) of title 26 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such title (excluding professional sports leagues and organizations with the purpose of promoting or participating in a political campaign or other activity) shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if—

(aa) the organization does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from lobbying activities;

(bb) the lobbying activities of the organization do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total activities of the organization;

(cc) the cost of the lobbying activities of the organization did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the organization that ended prior to February 15, 2020; and

(dd) the organization employs not more than 300 employees.

(II) Destination marketing organizations.—Any destination marketing organization shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if—

(aa) the destination marketing organization does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from lobbying activities;

(bb) the lobbying activities of the destination marketing organization do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total activities of the organization;

(cc) the cost of the lobbying activities of the destination marketing organization did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the destination marketing organization that ended prior to February 15, 2020; and ⁶

(dd) the destination marketing organization employs not more than 300 employees; and

(ee) the destination marketing organization—

(AA) is described in section 501(c) of title 26 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such title; or

(BB) is a quasi-governmental entity or is a political subdivision of a State or local government, including any instrumentality of those entities.

(viii) Ineligibility of publicly-traded entities.—

(I) In general.—Subject to subclause (II), and notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, on and after December 27, 2020, an entity that is an issuer, the securities of which are listed on an exchange registered as a national securities exchange under section 78f of this title, shall be ineligible to receive a covered loan under this paragraph.

(II) Rule for affiliated entities.—With respect to a business concern or organization made eligible by subclause (II) or (IV) of clause (iii) or subclause (IV) or (V) of clause (iv) of this subparagraph, the Administrator shall not consider whether any affiliated entity, which for purposes of this subclause shall include any entity that owns or controls such business concern or organization, is an issuer.

(ix) Eligibility of additional covered nonprofit entities.—An additional covered nonprofit entity shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if—

(I) the additional covered nonprofit entity does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from lobbying activities;

(II) the lobbying activities of the additional covered nonprofit entity do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total activities of the organization;

(III) the cost of the lobbying activities of the additional covered nonprofit entity did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the additional covered nonprofit entity that ended prior to February 15, 2020; and

(IV) the additional covered nonprofit entity employs not more than 300 employees.

(E) Maximum loan amount.—Except as provided in subparagraph (V), during the covered period, with respect to a covered loan, the maximum loan amount shall be the lesser of—

(i)(I) the sum of—

(aa) the product obtained by multiplying—

(AA) the average total monthly payments by the applicant for payroll costs incurred during the 1-year period before the date on which the loan is made, except that an applicant that is a seasonal employer shall use the average total monthly payments for payroll for any 12-week period selected by the seasonal employer between February 15, 2019, and February 15, 2020; by

(BB) 2.5; and

(bb) the outstanding amount of a loan under subsection (b)(2) that was made during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on the date on which covered loans are made available to be refinanced under the covered loan; or

(II) if requested by an otherwise eligible recipient that was not in business during the period beginning on February 15, 2019 and ending on June 30, 2019, the sum of—

(aa) the product obtained by multiplying—

(AA) the average total monthly payments by the applicant for payroll costs incurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending on February 29, 2020; by

(BB) 2.5; and

(bb) the outstanding amount of a loan under subsection (b)(2) that was made during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on the date on which covered loans are made available to be refinanced under the covered loan; or

(ii) $10,000,000.

(F) Allowable uses of covered loans.—

(i) In general.—During the covered period, an eligible recipient may, in addition to the allowable uses of a loan made under this subsection, use the proceeds of the covered loan for—

(I) payroll costs;

(II) costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums;

(III) employee salaries, commissions, or similar compensations;

(IV) payments of interest on any mortgage obligation (which shall not include any prepayment of or payment of principal on a mortgage obligation);

(V) rent (including rent under a lease agreement);

(VI) utilities;

(VII) interest on any other debt obligations that were incurred before the covered period;

(VIII) covered operations expenditures, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title;

(IX) covered property damage costs, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title;

(X) covered supplier costs, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title; and

(XI) covered worker protection expenditures, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title.

(ii) Delegated authority.—

(I) In general.—For purposes of making covered loans for the purposes described in clause (i), a lender approved to make loans under this subsection shall be deemed to have been delegated authority by the Administrator to make and approve covered loans, subject to the provisions of this paragraph.

(II) Considerations.—In evaluating the eligibility of a borrower for a covered loan with the terms described in this paragraph, a lender shall consider whether the borrower—

(aa) was in operation on February 15, 2020; and

(bb)(AA) had employees for whom the borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes; or

(BB) paid independent contractors, as reported on a Form 1099–MISC.

(iii) Additional lenders.—The authority to make loans under this paragraph shall be extended to additional lenders determined by the Administrator and the Secretary of the Treasury to have the necessary qualifications to process, close, disburse and service loans made with the guarantee of the Administration.

(iv) Refinance.—A loan made under subsection (b)(2) during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on the date on which covered loans are made available may be refinanced as part of a covered loan.

(v) Nonrecourse.—Notwithstanding the waiver of the personal guarantee requirement or collateral under subparagraph (J), the Administrator shall have no recourse against any individual shareholder, member, or partner of an eligible recipient of a covered loan for nonpayment of any covered loan, except to the extent that such shareholder, member, or partner uses the covered loan proceeds for a purpose not authorized under clause (i) or (iv).

(vi) Prohibition.—None of the proceeds of a covered loan may be used for—

(I) lobbying activities, as defined in section 1602 of title 2;

(II) lobbying expenditures related to a State or local election; or

(III) expenditures designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before Congress or any State government, State legislature, or local legislature or legislative body.

(G) Borrower requirements.—

(i) ⁷ Certification.—An eligible recipient applying for a covered loan shall make a good faith certification—

(I) that the uncertainty of current economic conditions makes necessary the loan request to support the ongoing operations of the eligible recipient;

(II) acknowledging that funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments, and utility payments;

(III) that the eligible recipient does not have an application pending for a loan under this subsection for the same purpose and duplicative of amounts applied for or received under a covered loan; and

(IV) during the period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020, that the eligible recipient has not received amounts under this subsection for the same purpose and duplicative of amounts applied for or received under a covered loan.

(H) Fee waiver.—With respect to a covered loan—

(i) in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (23)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee; and

(ii) in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (18)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee.

(I) Credit elsewhere.—During the covered period, the requirement that a small business concern is unable to obtain credit elsewhere, as defined in section 632(h) of this title, shall not apply to a covered loan.

(J) Waiver of personal guarantee requirement.—With respect to a covered loan—

(i) no personal guarantee shall be required for the covered loan; and

(ii) no collateral shall be required for the covered loan.

(K) Maturity for loans with remaining balance after application of forgiveness.—With respect to a covered loan that has a remaining balance after reduction based on the loan forgiveness amount under section 636m of this title—

(i) the remaining balance shall continue to be guaranteed by the Administration under this subsection; and

(ii) the covered loan shall have a minimum maturity of 5 years and a maximum maturity of 10 years from the date on which the borrower applies for loan forgiveness under that section.

(L) Interest rate requirements.—A covered loan shall bear an interest rate not to exceed 4 percent, calculated on a non-compounding, non-adjustable basis.

(M) Loan deferment.—

(i) Definition of impacted borrower.—

(I) In general.—In this subparagraph, the term "impacted borrower" means an eligible recipient that—

(aa) is in operation on February 15, 2020; and

(bb) has an application for a covered loan that is approved or pending approval on or after March 27, 2020.

(II) Presumption.—For purposes of this subparagraph, an impacted borrower is presumed to have been adversely impacted by COVID–19.

(ii) Deferral.—The Administrator shall—

(I) consider each eligible recipient that applies for a covered loan to be an impacted borrower; and

(II) require lenders under this subsection to provide complete payment deferment relief for impacted borrowers with covered loans, including payment of principal, interest, and fees, until the date on which the amount of forgiveness determined under section 636m of this title is remitted to the lender.

(iii) Secondary market.—With respect to a covered loan that is sold on the secondary market, if an investor declines to approve a deferral requested by a lender under clause (ii), the Administrator shall exercise the authority to purchase the loan so that the impacted borrower may receive a deferral, including payment of principal, interest, and fees, until the date on which the amount of forgiveness determined under section 636m of this title is remitted to the lender.

(iv) Guidance.—Not later than 30 days after March 27, 2020, the Administrator shall provide guidance to lenders under this paragraph on the deferment process described in this subparagraph.

(v) Rule of construction.—If an eligible recipient fails to apply for forgiveness of a covered loan within 10 months after the last day of the covered period defined in section 636m(a) of this title, such eligible recipient shall make payments of principal, interest, and fees on such covered loan beginning on the day that is not earlier than the date that is 10 months after the last day of such covered period.

(N) Secondary market sales.—A covered loan shall be eligible to be sold in the secondary market consistent with this subsection. The Administrator may not collect any fee for any guarantee sold into the secondary market under this subparagraph.

(O) Regulatory capital requirements.—

(i) Risk weight.—With respect to the appropriate Federal banking agencies or the National Credit Union Administration Board applying capital requirements under their respective risk-based capital requirements, a covered loan shall receive a risk weight of zero percent.

(ii) Temporary relief from tdr disclosures.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an insured depository institution or an insured credit union that modifies a covered loan in relation to COVID–19-related difficulties in a troubled debt restructuring on or after March 13, 2020, shall not be required to comply with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 310–40 ("Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors") for purposes of compliance with the requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.), until such time and under such circumstances as the appropriate Federal banking agency or the National Credit Union Administration Board, as applicable, determines appropriate.

(P) Reimbursement for processing.—

(i) In general.—The Administrator shall reimburse a lender authorized to make a covered loan as follows:

(I) With respect to a covered loan made during the period beginning on March 27, 2020, and ending on the day before December 27, 2020, the Administrator shall reimburse such a lender at a rate, based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan, of—

(aa) 5 percent for loans of not more than $350,000;

(bb) 3 percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and

(cc) 1 percent for loans of not less than $2,000,000.

(II) With respect to a covered loan made on or after December 27, 2020, the Administrator shall reimburse such a lender—

(aa) for a covered loan of not more than $50,000, in an amount equal to the lesser of—

(AA) 50 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan; or

(BB) $2,500; and

(bb) at a rate, based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan, of—

(AA) 5 percent for a covered loan of more than $50,000 and not more than $350,000;

(BB) 3 percent for a covered loan of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and

(CC) 1 percent for a covered loan of not less than $2,000,000.

(ii) Fee limits.—An agent that assists an eligible recipient to prepare an application for a covered loan may not collect a fee in excess of the limits established by the Administrator. If an eligible recipient has knowingly retained an agent, such fees shall be paid by the eligible recipient and may not be paid out of the proceeds of a covered loan. A lender shall only be responsible for paying fees to an agent for services for which the lender directly contracts with the agent.

(iii) Timing.—A reimbursement described in clause (i) shall be made not later than 5 days after the reported disbursement of the covered loan and may not be required to be repaid by a lender unless the lender is found guilty of an act of fraud in connection with the covered loan.

(iv) Sense of the senate.—It is the sense of the Senate that the Administrator should issue guidance to lenders and agents to ensure that the processing and disbursement of covered loans prioritizes small business concerns and entities in underserved and rural markets, including veterans and members of the military community, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (as defined in section 637(d)(3)(C) of this title), women, and businesses in operation for less than 2 years.

(Q) Duplication.—Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a recipient of an economic injury disaster loan made under subsection (b)(2) that is for a purpose other than paying payroll costs and other obligations described in subparagraph (F) from receiving assistance under this paragraph.

(R) Waiver of prepayment penalty.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall be no prepayment penalty for any payment made on a covered loan.

(S) Set-aside for insured depository institutions, credit unions, and community financial institutions.—

(i) Insured depository institutions and credit unions.—In making loan guarantees under this paragraph after April 24, 2020, the Administrator shall guarantee not less than $30,000,000,000 in loans made by—

(I) insured depository institutions with consolidated assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 and less than $50,000,000,000; and

(II) credit unions with consolidated assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 and less than $50,000,000,000.

(ii) Community financial institutions, small insured depository institutions, and credit unions.—In making loan guarantees under this paragraph after April 24, 2020, the Administrator shall guarantee not less than $30,000,000,000 in loans made by—

(I) community financial institutions;

(II) insured depository institutions with consolidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000; and

(III) credit unions with consolidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000.

(T) Requirement for date in operation.—A business or organization that was not in operation on February 15, 2020 shall not be eligible for a loan under this paragraph.

(U) Exclusion of entities receiving shuttered venue operator grants.—An eligible person or entity (as defined under of ⁴ section 9009a of this title) that receives a grant under such section 9009a shall not be eligible for a loan under this paragraph.

(V) Calculation of maximum loan amount for farmers and ranchers.—

(i) Definition.—In this subparagraph, the term "covered recipient" means an eligible recipient that—

(I) operates as a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor, or is an eligible self-employed individual;

(II) reports farm income or expenses on a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor schedule); and

(III) was in business as of February 15, 2020.

(ii) No employees .—With respect to ⁸ covered recipient without employees, the maximum covered loan amount shall be the lesser of—

(I) the sum of—

(aa) the product obtained by multiplying—

(AA) the gross income of the covered recipient in 2019, as reported on a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor schedule), that is not more than $100,000, divided by 12; and

(BB) 2.5; and

(bb) the outstanding amount of a loan under subsection (b)(2) that was made during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on April 3, 2020 that the borrower intends to refinance under the covered loan, not including any amount of any advance under the loan that is not required to be repaid; or

(II) $2,000,000.

(iii) With employees.—With respect to a covered recipient with employees, the maximum covered loan amount shall be calculated using the formula described in subparagraph (E), except that the gross income of the covered recipient described in clause (ii)(I)(aa)(AA) of this subparagraph, as divided by 12, shall be added to the sum calculated under subparagraph (E)(i)(I).

(iv) Recalculation.—A lender that made a covered loan to a covered recipient before December 27, 2020 may, at the request of the covered recipient—

(I) recalculate the maximum loan amount applicable to that covered loan based on the formula described in clause (ii) or (iii), as applicable, if doing so would result in a larger covered loan amount; and

(II) provide the covered recipient with additional covered loan amounts based on that recalculation.

(W) Fraud enforcement harmonization.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any criminal charge or civil enforcement action alleging that a borrower engaged in fraud with respect to a covered loan guaranteed under this paragraph shall be filed not later than 10 years after the offense was committed.

(37) Paycheck protection program second draw loans.—

(A) Definitions.—In this paragraph—

(i) the terms "additional covered nonprofit entity", "eligible self-employed individual", "housing cooperative", "nonprofit organization", "payroll costs", "seasonal employer", and "veterans organization" have the meanings given those terms in paragraph (36), except that "eligible entity" shall be substituted for "eligible recipient" each place it appears in the definitions of those terms;

(ii) the term "covered loan" means a loan made under this paragraph;

(iii) the terms "covered mortgage obligation", "covered operating expenditure", "covered property damage cost", "covered rent obligation", "covered supplier cost", "covered utility payment", and "covered worker protection expenditure" have the meanings given those terms in section 636m(a) of this title;

(iv) the term "eligible entity"—

(I) means any business concern, nonprofit organization, housing cooperative, veterans organization, Tribal business concern, eligible self-employed individual, sole proprietor, independent contractor, or small agricultural cooperative that—

(aa) employs not more than 300 employees; and

(bb)(AA) except as provided in subitems (BB), (CC), and (DD), had gross receipts during the first, second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021, fourth quarter in 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the same quarter in 2019;

(BB) if the entity was not in business during the first or second quarter of 2019, but was in business during the third and fourth quarter of 2019, had gross receipts during the first, second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021, fourth quarter of 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the third or fourth quarter of 2019;

(CC) if the entity was not in business during the first, second, or third quarter of 2019, but was in business during the fourth quarter of 2019, had gross receipts during the first, second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021, fourth quarter of 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the fourth quarter of 2019; or

(DD) if the entity was not in business during 2019, but was in operation on February 15, 2020, had gross receipts during the second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021, fourth quarter of 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the first quarter of 2020;

(II) includes a business concern or organization made eligible for a loan under paragraph (36) under subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (iii), subclause (IV) or (V) of clause (iv), clause (vii), or clause (ix) of subparagraph (D) of paragraph (36) and that meets the requirements described in items (aa) and (bb) of subclause (I); and

(III) does not include—

(aa) any entity that is a type of business concern (or would be, if such entity were a business concern) described in section 120.110 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or in any successor regulation or other related guidance or rule that may be issued by the Administrator) other than a business concern described in subsection (a) or (k) of such section; or

(bb) any business concern or entity primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, which shall include any entity that is organized for research or for engaging in advocacy in areas such as public policy or political strategy or otherwise describes itself as a think tank in any public documents;

(cc) any business concern or entity—

(AA) for which an entity created in or organized under the laws of the People's Republic of China or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, or that has significant operations in the People's Republic of China or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, owns or holds, directly or indirectly, not less than 20 percent of the economic interest of the business concern or entity, including as equity shares or a capital or profit interest in a limited liability company or partnership; or

(BB) that retains, as a member of the board of directors of the business concern, a person who is a resident of the People's Republic of China;

(dd) any person required to submit a registration statement under section 612 of title 22; or

(ee) an eligible person or entity (as defined under section 9009a of this title) that receives a grant under such section 9009a; and

(v) the term "Tribal business concern" means a Tribal business concern described in section 657a(b)(2)(C) of this title.

(B) Loans.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Administrator may guarantee covered loans to eligible entities under the same terms, conditions, and processes as a loan made under paragraph (36).

(C) Maximum loan amount.—

(i) In general.—Except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, the maximum amount of a covered loan made to an eligible entity is the lesser of—

(I) the product obtained by multiplying—

(aa) at the election of the eligible entity, the average total monthly payment for payroll costs incurred or paid by the eligible entity during—

(AA) the 1-year period before the date on which the loan is made; or

(BB) calendar year 2019; by

(bb) 2.5; or

(II) $2,000,000.

(ii) Seasonal employers.—The maximum amount of a covered loan made to an eligible entity that is a seasonal employer is the lesser of—

(I) the product obtained by multiplying—

(aa) at the election of the eligible entity, the average total monthly payments for payroll costs incurred or paid by the eligible entity for any 12-week period between February 15, 2019 and February 15, 2020; by

(bb) 2.5; or

(II) $2,000,000.

(iii) New entities.—The maximum amount of a covered loan made to an eligible entity that did not exist during the 1-year period preceding February 15, 2020 is the lesser of—

(I) the product obtained by multiplying—

(aa) the quotient obtained by dividing—

(AA) the sum of the total monthly payments by the eligible entity for payroll costs paid or incurred by the eligible entity as of the date on which the eligible entity applies for the covered loan; by

(BB) the number of months in which those payroll costs were paid or incurred; by

(bb) 2.5; or

(II) $2,000,000.

(iv) NAICS 72 entities.—The maximum amount of a covered loan made to an eligible entity that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 72 at the time of disbursal is the lesser of—

(I) the product obtained by multiplying—

(aa) at the election of the eligible entity, the average total monthly payment for payroll costs incurred or paid by the eligible entity during—

(AA) the 1-year period before the date on which the loan is made; or

(BB) calendar year 2019; by

(bb) 3.5; or

(II) $2,000,000.

(D) Business concerns with more than 1 physical location.—

(i) In general.—For a business concern with more than 1 physical location, the business concern shall be an eligible entity if the business concern would be eligible for a loan under paragraph (36) pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (D) of such paragraph, as applied in accordance with clause (ii) of this subparagraph, and meets the revenue reduction requirements described in item (bb) of subparagraph (A)(iv)(I).

(ii) Size limit.—For purposes of applying clause (i), the Administrator shall substitute "not more than 300 employees" for "not more than 500 employees" in paragraph (36)(D)(iii).

(E) Waiver of affiliation rules.—

(i) In general.—The waiver described in paragraph (36)(D)(iv) shall apply for purposes of determining eligibility under this paragraph.

(ii) Size limit.—For purposes of applying clause (i), the Administrator shall substitute "not more than 300 employees" for "not more than 500 employees" in subclause (I) and (IV) of paragraph (36)(D)(iv).

(F) Loan number limitation.—An eligible entity may only receive 1 covered loan.

(G) Exception from certain certification requirements.—An eligible entity applying for a covered loan shall not be required to make the certification described in clause (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (36)(G).

(H) Fee waiver.—With respect to a covered loan—

(i) in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (23)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee; and

(ii) in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (18)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee.

(I) Gross receipts and simplified certification of revenue test.—

(i) Loans of up to $150,000.—For a covered loan of not more than $150,000, the eligible entity—

(I) may submit a certification attesting that the eligible entity meets the applicable revenue loss requirement under subparagraph (A)(iv)(I)(bb); and

(II) if the eligible entity submits a certification under subclause (I), shall, on or before the date on which the eligible entity submits an application for forgiveness under subparagraph (J), produce adequate documentation that the eligible entity met such revenue loss standard.

(ii) For nonprofit and veterans organizations.—For purposes of calculating gross receipts under subparagraph (A)(iv)(I)(bb) for an eligible entity that is a nonprofit organization, a veterans organization, or an organization described in subparagraph (A)(iv)(II), gross receipts means gross receipts within the meaning of section 6033 of title 26.

(J) Loan forgiveness.—

(i) Definition of covered period.—In this subparagraph, the term "covered period" has the meaning given that term in section 636m(a) of this title.

(ii) Forgiveness generally.—Except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, an eligible entity shall be eligible for forgiveness of indebtedness on a covered loan in the same manner as an eligible recipient with respect to a loan made under paragraph (36) of this section, as described in section 636m of this title.

(iii) Forgiveness amount.—An eligible entity shall be eligible for forgiveness of indebtedness on a covered loan in an amount equal to the sum of the following costs incurred or expenditures made during the covered period:

(I) Payroll costs, excluding any payroll costs that are—

(aa) qualified wages, as defined in subsection (c)(3) of section 2301 of the CARES Act (26 U.S.C. 3111 note), taken into account in determining the credit allowed under such section;

(bb) qualified wages taken into account in determining the credit allowed under subsection (a) or (d) of section 303 of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2020; or

(cc) premiums taken into account in determining the credit allowed under section 6432 of title 26.

(II) Any payment of interest on any covered mortgage obligation (which shall not include any prepayment of or payment of principal on a covered mortgage obligation).

(III) Any covered operations expenditure.

(IV) Any covered property damage cost.

(V) Any payment on any covered rent obligation.

(VI) Any covered utility payment.

(VII) Any covered supplier cost.

(VIII) Any covered worker protection expenditure.

(iv) Limitation on forgiveness for all eligible entities.—Subject to any reductions under section 636m(d) of this title, the forgiveness amount under this subparagraph shall be equal to the lesser of—

(I) the amount described in clause (ii); and

(II) the amount equal to the quotient obtained by dividing—

(aa) the amount of the covered loan used for payroll costs during the covered period; and

(bb) 0.60.

(v) Submission of materials for forgiveness.—For purposes of applying subsection (l)(1) of section 636m of this title to a covered loan of not more than $150,000 under this paragraph, an eligible entity may be required to provide, at the time of the application for forgiveness, documentation required to substantiate revenue loss in accordance with subparagraph (I).

(K) Lender eligibility.—Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, a lender approved to make loans under paragraph (36) may make covered loans under the same terms and conditions as in paragraph (36).

(L) Reimbursement for loan processing and servicing.—The Administrator shall reimburse a lender authorized to make a covered loan—

(i) for a covered loan of not more than $50,000, in an amount equal to the lesser of—

(I) 50 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan; or

(II) $2,500;

(ii) at a rate, based on the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan, of—

(I) 5 percent for a covered loan of more than $50,000 and not more than $350,000; and

(II) 3 percent for a covered loan of more than $350,000.

(M) Publication of guidance.—Not later than 10 days after December 27, 2020, the Administrator shall issue guidance addressing barriers to accessing capital for minority, underserved, veteran, and women-owned business concerns for the purpose of ensuring equitable access to covered loans.

(N) Standard operating procedure.—The Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, allow a lender approved to make covered loans to use existing program guidance and standard operating procedures for loans made under this subsection.

(O) Supplemental covered loans.—A covered loan under this paragraph may only be made to an eligible entity that—

(i) has received a loan under paragraph (36); and

(ii) on or before the expected date on which the covered loan under this paragraph is disbursed to the eligible entity, has used, or will use, the full amount of the loan received under paragraph (36).

(P) Fraud enforcement harmonization.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any criminal charge or civil enforcement action alleging that a borrower engaged in fraud with respect to a covered loan guaranteed under this paragraph shall be filed not later than 10 years after the offense was committed.

(b) Disaster loans; authorization, scope, terms and conditions, etc.

Except as to agricultural enterprises as defined in section 647(b)(1) of this title, the Administration also is empowered to the extent and in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts—

(1)(A) to make such loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred (guaranteed) basis) as the Administration may determine to be necessary or appropriate to repair, rehabilitate or replace property, real or personal, damaged or destroyed by or as a result of natural or other disasters: Provided, That such damage or destruction is not compensated for by insurance or otherwise: And provided further, That the Administration may increase the amount of the loan by up to an additional 20 per centum of the aggregate costs of such damage or destruction (whether or not compensated for by insurance or otherwise) if it determines such increase to be necessary or appropriate in order to protect the damaged or destroyed property from possible future disasters by taking mitigating measures, including—

(i) construction of retaining walls and sea walls;

(ii) grading and contouring land; and

(iii) relocating utilities and modifying structures, including construction of a safe room or similar storm shelter designed to protect property and occupants from tornadoes or other natural disasters, if such safe room or similar storm shelter is constructed in accordance with applicable standards issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

(B) to refinance any mortgage or other lien against a totally destroyed or substantially damaged home or business concern: Provided, That no loan or guarantee shall be extended unless the Administration finds that (i) the applicant is not able to obtain credit elsewhere; (ii) such property is to be repaired, rehabilitated, or replaced; (iii) the amount refinanced s