[December 22, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 245)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua031044.wais] [Page 73810-73818] Small Business Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part XLIV ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 73810]] SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA) _______________________________________________________________________ SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 13 CFR Ch. I Improving Government Regulations; Semiannual Regulatory Agenda AGENCY: Small Business Administration (SBA). ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: The entries below represent SBA's 49th semiannual regulatory agenda (agenda). SBA drafted the agenda to meet both the criteria and the spirit of the regulatory review process. SBA publishes this agenda pursuant to Executive Order 12866 and the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information on agenda items, SBA encourages the public to contact the individual agency official referenced in each entry. For information concerning SBA's overall Regulatory Review and Development Program or general semiannual agenda questions, contact Martin S. Conrey, Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Appropriations, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416, (202) 619-0638. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SBA's semiannual regulatory agenda is designed to increase public knowledge of SBA's anticipated regulatory activities. Publication may encourage increased public participation in the regulatory review and development process. SBA's agenda is divided into three parts: Part I, Proposed Rules (includes those rules that are likely to be proposed during the next 12 months); part II, Final Rules (includes proposed rules that will probably be finalized during the agenda period); part III, Completed Actions (includes regulations completed or withdrawn and any reviews completed since the preceding agenda). Publication of the agenda does not impose any binding obligation on SBA with regard to any specific item. Moreover, regulatory actions not listed in the agenda are not precluded. SBA regulations are developed in a manner that promotes economic growth without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on the public. For this edition of SBA's regulatory agenda, the most important significant regulatory actions are included in The Regulatory Plan, which appears in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. The Regulatory Plan entries are listed in the table of contents below and are denoted by a bracketed bold reference, which directs the reader to the appropriate sequence number in part II. Hector V. Barreto, Administrator. Small Business Administration--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3826 Surety Bond Guarantee............................................................... 3245--AE13 3827 HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program............................................. 3245--AE66 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Small Business Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3828 Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Small Business 3245--AC96 Administration...................................................................... 3829 Disclosure of Information Regulations; Subpart B.................................... 3245--AE03 3830 Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Program Revisions......................... 3245--AE05 3831 Small Business Lending Companies Regulations (Reg Plan Seq No. 136)................. 3245--AE14 3832 8(a) Business Development/Program Improvement....................................... 3245--AE38 3833 SDB Certification and Eligibility--Program Improvement.............................. 3245--AE47 3834 Small Business Investment Companies--Civil Penalties for Late Submission of Required 3245--AE69 Reports............................................................................. 3835 Small Business Investment Companies--Amendment Under the Small Business 3245--AE70 Reauthorization Act of 2000......................................................... 3836 Small Business Investment Companies--Maximum Leverage Eligibility................... 3245--AE79 3837 Small Business Size Standards; Surety Bond Guarantee Program........................ 3245--AE81 3838 Business Loans and Development Company Loans; Applications by Certified Development 3245--AE83 Companies (CDCs) for Liquidation and Litigation Authority/Uniform Liquidation and Litigation Procedures............................................................... 3839 Small Business Size Standards; New Car Dealers...................................... 3245--AF01 3840 Surety Bond Guarantee Program--Procedural Changes for Payment of Fees............... 3245--AF10 3841 Small Business Size Standards; Restructuring of Size Standards (Reg Plan Seq No. 3245--AF11 137)................................................................................ 3842 Small Business Government Contracting Programs...................................... 3245--AF12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. [[Page 73811]] Small Business Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3843 Administrative Wage Garnishment and Administrative Offset........................... 3245--AE50 3844 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 3245--AE61 Requirements for Drug--Free Workplace (Grants)...................................... 3845 Small Business Size Regulations; Small Business Innovation Research Program......... 3245--AE76 3846 Small Business Size Standards; Testing Laboratories................................. 3245--AE78 3847 Small Business Size Standards; Information Technology Value Added Resellers......... 3245--AE80 3848 Small Business Size Regulations: Rules of Procedure Governing Cases Before the 3245--AE92 Office of Hearings and Appeals...................................................... 3849 Small Business Technology Transfer Program Policy Directive......................... 3245--AE96 3850 Size for Purposes of the Multiple Award Schedule and Other Multiple Award Contracts; 3245--AF06 Small Business Size Regulations; 8(a) Business Development/Small Disadvantaged Business Status Determinations...................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Small Business Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3851 Development Company Loan (504) Program Changes...................................... 3245--AE41 3852 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Handicap, and Age in 3245--AE59 Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance....................... 3853 Business Loans and Development Company Loans 2000 Act Changes....................... 3245--AE68 3854 Small Business Size Standards; Forest Fire Suppression and Fuels Management Services 3245--AE89 3855 Record Disclosure and Privacy; The Electronic Freedom of Information Act Amendments 3245--AE94 of 1996............................................................................. 3856 Small Business Size Standards; Facilities Support Services (Including Base 3245--AF03 Maintenance)........................................................................ 3857 Prime Contracting Assistance; Contract Bundling..................................... 3245--AF07 3858 Small Business Investment Company Amendments Act of 2001............................ 3245--AF09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Small Business Administration (SBA) Prerule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3826. SURETY BOND GUARANTEE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 USC app 3; 15 USC 687b; 15 USC 694b; PL 105--135; 15 USC 687c; 15 USC 694a CFR Citation: 13 CFR 115 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: SBA is considering revising the Preferred Surety Bond and the Prior Approval program regulations to simplify the language, make the rule easier to understand, and clarify policy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ms. Johnnie L. Albertson, AA, Office of Surety Guarantees, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6540 RIN: 3245-AE13 _______________________________________________________________________ 3827. HUBZONE EMPOWERMENT CONTRACTING PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a); 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 637(a); 15 USC 644(c); 15 USC 662(5); PL 105--135, sec 601 et seq, 111 Stat 2592; sec 304, PL 103--403, 108 Stat 4175, 4188 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121; 13 CFR 125; 13 CFR 126 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The SBA proposed to amend its regulations for the HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program to incorporate changes enacted by Public Law 106--554. SBA has withdrawn the proposed rule on the HUBZone Program. SBA received over 1100 comments on the proposed rule and in reviewing those comments, felt several of them were significant enough to warrant further consideration. Internally, SBA also found some other issues that we believe required further study. The Agency does intend to publish an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to address each of these issues. However, this action is currently pending because of the major potential changes the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2003 could make to the HUBZone Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/28/02 67 FR 3826 NPRM Comment Period Extended 02/26/02 67 FR 8739 NPRM Comment Period End 02/27/02 NPRM Comment Period End 03/29/02 ANPRM 05/00/04 [[Page 73812]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael P. McHale, Associate Administrator for HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6731 RIN: 3245-AE66 _______________________________________________________________________ Small Business Administration (SBA) Proposed Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3828. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 684; 15 USC 637(a)(18); 15 USC 637(a)(19); EO 12674 CFR Citation: 5 CFR 5400 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The SBA and the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) are jointly issuing this rule, which is designed to establish uniform standards of ethical conduct for the officers and employees of the SBA. The rule will be published at 5 CFR chapter XLIV and will supplement the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the executive branch issued by the OGE (57 FR 35006; August 7, 1992). The rule is necessary to supplement the standards issued by OGE because it addresses ethical issues that are unique to SBA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robinson S. Nunn, Chief Counsel for Ethics, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6642 RIN: 3245-AC96 _______________________________________________________________________ 3829. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION REGULATIONS; SUBPART B Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 104--231; 5 USC 552 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 102 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed regulation will amend 13 CFR 102, amendments to subpart B ``The Privacy Act'' (PA). This action proposes to add new routine disclosures, correct the definition of ``system of records,'' require identification of requestors, clarify when lack of social security number can cause benefit denial, and provide for one free copy of an official personnel file. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Lisa Babcock, Chief, Freedom of Information Act Office, Small Business Administration, Room 2441, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 401--8200 Fax: 202 205--7059 Email: lisa.babcock@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE03 _______________________________________________________________________ 3830. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (SBDC) PROGRAM REVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 648 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 130 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: SBA is revising its SBDC regulations to reflect statutory and other changes. The proposed regulation incorporates provisions from Public Law 103--403, enacted on October 22, 1994; Public Law 104--208, enacted on September 30, 1996; and Public Law 105--135, enacted on December 2, 1997. This regulation will bring SBA into compliance with the statutory requirements for due process procedures in termination of Small Business Development lead centers. In addition, the funding formulas will be updated and the use of appropriated funds for administration of the program will be aligned with the statutory requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Bridget E. Bean, Acting AA/SBDC, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6766 RIN: 3245-AE05 _______________________________________________________________________ 3831. SMALL BUSINESS LENDING COMPANIES REGULATIONS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 136 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 3245-AE14 _______________________________________________________________________ 3832. 8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 631 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 124 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will make program improvements to the 8(a) regulations. Among other things, the rule will clarify: The mentor/ protege program, who will be considered socially disadvantaged, who will be considered economically disadvantaged, and the provision requiring firms to make substantial and sustained efforts to attain the targeted levels of non--8(a) revenue established in their business plans as it applies only to firms in the developmental stage of program participation. The rule will also give SBA the discretion to permit a disadvantaged individual to meet the full--time devotion requirement and [[Page 73813]] prohibit tribes from being majority owner of more than one 8(a) concern in the same or similar line of business. The rule will set forth the procedures for terminations and early graduations and amend the rules governing Federal surplus property. The rule will clarify what criteria an 8(a) participant must meet in order to be considered eligible for a sole source 8(a) contract. Part 124 will also be amended to include certain new policies and procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eugene Cornelius Jr., Associate Administrator for Business Development, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6452 Email: eugene.cornelius@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE38 _______________________________________________________________________ 3833. SDB CERTIFICATION AND ELIGIBILITY--PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 636(j); 15 USC 637(a); 15 USC 637(d); PL 99--661; PL 100--656, sec 1207; PL 101--37; PL 101--574; 42 USC 9815 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 124; 13 CFR 134 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Program improvements to clarify regulations governing the SDB program. The proposed changes clarify requirements, enhance customer service, and correct omissions. For example: A procedure for recertifying eligible firms is established; provisions are made to prevent loss of SDB certification by a subcontractor following award of a contract; and stipulations are made requiring contracting officers to forward protests to SBA for determination of merit. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eugene Cornelius Jr., Associate Administrator for Business Development, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6452 Email: eugene.cornelius@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE47 _______________________________________________________________________ 3834. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES--CIVIL PENALTIES FOR LATE SUBMISSION OF REQUIRED REPORTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 681 et seq; 15 USC 683; 15 USC 687(c); 15 USC 687b; 15 USC 687d; 15 USC 687g; 15 USC 687m; 15 USC 662 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 107 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will provide for the imposition of civil penalties on small business investment companies that fail to file required reports by the applicable due date. The proposed amount of civil penalties are, for each day past the due date, it must pay to SBA $100.00 per day per report. The civil penalties will continue to accrue until and including the date upon which it submits the complete and accurate report. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Pierson, Associate Administrator for Investment, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Suite 6300, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6510 Fax: 202 205--6959 RIN: 3245-AE69 _______________________________________________________________________ 3835. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES--AMENDMENT UNDER THE SMALL BUSINESS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2000 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 681 et seq; 15 USC 683; 15 USC 687(c); 15 USC 687b; 15 USC 687d; 15 USC 687g; 15 USC 687m; PL 106--554 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 107 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 made a number of changes to the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended. For the Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC) Program, the changes include provisions effecting the definition of ``long--term financing.'' This rule will incorporate this change. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Pierson, Associate Administrator for Investment, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Suite 6300, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6510 Fax: 202 205--6959 RIN: 3245-AE70 _______________________________________________________________________ 3836. SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANIES--MAXIMUM LEVERAGE ELIGIBILITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 662; 15 USC 681 et seq; 15 USC 683; 15 USC 687(c); 15 USC 687b; 15 USC 687d; 15 USC 687g; 15 USC 687m CFR Citation: 13 CFR 107 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will implement a provision of the New Markets Venture Capital Program Act of 2000 that allows small business investment companies to be eligible for additional Government leverage based on their investments in low--income areas. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeffrey D. Pierson, Associate Administrator for Investment, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Suite 6300, Washington, DC 20416 [[Page 73814]] Phone: 202 205--6510 Fax: 202 205--6959 RIN: 3245-AE79 _______________________________________________________________________ 3837. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; SURETY BOND GUARANTEE PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will revise the size standard applicable to construction and service companies seeking assistance under SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee Program. Changes in the program and economic trends support an increase above the current $6 million size standard. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson, AA/Size Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE81 _______________________________________________________________________ 3838. BUSINESS LOANS AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LOANS; APPLICATIONS BY CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANIES (CDCS) FOR LIQUIDATION AND LITIGATION AUTHORITY/UNIFORM LIQUIDATION AND LITIGATION PROCEDURES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 636(a); 15 USC 636(h); 15 USC 697(a)(2) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 120 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would implement statutory provisions that give some Certified Development Companies (CDCs) authority to handle liquidation and litigation of loans that are funded with the proceeds of debentures guaranteed by the SBA under the 504 loan program. It also proposes uniform liquidation and litigation procedures for authorized CDCs and for lenders participating in the 7(a) business loan program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Walter C. Intlekofer, Director, Portfolio Managment Division, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--7543 Email: walter.intlekofer@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE83 _______________________________________________________________________ 3839. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; NEW CAR DEALERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to increase the current size standard for the New Car Dealer industry. Changes in the industry over the last 10 years indicate that a size standard review of the current $24.5 million is warranted. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson, AA/Size Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AF01 _______________________________________________________________________ 3840. [bull] SURETY BOND GUARANTEE PROGRAM--PROCEDURAL CHANGES FOR PAYMENT OF FEES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC app 3; 15 USC 687(b); 15 USC 694(b); 15 USC 687(c); 15 USC 694 (a); PL 105--135 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 115 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: SBA is revising its Surety Bond Guarantee Program regulations to change the procedures for the payment of the Principal's and the Surety's fees. Currently, the Principal pays its fee to SBA directly, but the proposed regulations would require the Surety to pay the Principal's fee to SBA. An additional change would require the Surety to pay SBA its fee within a specified timeframe. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ms. Johnnie L. Albertson, AA, Office of Surety Guarantees, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6540 RIN: 3245-AF10 _______________________________________________________________________ 3841. [bull] SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; RESTRUCTURING OF SIZE STANDARDS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 137 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 3245-AF11 _______________________________________________________________________ 3842. [bull] SMALL BUSINESS GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING PROGRAMS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 637; 15 USC 644; 31 USC 9701; 31 USC 9702 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 125 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to amend its regulation governing small business subcontracting assistance. As proposed, the rule would implement additional subcontracting goals required by statute, clarify prime contractor responsibilities in providing subcontracting opportunities for small businesses, and provide additional guidance on evaluating the good faith efforts of large businesses to comply with subcontracting plans. [[Page 73815]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/20/03 68 FR 60015 NPRM Comment Period End 12/19/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dean Robert Koppel, Assistant Administrator, Policy and Research, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--7322 Email: dean.koppel@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AF12 _______________________________________________________________________ Small Business Administration (SBA) Final Rule Stage _______________________________________________________________________ 3843. ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE GARNISHMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFSET Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 504; 15 USC 632; 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 637(a); 31 USC 3711; 31 USC 3720; 31 USC 3716 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 134; 13 CFR 140 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: SBA is issuing a rule adopting administrative wage garnishment and administrative offset regulations to implement the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. The rule will allow SBA to garnish the wages of a person indebted to the United States for any non--tax debt without first obtaining a judgment. The debtor generally will be entitled to a hearing before an appropriate official. This rule will also include administrative offset and other remedies to comply with Treasury directives. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/27/00 65 FR 39567 NPRM Comment Period End 08/28/00 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: James W. Hammersley, Director, Office of Loan Policy, Small Business Administration, 8th Floor, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6490 RIN: 3245-AE50 _______________________________________________________________________ 3844. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG--FREE WORKPLACE (GRANTS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: EO 12549 (3 CFR, 1986 Comp, p 189); EO 11738 (3 CFR, 1973 Comp, p 799); EO 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp, p 235); Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, sec 5151 to 5160; PL 100--690, title V, subtitle D; 41 USC 701 et seq; 15 USC 634(b)(6); 5 USC 301 et seq; 15 USC 631 et seq; PL 103--355, sec 2455, 108 Stat 3327 (31 USC 6160 note) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 145 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will make substantive changes and amendments to the Governmentwide nonprocurement common rule for debarment and suspension and the Governmentwide rule for implementing the Drug--Free Workplace Act of 1988. For example, this rule will: (1) provide for optional lower tier suspension and debarment coverage by including paragraph 145.220(d) for all contracts that equal or exceed the $25,000 award threshold under SBA nonprocurement transactions; (2) limit the mandatory lower tier application of an exclusion to the first procurement level under a nonprocurement covered transaction; (3) set the dollar threshold on prohibited lower tier procurement transactions with excluded persons at $25,000; and (4) separate this proposed rule from the drug--free workplace requirements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/23/02 67 FR 3266 NPRM Comment Period End 03/25/02 Final Rule 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Darryl Hairiston, Assistant Administrator, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6412 Email: darryl.hairiston@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE61 _______________________________________________________________________ 3845. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS; SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will allow wholly owned subsidiaries to be eligible for Small Business Innovation Research funding agreements. Current regulations limit the eligibility of the program to businesses owned by individuals. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/04/03 68 FR 33142 NPRM Comment Period End 07/07/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson, AA/Size Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE76 [[Page 73816]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3846. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; TESTING LABORATORIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule revises the size standard for the Testing Laboratories industry. Changes in the composition of the industry indicate a higher size standard than $6 million is warranted to define which businesses are small businesses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/09/02 67 FR 17020 NPRM Comment Period End 05/10/02 NPRM Comment Period Extended 09/03/02 67 FR 56966 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson, AA/Size Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE78 _______________________________________________________________________ 3847. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY VALUE ADDED RESELLERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will establish a size standard for Information Technology (IT) Value Added Resellers. Current regulations apply the same eligibility requirements to these types of businesses as for dealers and nonmanufacturers. To establish more appropriate eligibility requirements for IT Value Added Resellers, a new industry category and size standard will be established. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/24/02 67 FR 48419 NPRM Comment Period End 08/23/02 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson, AA/Size Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE80 _______________________________________________________________________ 3848. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS: RULES OF PROCEDURE GOVERNING CASES BEFORE THE OFFICE OF HEARINGS AND APPEALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 105--135, sec 601 et seq, 111 Stat 2592; 15 USC 632(a); 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 637(a); 15 USC 644(c); 15 USC 662(5); PL 102--486, 106 Stat 2776, 3133 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will amend SBA's Small Business Size Regulations and the regulations applying to appeals of size determinations. The rule will further amend the definitions of affiliation, annual receipts, and employees. It will also make procedural and technical changes to cover additional programs such as SBA's HUBZone program and the Governmentwide Small Disadvantaged Business Program. This rule will codify several long--standing precedents of SBA's Office of Hearing and Appeals and will clarify the jurisdiction of that office. Further, the rule will amend all references in part 134 from the Standard Industrial Classification code to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code because on October 1, 2000, SBA converted to NAICS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/22/02 67 FR 70339 NPRM Comment Period End 01/21/03 Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal Agency Contact: Linda Williams, AA, Office of Policy, Planning, and Liaison, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 401--8150 Fax: 202 205--6390 RIN: 3245-AE92 _______________________________________________________________________ 3849. SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER PROGRAM POLICY DIRECTIVE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 638 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This policy directive will incorporate recently enacted statutory requirements. The purpose of the directive is to provide guidance to participating Federal agencies for the general conduct of the Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Proposed Policy Directive 06/16/03 68 FR 35748 Comment Period End 07/16/03 Final Action 11/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Maurice Swinton, Assistant Administrator for Technology, Small Business Administration, Office of Government Contracting/Business Development, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--6450 RIN: 3245-AE96 _______________________________________________________________________ 3850. SIZE FOR PURPOSES OF THE MULTIPLE AWARD SCHEDULE AND OTHER MULTIPLE AWARD CONTRACTS; SMALL BUSINESS SIZE REGULATIONS; 8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/SMALL DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS STATUS DETERMINATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a); 15 USC 634(b)(6) CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 [[Page 73817]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will amend SBA's small business size regulations as it relates to the General Services Administration's Multiple Award Schedule Program, including the Federal Supply Schedule, multiple award contracts, including Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/25/03 68 FR 20350 NPRM Comment Period End 06/24/03 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Linda Williams, AA, Office of Policy, Planning, and Liaison, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 401--8150 Fax: 202 205--6390 RIN: 3245-AF06 _______________________________________________________________________ Small Business Administration (SBA) Completed Actions _______________________________________________________________________ 3851. DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LOAN (504) PROGRAM CHANGES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. CFR Citation: 13 CFR 120 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/08/03 68 FR 40553 Final Action 10/07/03 68 FR 57960 Final Action Effective 11/06/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Gail Hepler Phone: 202 653--7530 RIN: 3245-AE41 _______________________________________________________________________ 3852. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, HANDICAP, AND AGE IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 13 CFR 112; 13 CFR 113; 13 CFR 117 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 08/26/03 68 FR 51334 Final Action Effective 09/25/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: L. Rose Trujillo Phone: 202 205--6750 RIN: 3245-AE59 _______________________________________________________________________ 3853. BUSINESS LOANS AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LOANS 2000 ACT CHANGES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 13 CFR 120 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 08/28/03 68 FR 51677 Direct Final Rule Comment Period End 09/29/03 Direct Final Rule Effective 10/14/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: James W. Hammersley Phone: 202 205--6490 RIN: 3245-AE68 _______________________________________________________________________ 3854. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; FOREST FIRE SUPPRESSION AND FUELS MANAGEMENT SERVICES Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 06/04/03 68 FR 33348 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE89 _______________________________________________________________________ 3855. RECORD DISCLOSURE AND PRIVACY; THE ELECTRONIC FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant CFR Citation: 13 CFR 102, subpart A Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/14/03 68 FR 59091 Final Action Effective 11/14/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lisa Babcock Phone: 202 401--8200 Fax: 202 205--7059 Email: lisa.babcock@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AE94 _______________________________________________________________________ 3856. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; FACILITIES SUPPORT SERVICES (INCLUDING BASE MAINTENANCE) Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 13 CFR 121 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/15/03 68 FR 59309 Final Action Effective 11/14/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson Phone: 202 205--6618 Fax: 202 205--6390 Email: gary.jackson@sba.gov RIN: 3245-AF03 [[Page 73818]] _______________________________________________________________________ 3857. PRIME CONTRACTING ASSISTANCE; CONTRACT BUNDLING Priority: Other Significant CFR Citation: 13 CFR 125 Completed: ________________________________________________________________________ Reason Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 10/20/03 68 FR 60006 Final Action Effective 11/19/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Linda Williams Phone: 202 401--8150 Fax: 202 205--6390 RIN: 3245-AF07 _______________________________________________________________________ 3858. [bull] SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT COMPANY AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2001 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 636(a) and (h); 15 USC 696(3); 15 USC 697 (a)(2); PL 107--100 CFR Citation: 13 CFR 120 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This direct final rule incorporates changes to the regulations as required by the Small Business Investment Company Amendments Act of 2001. The 2001 Act contained two provisions that temporarily reduced 7(a) program fees for a 2--year period (from 10/1/ 02 through 9/30/04). Thus, it temporarily reduces the guarantee fee and the ongoing annual service fee payable to SBA by participation lenders in SBA's 7(a) business loan program. This direct final rule will incorporate these statutory, temporary reduced fee provisions into SBA regulations. No other amendments are made by this action. These fee provisions have already been publicized to borrowers and lenders through an SBA Information Notice. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 10/01/03 68 FR 56553 Direct Final Rule Comment Period End 10/31/03 Direct Final Rule Effective 11/17/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andrew B. McConnell Jr., Chief, Office of Financial Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, SW, Washington, DC 20416 Phone: 202 205--7238 RIN: 3245-AF09 [FR Doc. 03-24025 Filed 12-19-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-S