[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 227 (Monday, November 27, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58259-58263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-28513]



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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

13 CFR Part 105


Standards of Conduct and Other Employee Responsibilities

AGENCY: Small Business Administration.

ACTION: Proposed Rule.

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SUMMARY: The Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to amend its 
regulations governing employee standards of conduct. The proposed 
amendment repeals provisions that are superseded by the Office of 
Government Ethics (OGE) Uniform Standards of Conduct for Employees of 
the Executive Branch (5 CFR part 2635); amends two provisions by 
including participating lender status in the definition of SBA 
Assistance and adding the Associate General Counsel for General Law as 
an Assistant Standards of Conduct Counselor; and renumbers the 
remaining provisions with several minor technical amendments.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 27, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Please send comments to David R. Kohler, Regulatory Reform 
Team Leader (105), Suite 13, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 
Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robinson S. Nunn, Chief Counsel for 
Ethics, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Small Business 
Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-
6867, or Martin D. Teckler, Deputy General Counsel (202) 205-6642.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Small Business Administration is 
proposing to repeal numerous provisions of its existing standards of 
conduct regulations at 13 CFR Part 105 which were superseded by the 
Office of Government Ethics' (OGE) uniform Standards of Ethical Conduct 
for Employees of the Executive Branch (5 CFR Part 2635); eliminated by 
other regulatory authority; or determined to be inappropriate for 
continued inclusion in this part. SBA proposes to repeal the following 
sections of 13 CFR Part 105: 105.101 through 105.301; 105.401; 105.402; 
105.405; 105.406 through 105.408; 105.501 through 105.505; 105.506 
except paragraph (g)(1); 105.507 through 105.515; 105.518 through 
105.521 and 105.901. The remaining provisions of 13 CFR Part 105 would 
be renumbered and renamed ``Standards of Conduct and Employee 
Restrictions and Responsibilities.''
    In place of SBA's former standards at 13 CFR part 105, SBA would 
issue a residual cross reference provision at new 13 CFR 105.101 to 
refer to the uniform Standards of Conduct and financial disclosure 
regulations for Executive Branch employees and SBA's Supplemental 
Standards of Conduct regulation. Additionally, SBA would reissue, in 
the new 13 CFR part 105, several provisions regarding other employee 
responsibilities.

Section-by-Section Analysis.

Section 105.101  Cross Reference to Employee Ethical Conduct Standards 
and Financial Disclosure Regulations.

    This section will notify SBA employees that the Standards of 
Ethical Conduct for Executive Branch employees are codified at 5 CFR 
Part 2635, the uniform financial disclosure regulation for Executive 
Branch employees is codified at 5 CFR Part 2634, and the Agency 
Supplemental Standards of Conduct are to be codified at 5 CFR Chapter 
XLIV.

Sec. 105.201  Definitions

    This section provides definitions unique to SBA which are 
applicable throughout this part. Some definitions have been deleted 
from the former 13 CFR 105.201, as not needed for an understanding of 
this part. The definition of ``SBA Assistance'' was amended to include 
all participating lenders, including banks as recipients of SBA 
Assistance.

Sec. 105.202  Employment of Former Employee by Person Previously the 
Recipient of SBA Assistance

    This section is the first of two sections which would provide 
restrictions relating to former SBA employees. Section 105.202 is based 
on a provision of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 642) and sets forth 
conditions under which only a former SBA employee who occupied a 
position involving discretion or who exercised discretion with respect 
to the granting of SBA Assistance or the administration of such 
assistance, would be prohibited from accepting or retaining a position 
as employee, partner, or otherwise, with a concern which has received 
this specific SBA Assistance, for a period of two years following the 
the granting or administration of such assistance. It is anticipated 
that as was the case with former Sec. 105.403, this prohibition will 
apply only to those SBA employees who had final discretionary authority 
over the making or administration of specific SBA Assistance. It would 
not apply to those whose responsibilities extended only to provision of 
advice or recommendations on the granting or administering of 
Assistance or performance of ministerial acts with respect to its 
administration. Section 105.202 was formerly located at 13 CFR 105.403.

Sec. 105.203  SBA Assistance to Person Employing Former SBA Employee

    This section is based on the same provision of the Small Business 
Act as Sec. 105.202. It would prohibit SBA from providing assistance to 
any person who has as an employee, owner, partner, attorney, agent, 
owner of stock, officer, director, creditor, or debtor, any individual 
who, within one year prior to the request for such assistance, was an 
SBA employee, without the prior approval of the SBA Standards of 
Conduct Counselor.
    Additionally, this section sets forth the criteria to be used in 
reviewing such applications for SBA Assistance. Section 105.203 was 
formerly located at 13 CFR 105.404.

Sec. 105.204  Assistance to SBA Employees or Members of Their Household

    This section explains that prior written approval of the Standards 
of Conduct Committee is required before any SBA Assistance, other than 
Disaster Loans, as defined in subparagraphs (1) and (2) of section 7(b) 
of the Small Business Act, can be provided to a person whose sole 
proprietor, partner, officer, director, or significant stockholder is 
an SBA employee or a member of his or her household. Section 105.204 
was formerly located at 13 CFR 105.506(g)(1).

Sec. 105.205  Duty to Report Irregularities

    This section explains the requirement that employees report acts of 
malfeasance or misfeasance to the Inspector General. This section was 
formerly located at 13 CFR Sec. 105.516.

Sec. 105.206  Applicable Rules and Directions

    This section explains the requirement that employees follow Agency 
rules, regulations, operating procedures, instructions and other proper 
directions in the performance of official functions. This section was 
formerly located at 13 CFR 105.517.

Sec. 105.207  Politically Motivated Activities With Respect to the 
Minority Small Business Program

    This section sets forth prohibitions, on certain SBA employees, and 
remedial measures for violations of those prohibitions with regard to 
the programs or activities conducted pursuant to sections 8(a) and 7(j) 
of the 

[[Page 58261]]
Small Business Act. This section is based on sec. 8(a)(19) of the Small 
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(19)).
    Paragraph (a) of Sec. 105.207 prohibits employees, who have 
authority to take, direct others to take, recommend, or approve any 
action with respect to transactions undertaken pursuant to section 7(j) 
of the Small Business Act, from exercising or threatening to exercise 
such authority on the basis of the political activity or affiliation of 
any party. Furthermore, subsection (a) requires all employees to 
``expeditiously report'' to SBA's Inspector General any such action for 
which the employee's participation has been solicited or directed.
    Paragraph (b) asserts that the penalty for violations of this 
section may consist of separation from service, reduction in grade, 
suspension, or reprimand and shall be imposed by the Administrator.
    Paragraph (c) notes that this section does not apply to any action 
taken as a penalty or other enforcement of a violation of any law, 
rules, or regulations prohibiting or restricting political activity. 
This section was formerly located at 13 CFR 105.522.

Sec. 105.208  Penalties

    This section states that any employee found guilty of violating 
these regulations may be subject to disciplinary action, including 
dismissal or suspension from SBA employment. This provision was 
formerly located at 13 CFR 105.701.

Sec. 105.301  Assistance to Officers or Employees of Other Government 
Organizations

    This section requires a prior written statement from the 
appropriate department or military service before any SBA Assistance 
may be granted to a person whose sole proprietor, general partner, 
officer, director, or stockholder with a 10% or more interest is an 
employee of another Government agency or department, having a grade of 
GS-13 or its equivalent or higher, in the case of civilian employees, 
or the rank of major or lieutenant commander, or its equivalent or 
higher, in the case of military personnel.
    Additionally, this section provides that, except in special 
circumstances, approved by the Standards of Conduct Committee, SBA will 
not enter into a contract with a person when its principal, or member 
of his or her household, is an employee of a Government agency.
    Finally, this section requires similar Standards of Conduct 
Committee approval before granting SBA Assistance, other than Disaster 
Loans, to persons whose principal, or member of their household, is a 
member of Congress, an appointed official, or an employee of the 
legislative or judicial branch of the Government. This provision was 
formerly located at 13 CFR 105.601.

Sec. 105.302  Assistance to Employees or Members of Quasi-Government 
Organizations

    This section discusses the requirement of Standards of Conduct 
Committee approval for SBA Assistance to members of employees of Small 
Business Advisory Councils, SCORE volunteers, or members of their 
household. This section was formerly located at 13 CFR 105.602.

Sec. 105.401  Standards of Conduct Committee

    This section sets forth the functions and responsibilities of the 
SBA Standards of Conduct Committee. The Committee's responsibilities 
include advising and giving direction in the administration of 
standards of conduct regulations and making decisions on specific 
requests for guidance from Agency management, in connection with 
matters related to standards of conduct.
    This section also delineates the composition of the Standards of 
Conduct Committee: the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel in his 
or her absence; the Associate Deputy Administrator for Management and 
Administration or the Assistant Administrator for Administration, in 
his or her absence; and the Director of Personnel or the Deputy 
Director of Personnel in his or her absence.
    This provision was formerly located at 13 CFR 105.801.

Sec. 105.402  Standards of Conduct Counselors

    This section designates the Deputy General Counsel as SBA Standards 
of Conduct Counselor and the Associate General Counsel for General Law 
as an Assistant Standards of Conduct Counselor, and outlines the duties 
and responsibilities of those positions. This provision was formerly 
located at 13 CFR 105.402, except that the current Sec. 105.802 has 
been amended to add the Associate General Counsel as an Assistant 
Standards of Conduct Counselor and to delete Regional Standards of 
Conduct Counselors. The section also amends the standards of conduct 
Counselors' responsibilities for review of employees Confidential 
Financial Disclosure Reports (Standard Form 450) instead of the 
previous requirement to review Statements of Employment and Financial 
Interests (SBA Form 703).

Sec. 105.403  Designated Agency Ethics Official

    This section designates the Deputy General Counsel as SBA's 
Designated Agency Ethics Official, authorizes the appointment of 
Alternate Ethics Officials, and outlines the duties and 
responsibilities for those positions. This provision was formerly 
located at 13 CFR 105.403, except that the current section has been 
amended to permit the appointment of more than one Alternate Agency 
Ethics Official.

Compliance With Executive Orders 12612, 12778 and 12866; the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.; and the Paperwork Reduction Act, 
44 U.S.C. ch. 35

    SBA certifies that this proposed rule will not be considered a 
significant rule within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 and will 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
601, et seq.
    For purposes of Executive Order 12612, SBA certifies that this 
proposed rule would not have federalism implications.
    For purposes of Executive Order 12778, SBA certifies that this 
proposed rule is drafted, to the extent practicable, in accordance with 
the standards set forth in section 2 of that Order.
    For purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act, SBA certifies that 
this proposed rule, if promulgated in final, would impose no new 
reporting or recordkeeping requirements.

List of Subjects in 13 CFR Part 105

    Conflict of interest.

    For the reasons set forth above, SBA is amending Title 13 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
    Part 105 of Title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, is revised to 
read as follows:

PART 105--STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND EMPLOYEE RESTRICTIONS AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES

Standards of Conduct

Sec.
105.101  Cross reference to employee ethical conduct standards and 
financial disclosure regulations.

Restrictions and Responsibilities Related to SBA Employees and Former 
Employees

105.201  Definitions.
105.202  Employment of former employee by person previously the 
recipient of SBA Assistance. 

[[Page 58262]]

105.203  SBA Assistance to person employing former SBA employee.
105.204  Assistance to SBA employees or members of their household.
105.205  Duty to report irregularities.
105.206  Applicable rules and directions.
105.207  Politically motivated activities with respect to the 
Minority Small Business Program.
105.208  Penalties.

Restrictions on SBA Assistance to Other Individuals

105.301  Assistance to officers or employees of other Government 
organizations.
105.302  Assistance to employees or members of quasi-Government 
organizations.

Administrative Provisions

105.401  Standards of Conduct Committee.
105.402  Standards of Conduct Counselors.
105.403  Designated Agency Ethics Officials.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 7301; 15 U.S.C. 634; 15 U.S.C. 637(a)(18) 
and (a)(19), 642, and 645(a).

Standards of Conduct


Sec. 105.101  Cross-reference to employee ethical conduct standards and 
financial disclosure regulations.

    In addition to this Part, Small Business Administration (SBA) 
employees should refer to the uniform Standards of Ethical Conduct for 
Executive Branch employees at 5 CFR Part 2635, the SBA Supplemental 
Standards of Ethical Conduct at 5 CFR Chapter XLIV, and the uniform 
Financial Disclosure regulation for Executive Branch employees at 5 CFR 
Part 2634.

Restrictions and Responsibilities Related to SBA Employees and 
Former Employees


Sec. 105.201  Definitions.

    (a) Employee means an officer or employee of the SBA regardless of 
grade, status or place of employment, including employees on leave with 
pay or on leave without pay other than those on extended military 
leave. Unless stated otherwise. Employee shall include those within the 
category of Special Government Employee.
    (b) Special Government Employee means an officer or employee of 
SBA, who is retained, appointed or employed to perform temporary duties 
on a full-time or intermittent basis, with or without compensation, for 
not to exceed 130 days during any period of 365 consecutive days.
    (c) Person means an individual, a corporation, a company, an 
association, a firm, a partnership, a society, a joint stock company, 
or any other organization or institution.
    (d) Household member means spouse and minor children of an 
employee, all blood relations of the employee and his any spouse who 
reside in the same place of abode with the employee.
    (e) SBA Assistance means financial, contractual, grant, managerial 
or other aid, including size determinations, section 8(a) 
participation, licensing, certification, participating lender status, 
and other eligibility determinations made by SBA. The term also 
includes an express decision to compromise or defer possible litigation 
or other adverse action.


Sec. 105.202  Employment of former employee by person previously the 
recipient of SBA Assistance.

    (a) No former employee, who occupied a position involving 
discretion over, or who exercised discretion with respect to, the 
granting or administration of SBA Assistance may occupy a position as 
employee, partner, agent, attorney or other representative of a concern 
which has received this SBA Assistance for a period of two years 
following the date of granting or administering such SBA Assistance 
if--
    (1) The date of granting or administering such SBA Assistance was 
within the period of the employee's term of employment, or;
    (2) The date of granting or administering such SBA Assistance was 
within one year following the termination of such employment.
    (b) Failure of a recipient of SBA Assistance to comply with these 
provisions may result, in the discretion of SBA, in the requirement for 
immediate repayment of SBA financial Assistance, the immediate 
termination of other SBA Assistance involved or other appropriate 
action.


Sec. 105.203  SBA Assistance to person employing former SBA employee.

    (a) SBA will not provide SBA Assistance to any person who has, as 
an employee, owner, partner, attorney, agent, owner of stock, officer, 
director, creditor or debtor, any individual who, within one year prior 
to the request for such SBA Assistance was an SBA employee, without the 
prior approval of the SBA Standards of Conduct Counselor. The Standards 
of Conduct Counselor will refer matters of a controversial nature to 
the Standards of Conduct Committee for final decision; otherwise, his 
or her decision is final.
    (b) In reviewing requests for approval, the Standards of Conduct 
Counselor will consider:
    (1) The relationship of the former employee with the applicant 
concern;
    (2) The nature of the SBA Assistance requested;
    (3) The position held by the former employee with SBA and its 
relationship to the SBA Assistance requested; and
    (4) Whether an apparent conflict of interest might exist if the SBA 
Assistance were granted.


Sec. 105.204  Assistance to SBA employees or members of their 
household.

    Without the prior written approval of the Standards of Conduct 
Committee, no SBA Assistance, other than Disaster loans under 
subparagraphs (1) and (2) of section 7(b) of the Small Business Act, 
shall be furnished to a person when the sole proprietor, partner, 
officer, director or significant stockholder of the person is an SBA 
employee or a household member.


Sec. 105.205  Duty to report irregularities.

    Every employee shall immediately report to the SBA Inspector 
General any acts of malfeasance or misfeasance or other irregularities, 
either actual or suspected, arising in connection with the performance 
by SBA of any of its official functions.


Sec. 105.206  Applicable rules and directions.

    Every employee shall follow all agency rules, regulations, 
operating procedures, instructions and other proper directions in the 
performance of his official functions.


Sec. 105.207  Politically motivated activities with respect to the 
Minority Small Business Program.

    (a) Any employee who has authority to take, direct others to take, 
recommend, or approve any action with respect to any program or 
activity conducted pursuant to section 8(a) or section 7(j) of the 
Small Business Act, shall not, with respect to any such action, 
exercise or threaten to exercise such authority on the basis of the 
political activity or affiliation of any party. Employees shall 
expeditiously report to the SBA Inspector General any such action for 
which such employee's participation has been solicited or directed.
    (b) Any employee who willfully and knowingly violates this section 
shall be subject to disciplinary action, which may consist of 
separation from service, reduction in grade, suspension, or reprimand.
    (c) This section shall not apply to any action taken as a penalty 
or other enforcement of a violation of any law, rules, or regulation 
prohibiting or restricting political activity.
    (d) The prohibitions of and remedial measures provided for under 
this section with regard to such prohibitions, shall be in addition to, 
and not in lieu of, any other prohibitions, measures or liabilities 
that may arise under any other provision of law. 

[[Page 58263]]



Sec. 105.208  Penalties.

    Any employee guilty of violating any of the provisions in this Part 
may be disciplined, including removal or suspension from SBA 
employment.

Restrictions on SBA Assistance to Other Individuals


Sec. 105.301  Assistance to employees of other Government 
organizations.

    (a) SBA must receive a written statement of no objection by the 
pertinent Department or military service before it gives any SBA 
Assistance, other than Disaster loans under subparagraphs (1) and (2) 
of section 7(b) of the Small Business Act, to a person when its sole 
proprietor, partner, officer, director or stockholder with a 10 percent 
or more interest, or a household member, is an employee of another 
Government Department or Agency having a grade of at least GS-13 or its 
equivalent.
    (b) The Standards of Conduct Committee must approve an SBA contract 
with an entity if a sole proprietor, general partner, officer, 
director, or stockholder with a 10 or more percent interest (or a 
household member of such individuals) is an employee of a Government 
Department or Agency. See also 48 CFR Subpart 3.6.
    (c) The Standards of Conduct Committee must approve SBA Assistance, 
other than disaster loans under subparagraphs (1) and (2) of section 
7(b) of the Small Business Act, to a person if its sole proprietor, 
general partner, officer, director or stockholder with a 10 percent or 
more interest (or a household member of such individual) is a member of 
Congress or an appointed official or employee of the legislative or 
judicial branch of the Government.


Sec. 105.302  Assistance to employees or members of quasi-Government 
organizations.

    (a) The Standards of Conduct Committee must approve SBA Assistance, 
other than Disaster loans under subparagraphs (1) and (2) of section 
7(b) of the Small Business Act, to a person if its sole proprietor, 
general partner, officer, director or stockholder with a 10 percent or 
more interest (or a household member) is a member or employee of a 
Small Business Advisory Council or is a SCORE volunteer.
    (b) In reviewing requests for approval, factors the Standards of 
Conduct Committee may consider include whether the granting of the SBA 
Assistance might result in or create the appearance of giving 
preferential treatment, the loss of complete independence or 
impartiality, or adversely affect the confidence of the public in the 
integrity of the Government.

Administrative Provisions


Sec. 105.401  Standards of Conduct Committee.

    (a) The Standards of Conduct Committee will:
    (1) Advise and give direction to SBA management officials in the 
administration of this Part and any other rules, regulations or 
directives dealing with conflicts of interest and ethical standards of 
SBA employees; and
    (2) Make decisions on specific requests when its approval is 
required.
    (b) The Standards of Conduct Committee will consist of:
    (1) The General Counsel or, in his or her absence, the Deputy 
General Counsel or, in his or her absence, the Acting General Counsel 
who shall act as Chairman of the Committee;
    (2) The Associate Deputy Administrator for Management and 
Administration, or in his or her absence, the Assistant Administrator 
for Administration; and
    (3) The Director of Human Resources, or in his or her absence the 
Deputy Director of Human Resources.


Sec. 105.402  Standards of Conduct Counselors.

    (a) The SBA Standards of Conduct Counselor is the Deputy General 
Counsel. The Associate General Counsel for General Law (AGC) is an 
Assistant Standards of Conduct Counselor, and other Assistants may be 
designated by the Standards of Conduct Counselor.
    (b) The Standards of Conduct Counselors and Assistants:
    (1) Provide general advice, assistance and guidance to employees 
concerning this Part and the regulations referred to in Sec. 105.101.
    (2) Monitor the Standards of Conduct Program within their assigned 
areas and provide required reports thereon;
    (3) Review Confidential Financial Disclosure Reports as required 
under 5 CFR Part 2634, Subpart I and provide an annual report on 
compliance with filing requirements to the SBA Standards of Conduct 
Counselor as of February 1 of each year; and
    (4) Provide Outside Employment decisions pursuant to 5 CFR 
Sec. 5401.104.
    (c) Each employee will be periodically informed of the name, 
address and telephone number of the Assistant Standards of Conduct 
Counselor to contact for advice and assistance.
    (d) Employee requests for advice or rulings should be directed to 
the appropriate Standards of Conduct Counselor for appropriate action.


Sec. 105.403  Designated Agency Ethics Officials.

    (a) The Designated Agency Ethics Officials, pursuant to the Ethics 
in Government Act of 1978, is the Deputy General Counsel. He or she 
may, in turn, appoint one or more an Alternate Designated Agency Ethics 
Officials. The Alternates will assist the Designated Agency Ethics 
Official and act for him or her whenever absent.
    (b) The Designated Agency Ethics Officials and Alternates 
administer the program for Financial Disclosure Statements under 5 CFR 
2634.201, receive and evaluate these statements, and provide advice and 
counsel regarding matters relating to the Ethics in Government Act of 
1978 and its implementing regulations. The duties and responsibilities 
of the Designated Agency Ethics Officials and Alternates are set forth 
in more detail in 5 CFR 2638.203, which is promulgated and amended by 
the Office of Government Ethics.
Philip Lader,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 95-28513 Filed 11-24-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8025-01-P