Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) OSDBU is a resource for small businesses seeking information concerning the rules and regulations regarding all federal agencies and their relationships with the small business community.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) — Key Points for Small Business
Central Contact Point:
SBREFA requires federal agencies to make currently existing pamphlets, handbooks, and other compliance materials available to small businesses through a central source. At the Department of Energy (DOE), your central contact point is the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).
Compliance Guides for New Regulations:
For many new regulations issued after June 28, 1996, SBREFA requires agencies to write compliance guides that explain in plain language what the new regulations require. The guides are available through OSDBU, the Regional Offices, and the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (for the one nearest you, call SBA at (800) 827-5722).
SBA Ombudsman requires enforcement agencies to establish a small business non-retaliation policy. DOE’s non-retaliation is as follows:
In accordance with the provisions of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), the Small Business Administration requires that each Federal agency draft a policy that an agency will not retaliate against small businesses that question or complain about the business practices conducted by said agency.
If a small business has any questions or lodges a complaint regarding a DOE policy or pursues action against this agency. The DOE will not retaliate against them.
The SBA has also established a National Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Ombudsman and 10 Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards, to receive comments from small businesses about federal agency enforcement actions.
The Ombudsman annually evaluates enforcement activities and rates each agency’s responsiveness to small businesses. If a small business wishes to comment on the enforcement actions of DOE, it may call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247) or write to the Ombudsman at 409 3rd Street, SW, Suite 7125, Washington, DC 20416.
SBA Ombudsman prepares an Annual Report to Congress that evaluates federal agencies.
Recovering Legal Fees and Expenses
SBREFA expands the ability of small businesses to recover legal costs under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) by allowing small businesses to recoup legal expenses when the government seeks unreasonably high penalties in certain types of cases.
Obtaining Reductions/Waivers of Penalties
SBREFA requires enforcement agencies to have a program for reductions and waivers of penalties for small businesses under certain circumstances.
Influencing New Regulations
DOE is required to obtain and consider small business input and interests when writing a new regulation that will have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small businesses. Alternatives that would reduce the economic burden on small businesses must be considered.
OSHA must convene a Small Business Advocacy Review Panel to collect advice from small business representatives and consult with the SBA when it is developing such a rule.
Once a new rule is completed, SBREFA requires that it be submitted to Congress; Congress then has the opportunity to vote to disapprove of the new rule.
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