[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 19 (Monday, January 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2682-2691]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-1158]



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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
13 CFR Parts 112, 113, 124, 132, 134, and 136


Rules of Procedure Governing Cases Before the Office of Hearings 
and Appeals

AGENCY: Small Business Administration.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In response to President Clinton's government-wide regulatory 
reform initiative, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has 
completed a page-by-page, line-by-line review of all of its existing 
regulations to determine which might be revised or eliminated. This 
final rule essentially reorganizes all but two of the regulations 
pertaining to procedures before the Office of Hearings and Appeals 
(OHA) and consolidates them into one part. In addition, the rule 
clarifies, simplifies, and significantly shortens those regulations. A 
number of substantive changes are also made.

DATES: This rule is effective February 28, 1996. This rule applies with 
respect to all cases filed with OHA on or after February 28, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Fox, Chief Counsel for Special 
Litigation, Office of General Counsel, Small Business Administration, 
409 Third Street SW., Washington, D.C. 20416, at (202) 205-6643.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 4, 1995, President Clinton issued a 
memorandum to Federal agencies, directing them to simplify their 
regulations. In response to this directive, SBA has completed a page-
by-page, line-by-line review of all of its existing regulations to 
determine which might be revised or eliminated. This rule consolidates 
most existing regulations governing proceedings before OHA into part 
134 with the exception of those solely relating to 8(a) program 
proceedings, which are set forth in part 124 of this chapter, and those 
solely pertaining to proceedings under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies 
Act, which are contained in part 142 of this chapter. This rule also 
clarifies, simplifies, and revises the current rules, reorganizes 
sections for ease of use, and eliminates unnecessary provisions.
    The rule is divided into four subparts. Subpart A contains general 
rules. Subpart B contains rules of practice generally applicable to all 
cases before OHA except size and SIC code appeals. However, as set 
forth in Sec. 134.201, in the case of a conflict between a particular 
rule in part 134, and a rule of procedure pertaining to OHA appearing 
in another part of this title, the latter rule shall govern. Subpart C 
contains the rules applicable to size and SIC code appeals. Subpart D 
contains the rules for implementation of the Equal Access to Justice 
Act, currently contained in part 132.
    Proposed changes to parts 132 and 134 were published in the Federal 
Register on November 27, 1995 (60 FR 58282). The public was invited to 
comment during a thirty-day comment period. SBA received no comments 
concerning these parts during that time period. Accordingly, the 
following final rule contains no changes, other than minor 
clarifications, technical corrections, and deletions of unnecessary 
language.
    The proposed rule consolidated into part 134 rules of practice only 
applicable to 8(a) program appeals. However, part 124 of chapter 13 is 
not being amended at this time and, thus, certain of the provisions in 
the proposed rule which solely related to the 8(a) program have been 
deleted as unnecessary in light of the existing part 124. Specifically, 
proposed Secs. 134.104, 134.203(a)(2), 134.213, 134.222 (a) and (b), 
134.223 (c) and (d), 134.224, 134.226(b), and 134.227(a) have been 
deleted, in whole or in part, so as to eliminate references to 8(a) 
program appeals.
    For a detailed description of the other changes made to this rule, 
please refer to SBA's proposed rule, published at 60 FR 58282 (November 
27, 1995).
    Finally, parts 112, 113, 124, and 136 are amended so that the 
citations, within those parts, to specific sections of part 134 will 
correspond to the section numbers set forth in this rule.

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 rule does not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of 
Executive Order 12866 or the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601 
et seq. This rule would reorganize and simplify the rules governing 
procedures before SBA's Office of Hearings and Appeals. Contracting 
opportunities and financial assistance for small business are not 
affected by this rule. Therefore, it is not likely to have an annual 
economic effect of $100 million or more, result in a major increase in 
costs or prices, or have a significant adverse effect on competition or 
the United States economy.
    For purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. Ch. 35, SBA 
certifies that this rule contains no new reporting or recordkeeping 
requirements.
    For purposes of Executive Order 12612, SBA certifies that this rule 
does not have any federalism implications warranting the preparation of 
a Federalism Assessment.
    For purposes of Executive Order 12778, SBA certifies that this rule 
is drafted, to the extent practicable, in accordance with the standards 
set forth in section 2 of that Order. 

[[Page 2683]]


List of Subjects

13 CFR Part 132

    Claims, Equal Access to Justice, Lawyers.

13 CFR Part 134

    Administrative practice and procedure, Organization and functions 
(Government agencies).

    For the above reasons, and under the authority of 15 U.S.C. 
634(b)(6), SBA hereby amends 13 CFR Chapter I as follows:
    1. Part 134 is revised to read as follows:

PART 134--RULES OF PROCEDURE GOVERNING CASES BEFORE THE OFFICE OF 
HEARINGS AND APPEALS

Subpart A--General Rules

Sec.
134.101  Definitions.
134.102  Jurisdiction of OHA.
134.103  Rules applicable to time periods provided in this part.

Subpart B--Rules of Practice for Most Cases

134.201  Scope of the rules in this subpart B.
134.202  Commencement of cases.
134.203  The petition.
134.204  Service and filing requirements.
134.205  Motion for a more definite statement.
134.206  The answer.
134.207  Amendments and supplemental pleadings.
134.208  Representation in cases before OHA.
134.209  Requirement of signature.
134.210  Intervention.
134.211  Motions.
134.212  Summary decision.
134.213  Discovery.
134.214  Subpoenas.
134.215  Interlocutory appeals.
134.216  Alternative dispute resolution procedures.
134.217  Settlement.
134.218  Judges.
134.219  Sanctions.
134.220  Prohibition against ex parte communications.
134.221  Prehearing conferences.
134.222  Oral hearing.
134.223  Evidence.
134.224  Standards for decision.
134.225  The record.
134.226  The decision.
134.227  Finality of decisions.
134.228  Review of initial decisions.
134.229  Termination of jurisdiction.
Subpart C--Rules of Practice for Appeals From Size Determinations and 
SIC Code Designations
134.301  Scope of the rules in this subpart C.
134.302  Who may appeal.
134.303  No absolute right to an appeal from a size determination.
134.304  Commencement of appeals from size determinations and SIC 
code designations.
134.305  The appeal petition.
134.306  Transmission of the case file.
134.307  Service and filing requirements.
134.308  Limitation on new evidence and adverse inference from non-
submission in appeals from size determinations.
134.309  Response to an appeal petition.
134.310  Discovery.
134.311  Oral hearings.
134.312  Evidence.
134.313  Applicability of subpart B provisions.
134.314  Standard of review.
134.315  The record.
134.316  The decision.
134.317  Termination of jurisdiction.
134.318  Return of the case file.

Subpart D--Implementation of the Equal Access to Justice Act

134.401  What is the purpose of this subpart?
134.402  Under what circumstances may I apply for reimbursement?
134.403  What is an adversary adjudication?
134.404  What benefits may I claim?
134.405  Under what circumstances are fees and expenses 
reimbursable?
134.406  Who is eligible for possible reimbursement?
134.407  How do I know which eligibility requirement applies to me?
134.408  What are the special rules for calculating net worth and 
number of employees?
134.409  What is the difference between a fee and an expense?
134.410  Are there limitations on reimbursement for fees and 
expenses?
134.411  What should I include in my application for an award?
134.412  What must a net worth exhibit contain?
134.413  What documentation do I need for fees and expenses?
134.414  What deadlines apply to my application for an award and 
where do I send it?
134.415  How will proceedings relating to my application for fees 
and expenses be conducted?
134.416  How will I know if I receive an award?
134.417  May I seek review of the ALJ's decision on my award?
134.418  How are awards paid?

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 504; 15 U.S.C. 632, 634(b)(6), and 637(a).

Subpart A--General Rules


Sec. 134.101  Definitions.

    As used in this part:
    AA/OHA means the Assistant Administrator for OHA.
    Act means the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.
    Address means the primary home or business address of a person or 
entity, including the street location or postal box number, city or 
town, state, and postal zip code.
    Area Office means a Government Contracting Area Office or a 
Disaster Area Office of the Small Business Administration.
    Day means a calendar day, unless a Judge specifies otherwise.
    Hearing means the presentation and consideration of argument and 
evidence. A hearing need not include live testimony or argument.
    Investment Act means the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, 15 
U.S.C. 661 et seq.
    Judge means an Administrative Law Judge or an Administrative Judge 
of OHA, or the AA/OHA when he or she acts as an Administrative Judge.
    OHA means the Office of Hearings and Appeals.
    Party means the petitioner, respondent, or intervenor.
    Person means an individual or any form of business entity.
    Petition means a written complaint, a written appeal from an SBA 
determination, or a written request for the initiation of proceedings 
before OHA.
    Pleading means a petition, an order to show cause commencing a 
case, an appeal petition, an answer, or any amendment or supplement to 
those documents.
    Respondent means any person or governmental agency against which a 
case has been brought before OHA.
    SBA means the Small Business Administration.
    SIC code means Standard Industrial Classification code.
    Size determination means a formal size determination made by an 
Area Office.


Sec. 134.102  Jurisdiction of OHA.

    OHA has authority to conduct proceedings in the following cases:
    (a) The revocation or suspension of Small Business Investment 
Company licenses, cease and desist orders, and the removal or 
suspension of directors and officers of licensees, under the Investment 
Act and part 107 of this chapter;
    (b) Alleged violations of those civil rights laws which are 
effectuated by parts 112, 113, 117, and 136 of this chapter;
    (c) The revocation of the privilege of a person to conduct business 
with SBA under the Act and part 103 of this chapter;
    (d) The eligibility of, or preferred or certified status of, any 
bank or non-bank lender to continue to participate in SBA loan programs 
under the Act and part 120 of this chapter;
    (e) The suspension or termination of surety bond program 
participants under 

[[Page 2684]]
15 U.S.C. 694a et seq. and part 115 of this chapter;
    (f) The rights, privileges, or obligations of development companies 
under section 504 of the Investment Act and part 120, subpart H, of 
this chapter;
    (g) Allowance of fees and expenses under the Equal Access to 
Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. 504;
    (h) Debarment from appearance before the SBA because of post-
employment restrictions under 18 U.S.C. 207 and part 105 of this 
chapter;
    (i) Collection of debts owed to SBA and the United States under the 
Debt Collection Act of 1982 and part 140 of this chapter;
    (j) Appeals from the following SBA 8(a) program determinations 
under the Act and part 124 of this chapter:
    (1) Denial of program admission based solely on a negative finding 
as to social disadvantage, economic disadvantage, ownership or control; 
program termination; program graduation; or denial of a waiver of the 
requirement to perform to completion an 8(a) contract; and
    (2) Program suspension;
    (k) Appeals from size determinations and SIC code designations 
under part 121 of this chapter;
    (l) The imposition of civil penalties and assessments against 
persons who make false claims or statements to SBA under the Program 
Fraud Civil Remedies Act, 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812 and part 142 of this 
chapter; and
    (m) Any other hearing, determination, or appeal proceeding referred 
to OHA by the Administrator of SBA.


Sec. 134.103  Rules applicable to time periods provided in this part.

    (a) The day from which the time period is computed is excluded, but 
the last business day is counted, excluding Saturday, Sunday, or 
Federal holiday.
    (b) At the Judge's initiative, or upon the motion of a party 
showing good cause, the Judge may modify any of the applicable time 
limits, other than those established by statute and those governing 
when a case may be commenced. Any motion to extend a time limit must be 
filed and served before the expiration of that time limit.

Subpart B--Rules of Practice for Most Cases


Sec. 134.201  Scope of the rules in this subpart B.

    The rules in this subpart generally apply to all proceedings over 
which OHA has jurisdiction, except for appeals from size determinations 
and SIC code designations. Specific procedural rules pertaining to 8(a) 
program appeals and to proceedings under the Program Fraud Civil 
Remedies Act are set forth, respectively, in parts 124 and 142 of this 
chapter. In the case of a conflict between a particular rule in this 
part, and a rule of procedure pertaining to OHA appearing in another 
part of this chapter, the latter rule shall govern.


Sec. 134.202  Commencement of cases.

    A case may be commenced by filing a written petition within the 
following time periods:
    (a) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) through (d) of this 
section, no later than 45 days from the date of service of the SBA 
action or determination to which the petition relates;
    (b) In debt collection proceedings under part 140 of this chapter, 
no later than 15 days after receipt of a notice of indebtedness and 
intention to collect such debt by salary or administrative offset;
    (c) In applications for an award of fees pursuant to subpart D of 
this part, no later than 30 days after the decision to which it applies 
becomes final;
    (d) For 8(a) program suspension proceedings, see Sec. 124.211 of 
this chapter.


Sec. 134.203  The petition.

    (a) A petition must contain the following:
    (1) The basis of OHA's jurisdiction;
    (2) A clear and concise statement of the factual basis of the case;
    (3) The relief being sought; and
    (4) The name, address, telephone number, and signature of the 
petitioner or its attorney.
    (b) A petition which does not contain all of the information 
required by paragraph (a) of this section may be dismissed, with or 
without prejudice, at the Judge's own initiative, or upon motion of the 
respondent.


Sec. 134.204  Service and filing requirements.

    (a) Service. Each party is responsible for the service of its 
pleadings and other submissions upon all other parties or their 
attorneys. Unless otherwise ordered by the Judge, service is made by 
providing each party, or its attorney, with a copy of the pleading or 
other submission by personal delivery, first- class mail, express mail, 
facsimile transmission, or commercial delivery service. Service by mail 
must be directed as follows:
    (1) To a party's last-known residence or business address if it has 
not yet appeared in the case, or to the address of a party which has 
appeared as shown in its submission;
    (2) If a party has appeared in the case through an attorney, to the 
address of the attorney shown in the party's submission or in a notice 
of appearance;
    (3) If SBA is the party, unless an attorney has been specified in 
SBA's submissions to OHA, by mailing to: Office of General Counsel, 
Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 
20416.
    (b) Filing. (1) All pleadings and other submissions must be filed 
with OHA by personal delivery, first-class mail, express mail, 
facsimile transmission, or commercial delivery service. Filing may only 
be accomplished at the following address: Office of Hearings and 
Appeals, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street, S.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20416.
    (2) If filing is by personal delivery or commercial delivery 
service, such filing must be accomplished between the hours of 8:30 
a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If filing is by facsimile transmission, the 
telephone number to be used may be obtained by calling OHA.
    (c) Copies. Only the original of a pleading or other submission 
must be filed with OHA. In the case of a document offered as evidence, 
an authenticated copy may be filed instead of the original.
    (d) Certificate of service. A signed certificate stating how and 
when service was made on all parties must be attached to each pleading 
or other submission filed with OHA.
    (e) Date. Unless otherwise specified by the Judge, the date of 
service or filing is as follows:
    (1) If by facsimile transmission, the date of transmission.
    (2) If by first-class mail, the date of postmark. Where the 
postmark is illegible or incomplete, there is a rebuttable presumption 
that the postmark was dated five days prior to the date of receipt.
    (3) If by personal delivery, express mail, or commercial delivery 
service, the date of receipt.
    (f) Confidential information. Any information in pleadings or other 
submissions that is believed by the submitting party to constitute 
proprietary or confidential information need not be served upon parties 
so long as the deletions are clearly identified and generally described 
in the documents which are served. Upon motion, the Judge may direct 
that the withheld information be provided to other parties, subject to 
any appropriate protective order.


Sec. 134.205  Motion for a more definite statement.

    (a) Procedure. No later than 20 days after service of the petition 
or order to show cause, the respondent may serve 

[[Page 2685]]
and file a motion requesting a more definite statement of particular 
allegations in the petition.
    (b) Stay. The serving and filing of a motion for a more definite 
statement stays the time for serving and filing an answer. The Judge 
will establish the time for serving and filing an answer.


Sec. 134.206  The answer.

    (a) A respondent must serve and file an answer within 45 days after 
the service of a petition or order to show cause, except that debt 
collection proceeding answers are due within 30 days.
    (b) The answer must contain the following:
    (1) An admission or denial of each of the factual allegations 
contained in the petition or order to show cause, or a statement that 
the respondent denies knowledge or information sufficient to determine 
the truth of a particular allegation;
    (2) Any affirmative defenses; and
    (3) The name, address, telephone number, and signature of the 
respondent or its attorney.
    (c) Allegations in the petition or order to show cause which are 
not answered in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section will 
be deemed admitted unless injustice would occur.
    (d) Upon an appeal from an SBA determination concerning the 8(a) 
program, SBA must serve and file the administrative record pertaining 
to that determination within the same time period applicable to the 
service and filing of its answer. If SBA fails to do so, the Judge will 
issue an order directing SBA to serve and file the administrative 
record by a specified date.
    (e) If the respondent fails to serve and file an answer within the 
time period set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, or within any 
extended time period granted by the Judge, that failure will constitute 
a default. Following such a default, the respondent may be prohibited 
from participating further in the case, except to serve and file the 
administrative record in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.


Sec. 134.207  Amendments and supplemental pleadings.

    (a) Amendments. Upon motion, and under terms needed to avoid 
prejudice to any non-moving party, the Judge may permit the service and 
filing of amendments to pleadings. However, an amendment will not be 
permitted if it would cause unreasonable delay in the determination of 
the matter.
    (b) Supplements. Upon motion, and under terms needed to avoid 
prejudice to any non-moving party, the Judge may permit the service and 
filing of a supplemental pleading setting forth relevant transactions 
or occurrences that have taken place since the filing of the original 
pleading.
    (c) 8(a) appeals. In 8(a) program appeals, amendments to pleadings 
and supplemental pleadings will be permitted by the Judge only upon a 
showing of good cause.
    (d) Answer. In an order permitting the serving and filing of an 
amended or supplemented petition or order to show cause, the Judge will 
establish the time for serving and filing an answer.


Sec. 134.208  Representation in cases before OHA.

    (a) A party may represent itself, or be represented by a duly 
licensed attorney. A member of a partnership may represent the 
partnership, and an officer may represent a corporation, trust, or 
association.
    (b) An attorney for a party who did not appear on behalf of that 
party in the party's first filing with OHA must serve and file a 
written notice of appearance.
    (c) An attorney seeking to withdraw from a case must serve and file 
a motion for the withdrawal of his or her appearance.


Sec. 134.209  Requirement of signature.

    Every written submission to OHA, other than evidence, must be 
signed by the party filing that submission, or by the party's attorney. 
By signing the submission, a party or its attorney attests that the 
statements and allegations in that submission are true to the best of 
its knowledge, and that the submission is not being filed for the 
purpose of delay or harassment.


Sec. 134.210  Intervention.

    (a) By SBA. SBA may intervene as of right at any time in any case 
until final decision.
    (b) By interested persons. Any individual, partnership, 
association, corporation, trust, or governmental agency may move to 
intervene at any time until final decision by serving and filing a 
motion to intervene containing a statement of the movant's interest in 
the case and the necessity for intervention to protect such interest. 
The Judge may grant leave to intervene upon such terms as he or she 
deems appropriate.


Sec. 134.211  Motions.

    (a) Contents. All motions must state the relief being requested, as 
well as the grounds and any authority for that relief.
    (b) Response. No later than 20 days after the service of a motion, 
all non-moving parties must serve and file a response or be deemed to 
have consented to the relief sought. Unless the Judge directs 
otherwise, the moving party will have no right to reply to a response, 
nor will oral argument be heard on the motion.
    (c) Service of orders. OHA will serve upon all parties any written 
order issued in response to a motion.


Sec. 134.212  Summary decision.

    (a) Grounds. A party may move for summary decision at any time as 
to all or any portion of the case, on the grounds that there is no 
genuine issue as to any material fact, and that the moving party is 
entitled to a decision in its favor as a matter of law.
    (b) Contents of motion. The motion must include a statement of the 
material facts believed not to be disputed, and relevant law. 
Supporting affidavits may also be included.
    (c) Cross-motions. In its response to a motion for summary 
decision, a party may cross-move for summary decision. The initial 
moving party may serve and file a response to any cross-motion for 
summary decision within 20 days after the service of that cross-motion.
    (d) Stay. A motion for summary decision stays the time to answer. 
The Judge will establish the time for serving and filing an answer in 
the order determining the motion for summary decision.


Sec. 134.213  Discovery.

    (a) Motion. A party may obtain discovery only upon motion, and for 
good cause shown. For 8(a) program appeals other than those involving 
suspensions, see Sec. 124.210 of this chapter.
    (b) Forms. The forms of discovery which a Judge can order under 
paragraph (a) of this section include requests for admissions, requests 
for production of documents, interrogatories, and depositions.
    (c) Limitations. Discovery may be limited in accordance with the 
terms of a protective order. Further, privileged information and 
irrelevant issues or facts will not be subject to discovery.
    (d) Disputes. If a dispute should arise between the parties over a 
particular discovery request, the party seeking discovery may serve and 
file a motion to compel discovery. Discovery may be opposed on the 
grounds of harassment, needless embarrassment, irrelevance, undue 
burden or expense, privilege, or confidentiality.


Sec. 134.214  Subpoenas.

    (a) Availability. At the request of a party, or upon his or her own 
initiative, a Judge may issue a subpoena requiring 

[[Page 2686]]
a witness to appear and testify, or to produce particular documents, at 
a specified time and place.
    (b) Requests. A request for the issuance of a subpoena must be 
written, served upon all parties, and filed. The request must clearly 
identify the witness and any documents to be subpoenaed, and must set 
forth the relevance of the testimony or documents sought.
    (c) Service. A subpoena may only be served by personal delivery. 
The individual making service shall prepare an affidavit stating the 
date, time, and place of the service. The party which obtained the 
subpoena must serve upon all other parties, and file with OHA, a copy 
of the subpoena and affidavit of service within 2 days after service is 
made.
    (d) Motion to quash. A motion to limit or quash a subpoena must be 
served and filed within 10 days after service of the subpoena, or by 
the return date of the subpoena, whichever date comes first. Any 
response to the motion must be served and filed within 10 days after 
service of the motion, unless a shorter time is specified by the Judge. 
No oral argument will be heard on the motion unless the Judge directs 
otherwise.


Sec. 134.215  Interlocutory appeals.

    (a) General. A motion for leave to take an interlocutory appeal 
from a Judge's ruling will not be entertained in those proceedings in 
which OHA issues final decisions. In all other cases, an interlocutory 
appeal will be permitted only if, upon motion by a party, or upon the 
Judge's own initiative, the Judge certifies that his or her ruling 
raises a question which is immediately appealable. Interlocutory 
appeals will be decided by the AA/OHA or a designee.
    (b) Motion for certification. A party must serve and file a motion 
for certification no later than 20 days after issuance of the ruling to 
which the motion applies. A denial of the motion does not preclude 
objections to the ruling in any subsequent request for review of an 
initial decision.
    (c) Basis for certification. The Judge will certify a ruling for 
interlocutory appeal only if he or she determines that:
    (1) The ruling involves an important question of law or policy 
about which there is substantial ground for a difference of opinion; 
and
    (2) An interlocutory appeal will materially expedite resolution of 
the case, or denial of an interlocutory appeal would cause undue 
hardship to a party.
    (d) Stay of proceedings. A stay while an interlocutory appeal is 
pending will be at the discretion of the Judge.


Sec. 134.216  Alternative dispute resolution procedures.

    At any time during the pendency of a case, the parties may submit a 
joint motion requesting that the Judge permit the use of alternative 
dispute resolution procedures to assist in resolving the matter. If the 
motion is granted, the Judge will also stay the proceedings before OHA, 
in whole or in part, as he or she deems appropriate, pending the 
outcome of the alternative dispute resolution procedures.


Sec. 134.217  Settlement.

    At any time during the pendency of a case, the parties may submit a 
settlement agreement, signed by all settling parties, to the Judge. 
Settlement negotiations, and rejected settlement agreements, are not 
admissible into evidence.


Sec. 134.218  Judges.

    (a) Assignment. The AA/OHA will assign all cases subject to the 
Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 551 et seq., to an 
Administrative Law Judge. The AA/OHA will assign all other cases before 
OHA to either an Administrative Law Judge or an Administrative Judge, 
or, if the AA/OHA is a duly licensed attorney, to himself or herself.
    (b) Authority. Except as otherwise limited by this part, or by 
statute or other regulation, a Judge has the authority to take all 
appropriate action to ensure the efficient, prompt, and fair 
determination of a case, including, but not limited to, the authority 
to administer oaths and affirmations and to subpoena and examine 
witnesses.
    (c) Recusal. Upon the motion of a party, or upon the Judge's own 
initiative, a Judge will promptly recuse himself or herself from 
further participation in a case whenever disqualification is 
appropriate due to conflict of interest, bias, or some other 
significant reason. A denial of a motion for recusal may be immediately 
appealed to the AA/OHA, or to the Administrative Law Judge if the AA/
OHA is the Judge, but that appeal will not stay proceedings in the 
case.


Sec. 134.219  Sanctions.

    A Judge may impose appropriate sanctions, except for fees, costs, 
or monetary penalties, which he or she deems necessary to serve the 
ends of justice, if a party or its attorney:
    (a) Fails to comply with an order of the Judge;
    (b) Fails to comply with the rules set forth in this part;
    (c) Acts in bad faith or for purposes of delay or harassment;
    (d) Submits false statements knowingly, recklessly, or with 
deliberate disregard for the truth; or
    (e) Otherwise acts in an unethical or disruptive manner.


Sec. 134.220  Prohibition against ex parte communications.

    No person shall consult or communicate with a Judge concerning any 
fact, question of law, or SBA policy relevant to the merits of a case 
before that Judge except on prior notice to all parties, and with the 
opportunity for all parties to participate. In the event of such 
prohibited consultation or communication, the Judge will disclose the 
occurrence in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 557(d)(1), and may impose such 
sanctions as he or she deems appropriate.


Sec. 134.221  Prehearing conferences.

    Prior to a hearing, the Judge, at his or her own initiative, or 
upon the motion of any party, may direct the parties or their attorneys 
to appear, by telephone or in person, in order to consider any matter 
which may assist in the efficient, prompt, and fair determination of 
the case. The conference may be recorded verbatim at the discretion of 
the Judge, and, if so, a party may purchase a transcript, at its own 
expense, from the recording service.


Sec. 134.222  Oral hearing.

    (a) Availability. A party may obtain an oral hearing only if:
    (1) It is required by regulation; or
    (2) Following the motion of a party, or at his or her own 
initiative, the Judge orders an oral hearing upon concluding that there 
is a genuine dispute as to a material fact that cannot be resolved 
except by the taking of testimony and the confrontation of witnesses; 
or
    (3) In 8(a) program appeals other than those involving suspensions, 
the requirements of Sec. 124.210 of this chapter are met.
    (b) Place and time. The place and time of oral hearings is within 
the discretion of the Judge, who shall give due regard to the necessity 
and convenience of the parties, their attorneys, and witnesses. The 
Judge may direct that an oral hearing be conducted by telephone.
    (c) Public access. Unless otherwise ordered by the Judge, all oral 
hearings are public.
    (d) Payment of subpoenaed witnesses. A party which obtains a 
witness' presence at an oral hearing by subpoena, must pay to that 
witness the fees and mileage costs to which the witness would be 
entitled in Federal Court.
    (e) Recording. Oral hearings will be recorded verbatim. A 
transcript of a 

[[Page 2687]]
recording may be purchased by a party, at its own expense, from the 
recording service.


Sec. 134.223  Evidence.

    (a) Federal Rules of Evidence. Unless contrary to a particular rule 
in this part, or an order of the Judge, the Federal Rules of Evidence 
will be used as a general guide in all cases before OHA.
    (b) Hearsay. Hearsay evidence is admissible if it is deemed by the 
Judge to be relevant and reliable.


Sec. 134.224  Standards for decision.

    The decision of a Judge will be based upon a preponderance of the 
evidence.


Sec. 134.225  The record.

    (a) Contents. The record of a case before OHA will consist of all 
pleadings, motions, and other non-evidentiary submissions, all admitted 
evidence, all orders and decisions, and any transcripts of proceedings 
in the case.
    (b) Public access. Except for information subject to a protective 
order, proprietary or confidential information withheld in accordance 
with this part, or any other information which is excluded from 
disclosure by law or regulation, the record will be available at OHA 
for public inspection during normal business hours. Copies of the 
documents available for public inspection may be obtained by the public 
upon payment of any duplication charges.
    (c) Closure. The Judge will set the date upon which the pre-
decisional record of the case will be closed, and after which no 
additional evidence or argument will be accepted.


Sec. 134.226  The decision.

    (a) Contents. Following closure of the record, the Judge will issue 
a decision containing findings of fact and conclusions of relevant law, 
reasons for such findings and conclusions, and any relief ordered. The 
contents of the record will constitute the exclusive basis for a 
decision.
    (b) Time limits. Decisions pertaining to the collection of debts 
owed to SBA and the United States under the Debt Collection Act of 1982 
and part 140 of this chapter must be rendered within 60 days after a 
petition is filed.
    (c) Service. OHA will serve a copy of all written decisions on:
    (1) Each party, or, if represented by counsel, on its counsel; and
    (2) SBA's General Counsel, or his or her designee, if SBA is not a 
party.


Sec. 134.227  Finality of decisions.

    (a) Final decisions. A decision on the merits shall be a final 
decision, upon issuance, in proceedings concerning the collection of 
debts owed to SBA and the United States, under the Debt Collection Act 
of 1982 and part 140 of this chapter.
    (b) Initial decisions. All decisions on the merits other than those 
set forth in paragraph (a) of this section are initial decisions. 
However, unless a request for review is filed pursuant to 
Sec. 134.228(a), an initial decision shall become the final decision of 
SBA 30 days after its issuance.


Sec. 134.228  Review of initial decisions.

    (a) Request for review. Within 30 days after the service of an 
initial decision, any party, or SBA's Office of General Counsel, may 
serve and file with OHA a request for review. A request for review must 
set forth the filing party's specific objections to the initial 
decision, and any alleged support for those objections in the record, 
or in case law, statute, regulation, or SBA policy. A party must serve 
its request for review upon all other parties and upon SBA's Office of 
General Counsel.
    (b) Response. Within 20 days after the service of a request for 
review, any party, or SBA's Office of General Counsel, may serve and 
file with OHA a response. A party must serve its response upon all 
other parties and upon SBA's Office of General Counsel.
    (c) Transfer of the record. Upon receipt of all responses, or 30 
days after the filing of a request for review, whichever is earlier, 
OHA will transfer the record of the case to the Administrator. The 
Administrator, or his or her designee, will then review the record.
    (d) Standard of review. Upon review, the Administrator, or his or 
her designee, will sustain the initial decision unless it is based on 
an erroneous finding of fact or an erroneous interpretation or 
application of case law, statute, regulation, or SBA policy.
    (e) Order. The Administrator, or his or her designee, will:
    (1) Affirm, reverse, or modify the initial decision, which 
determination will become the final decision of the SBA upon issuance; 
or
    (2) Remand the initial decision to the Judge for appropriate 
further proceedings.


Sec. 134.229  Termination of jurisdiction.

    The jurisdiction of OHA will terminate upon the issuance of a 
decision by a Judge resolving all material issues of fact and law 
unless the case is subsequently remanded for appropriate further 
proceedings, pursuant to Sec. 134.228(e)(2).

Subpart C--Rules of Practice for Appeals From Size Determinations 
and SIC Code Designations


Sec. 134.301  Scope of the rules in this subpart C.

    The rules of practice in this subpart C apply to all appeals to OHA 
from:
    (a) Formal size determinations made by an SBA Government 
Contracting Area Office, under part 121 of this chapter, or by a 
Disaster Area Office, in connection with applications for disaster 
loans; and
    (b) SIC code designations, pursuant to part 121 of this chapter.


Sec. 134.302  Who may appeal.

    Appeals from size determinations and SIC code designations may be 
filed with OHA by the following, as applicable:
    (a) Any person adversely affected by a size determination;
    (b) Any person adversely affected by a SIC code designation. 
However, with respect to an 8(a) contract, only the Associate 
Administrator for Minority Enterprise Development may appeal a SIC code 
designation;
    (c) The Associate or Assistant Administrator for the SBA program 
involved, through SBA's Office of General Counsel; or
    (d) The procuring agency contracting officer responsible for the 
procurement affected by a size determination.


Sec. 134.303  No absolute right to an appeal from a size determination.

    It is within the discretion of the Judge whether to accept an 
appeal from a size determination. If the Judge decides not to consider 
such an appeal, he or she will issue an order denying review, and 
specifying the reasons for the decision.


Sec. 134.304  Commencement of appeals from size determinations and SIC 
code designations.

    (a) Appeals from size determinations and SIC code designations must 
be commenced by serving and filing an appeal petition as follows:
    (1) If appeal is from a size determination in a pending procurement 
or pending Government property sale, then the appeal petition must be 
served and filed within 15 days after service of the size 
determination;
    (2) If appeal is from a size determination other than one in a 
pending procurement or pending Government property sale, then the 
appeal petition must be served and filed within 30 days after service 
of the size determination;
    (3) If appeal is from a SIC code designation, then the appeal 
petition must be served and filed within 10 days after the issuance of 
the initial 

[[Page 2688]]
invitation for bids or initial request for proposals or quotations.
    (b) An untimely appeal will be dismissed. However, an appeal which 
is untimely under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, with respect to a 
pending procurement or sale, may, if timely under paragraph (a)(2) of 
this section, proceed with respect to future procurements or sales.


Sec. 134.305  The appeal petition.

    (a) Form. There is no required format for an appeal petition. 
However, it must include the following information:
    (1) The Area Office which issued the size determination, or the 
contracting office which designated the SIC code;
    (2) The solicitation or contract number, and the name, address, and 
telephone number of the contracting officer;
    (3) A full and specific statement as to why the size determination 
or SIC code designation is alleged to be in error, together with 
argument supporting such allegations; and
    (4) The name, address, telephone number, and signature of the 
appellant or its attorney.
    (b) Service of size determination appeals. The appellant must serve 
the appeal petition upon each of the following:
    (1) The SBA official who issued the size determination;
    (2) The contracting officer responsible for the procurement 
affected by a size determination;
    (3) The business concern whose size status is at issue;
    (4) All persons who filed protests; and
    (5) SBA's Office of General Counsel.
    (c) Service of SIC appeals. The appellant must serve the 
contracting officer who made the SIC code designation.
    (d) Certificate of service. The appellant must attach to the appeal 
petition a signed certificate identifying each person or governmental 
agency which was served with the notice of appeal, and how and when 
each of those persons or governmental agencies was served.
    (e) Dismissal. An appeal petition which does not contain all of the 
information required in paragraph (a) of this section may be dismissed, 
with or without prejudice, by the Judge at his or her own initiative, 
or upon motion of a respondent.


Sec. 134.306  Transmission of the case file.

    Upon receipt of an appeal petition pertaining to a size 
determination, the Area Office which issued the size determination must 
immediately send to OHA the entire case file relating to that 
determination. Upon receipt of an appeal petition pertaining to a SIC 
code designation, the contracting officer who designated the SIC code 
must immediately send to OHA the solicitation relating to that 
designation.


Sec. 134.307  Service and filing requirements.

    The provisions of Sec. 134.204 apply to the service and filing of 
all pleadings and other submissions permitted under this subpart.


Sec. 134.308  Limitation on new evidence and adverse inference from 
non-submission in appeals from size determinations.

    (a) Evidence not previously presented to the Area Office which 
issued the size determination being appealed will not be considered by 
a Judge unless:
    (1) The Judge, on his or her own initiative, orders the submission 
of such evidence; or
    (2) A motion is served and filed establishing good cause for the 
submission of such evidence.
    (b) If the submission of evidence is ordered by a Judge, and the 
party in possession of that evidence does not submit it, the Judge may 
draw adverse inferences against that party.


Sec. 134.309  Response to an appeal petition.

    (a) Who may respond. Any person served with an appeal petition, or 
any other interested person, may serve and file a response supporting 
or opposing the appeal. The response should present argument.
    (b) Time limits. Unless otherwise specified by the Judge, a 
respondent must serve and file a response within 10 days after service 
of the appeal petition upon it.
    (c) Service. The respondent must serve its response upon the 
appellant and upon each of the persons identified in the certificate of 
service attached to the appeal petition pursuant to Sec. 134.305.
    (d) Reply to a response. No reply to a response will be permitted 
unless the Judge directs otherwise.


Sec. 134.310  Discovery.

    Discovery will not be permitted in appeals from size determinations 
or SIC code designations.


Sec. 134.311  Oral hearings.

    Oral hearings will not be held in appeals from SIC code 
designations, and will be held in appeals from size determinations only 
upon a finding by the Judge of extraordinary circumstances. If such an 
oral hearing is ordered, the proceeding shall be conducted in 
accordance with those rules of subpart B of this part as the Judge 
deems appropriate.


Sec. 134.312  Evidence.

    To the extent the rules in this subpart permit the submission of 
evidence, the provisions of Sec. 134.223 (a) and (b) apply.


Sec. 134.313  Applicability of subpart B provisions.

    The following sections from subpart B of this part apply to an 
appeal under this subpart C: Sec. 134.207(a) (pertaining to amendments 
to pleadings); Sec. 134.208 (Representation in cases before OHA); 
Sec. 134.209 (Requirement of signature); Sec. 134.210 (Intervention); 
Sec. 134.211 (Motions); Sec. 134.214 (Subpoenas); Sec. 134.218 
(Judges); Sec. 134.219 (Sanctions); and Sec. 134.220 (Prohibition 
against ex parte communications).


Sec. 134.314  Standard of review.

    The standard of review is whether the size determination or SIC 
code designation was based on clear error of fact or law.


Sec. 134.315  The record.

    Where relevant, the provisions of Sec. 134.225 (a), (b), and (c) 
apply. In an appeal under this subpart, the contents of the record also 
include the case file or solicitation submitted to OHA in accordance 
with Sec. 134.306.


Sec. 134.316  The decision.

    (a) Contents. Following closure of the record, the Judge will issue 
a decision containing findings of fact and conclusions of law, reasons 
for such findings and conclusions, and any relief ordered.
    (b) Finality. The decision is the final decision of the SBA and 
becomes effective upon issuance.
    (c) Service. OHA will serve a copy of all written decisions on:
    (1) Each party, or, if represented by counsel, on its counsel; and
    (2) SBA's General Counsel, or his or her designee, if SBA is not a 
party.


Sec. 134.317  Termination of jurisdiction.

    The jurisdiction of OHA will terminate upon the issuance of a 
decision.


Sec. 134.318  Return of the case file.

    Upon termination of jurisdiction, OHA will return the case file to 
the transmitting Area Office. The remainder of the record will be 
retained by OHA.

Subpart D--Implementation of the Equal Access to Justice Act


Sec. 134.401  What is the purpose of this subpart?

    The Equal Access to Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. 504, establishes 
procedures by which prevailing parties in certain 

[[Page 2689]]
administrative proceedings may apply for reimbursement of fees and 
other expenses. Eligible parties may receive awards when they prevail 
over SBA, unless SBA's position in the proceeding was ``substantially 
justified'' or, as provided in Sec. 134.405(b), special circumstances 
make an award unjust. The rules of this subpart explain which OHA 
proceedings are covered, who may be eligible for an award of fees and 
expenses, and how to apply for such an award.


Sec. 134.402  Under what circumstances may I apply for reimbursement?

    You may apply for reimbursement under this subpart if you meet the 
eligibility requirements in Sec. 134.406 and you prevail over SBA in a 
final decision in:
    (a) The type of administrative proceeding which qualifies as an 
``adversary adjudication'' under Sec. 134.403; or
    (b) An ancillary or subsidiary issue in that administrative 
proceeding that is sufficiently significant and discrete to merit 
treatment as a separate unit; or
    (c) A matter which the agency orders to be determined as an 
``adversary adjudication'' under 5 U.S.C. 554.


Sec. 134.403  What is an adversary adjudication?

    For purposes of this subpart, adversary adjudications are 
administrative proceedings before OHA which involve SBA as a party and 
which are required to be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge 
(``ALJ''). These adjudications (``administrative proceedings'') include 
those proceedings listed in Sec. 134.102 (a), (i), and (j)(1), but do 
not include other OHA proceedings such as those listed in 
Sec. 134.102(k). In order for an administrative proceeding to qualify, 
SBA must have been represented by counsel or by another representative 
who enters an appearance and participates in the proceeding.


Sec. 134.404  What benefits may I claim?

    You may seek reimbursement for certain reasonable fees and expenses 
incurred in prosecuting or defending a claim in an administrative 
proceeding.


Sec. 134.405  Under what circumstances are fees and expenses 
reimbursable?

    (a) If you are a prevailing eligible party, you may receive an 
award for reasonable fees and expenses unless the position of the 
agency in the proceeding is found by the ALJ to be ``substantially 
justified'', or special circumstances exist which make an award unjust. 
The ``position of the agency'' includes not only the position taken by 
SBA in the administrative proceeding, but also the position which it 
took in the action which led to the administrative proceeding. No 
presumption arises that SBA's position was not substantially justified 
simply because it did not prevail in a proceeding. However, upon your 
assertion that the position of SBA was not substantially justified, SBA 
will be required to establish that its position was reasonable in fact 
and law.
    (b) The ALJ may reduce or deny an award for reimbursement if you 
have unreasonably protracted the administrative proceeding or if other 
special circumstances would make the award unjust.
    (c) Awards for fees and expenses incurred before the date on which 
an administrative proceeding was initiated are allowable only if you 
can demonstrate that they were reasonably incurred in preparation for 
the proceeding.


Sec. 134.406  Who is eligible for possible reimbursement?

    (a) You are eligible for possible reimbursement if:
    (1) You are an individual, owner of an unincorporated business, 
partnership, corporation, association, organization, or unit of local 
government; and
    (2) You are a party, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 551(3); and
    (3) You are the prevailing party; and
    (4) You meet certain net worth and employee eligibility 
requirements set forth in Sec. 134.407.
    (b) You are not eligible for possible reimbursement if you 
participated in the administrative proceeding only on behalf of persons 
or entities that are ineligible.


Sec. 134.407  How do I know which eligibility requirement applies to 
me?

    Follow this chart to determine your eligibility. You should 
calculate your net worth and the number of your employees as of the 
date the administrative proceeding was initiated.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      If your participation in the proceeding was:                      Eligibility requirements:               
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) As an individual rather than a business owner......  (1) Personal net worth may not exceed 2 million        
                                                          dollars.                                              
(2) As owner of an unincorporated business.............  (2) Personal net worth may not exceed 7 million        
                                                          dollars, and                                          
                                                         No more than 500 employees.                            
(3) As a partnership, corporation, association,          (3) Business net worth may not exceed 7 million        
 organization, or unit of local government.               dollars, and                                          
                                                         No more than 500 employees.                            
(4) As a charitable or other tax-exempt organization     (4) No net worth limitations, and                      
 described in 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or a cooperative       No more than 500 employees.                            
 association as defined in 12 U.S.C. 1141j(a).                                                                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 134.408  What are the special rules for calculating net worth and 
number of employees?

    (a) Your net worth must include the value of any assets disposed of 
for the purpose of meeting an eligibility standard, and must exclude 
any obligation incurred for that purpose. Transfers of assets, or 
obligations incurred, for less than reasonably equivalent value will be 
presumed to have been made for the purpose of meeting an eligibility 
standard.
    (b) If you are an owner of an unincorporated business, or a 
partnership, corporation, association, organization, or unit of local 
government, your net worth must include the net worth of all of your 
affiliates. ``Affiliates'' are:
    (1) Corporations or other business entities which directly or 
indirectly own or control a majority of the voting shares or other 
ownership interests in the applicant concern; and
    (2) Corporations or other business entities in which the applicant 
concern directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the 
voting shares or other ownership interests.
    (c) Your employees include all those persons regularly working for 
you at the time the administrative proceeding was initiated, whether or 
not they were at work on that date. Part-time employees must be 
included on a proportional basis. You must include the employees of all 
your affiliates in your total number of employees.


Sec. 134.409  What is the difference between a fee and an expense?

    A fee is a charge to you for the professional services of 
attorneys, agents, or expert witnesses rendered in connection with your 
case. An expense 

[[Page 2690]]
is the cost to you of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, 
project, or similar matter prepared in connection with your case.


Sec. 134.410  Are there limitations on reimbursement for fees and 
expenses?

    (a) Awards will be calculated on the basis of fees and expenses 
actually incurred. If services were provided by one or more of your 
employees, or were made available to you free, you may not seek an 
award for those services. If services were provided at a reduced rate, 
fees and expenses will be calculated at that reduced rate.
    (b) In determining the reasonableness of the fees for attorneys, 
agents or expert witnesses, the ALJ will consider at least the 
following:
    (1) That provider's customary fee for like services;
    (2) The prevailing rate for similar services in the community in 
which that provider ordinarily performs services;
    (3) The time actually spent in representing you; and
    (4) The time reasonably spent in light of the difficulty and 
complexity of the issues.
    (c) An award for the fees of an attorney or agent may not exceed 
$75 per hour, and an award for the fees of an expert witness may not 
exceed $25 per hour, regardless of the rate charged.
    (d) An award for the reasonable cost of any study, analysis, 
engineering report, test, project or similar matter prepared on your 
behalf may not exceed the prevailing rate payable for similar services, 
and you may be reimbursed only if the study or other matter was 
necessary to the preparation of your case.


Sec. 134.411  What should I include in my application for an award?

    (a) Your application must be in the form of a written petition 
which is served and filed in accordance with Sec. 134.204. It must 
contain the following information:
    (1) A statement that OHA has jurisdiction over the case pursuant to 
Sec. 134.102(g);
    (2) Identification of the administrative proceeding for which you 
are seeking an award;
    (3) A statement that you have prevailed, and a list of each issue 
in which you claim the position of SBA was not substantially justified;
    (4) Your status as an individual, owner of an unincorporated 
business, partnership, corporation, association, organization, or unit 
of local government;
    (5) Your net worth and number of employees as of the date the 
administrative proceeding was initiated, or a statement that one or 
both of these eligibility requirements do not apply to you;
    (6) The amount of fees and expenses you are seeking, along with the 
invoice or billing statement from each service provider;
    (7) A description of any affiliates (as that term is defined in 
Sec. 134.408), or a statement that no affiliates exist;
    (8) A statement that the application and any attached statements 
and exhibits are true and complete to the best of your knowledge and 
that you understand a false statement on these documents is a felony 
punishable by fine and imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. 1001; and
    (9) (i) Your name and address;
    (ii) Your signature, or the signature of either a responsible 
official or your attorney; and
    (iii) The address and telephone number of the person who signs the 
application.
    (b) You should follow this chart to determine which further 
documents must be included with your application:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Party                                              Required documents                  
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Individual, owner of unincorporated business,        (1) Net worth exhibit.                                 
 partnership, corporation, association, organization,                                                           
 or unit of local government.                                                                                   
(2) Organization qualified as tax-exempt under 26        (2) Copy of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service   
 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).                                        that you qualify as a 501(c)(3) organization or       
                                                         Statement that you were listed in the current edition  
                                                          of IRS Bulletin 78 as of the date the administrative  
                                                          proceeding was initiated.                             
(3) Tax-exempt religious organization not required to    (3) Description of your organization and the basis for 
 obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on     your belief you are exempt.                           
 its exempt status.                                                                                             
(4) Cooperative association as defined in 12 U.S.C.      (4) Copy of your charter or articles of incorporation, 
 1141j(a).                                                and                                                   
                                                         Copy of your bylaws.                                   
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 134.412  What must a net worth exhibit contain?

    (a) A net worth exhibit may be in any format, but it must contain:
    (1) List of all assets and liabilities for you and each affiliate 
in detail sufficient to show your eligibility;
    (2) Aggregate net worth for you and all affiliates; and
    (3) Description of any transfers of assets from, or obligations 
incurred by, you or your affiliates within one year prior to the 
initiation of the administrative proceeding which reduced your net 
worth below the eligibility ceiling, or a statement that no such 
transfers occurred.
    (b) The net worth exhibit must be filed with your application, but 
will not be part of the public record of the proceeding. Further, in 
accordance with the provisions of Sec. 134.204(g), you need not serve 
your net worth exhibit on other parties.


Sec. 134.413  What documentation do I need for fees and expenses?

    You must submit a separate itemized statement or invoice for the 
services of each provider for which you seek reimbursement. Each 
separate statement or invoice must contain:
    (a) The hours worked in connection with the proceeding by each 
provider supplying a billable service;
    (b) A description of the specific services performed by each 
provider;
    (c) The rate at which fees were computed for each provider;
    (d) The total charged by the provider on that statement or invoice; 
and
    (e) The provider's verification that the statement or invoice is 
true to the best of his or her knowledge and that he or she understands 
that a false statement is punishable by fine and imprisonment under 18 
U.S.C. 1001.


Sec. 134.414  What deadlines apply to my application for an award and 
where do I send it?

    After you have prevailed in an administrative proceeding or in a 
discrete issue therein, you must serve, and file with OHA, your written 
application for an award, and its attachments, no later than 30 days 
after the decision in the administrative proceeding becomes final under 
Sec. 134.227. The deadline for filing an application for an award may 
not be extended. If SBA or another party requests review of the 
decision in the underlying administrative proceeding, 

[[Page 2691]]
your request for an award for fees and expenses may still be filed, but 
it will not be considered by the ALJ until a final decision is 
rendered.


Sec. 134.415  How will proceedings relating to my application for fees 
and expenses be conducted?

    Proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the provisions in 
subpart B of this part.


Sec. 134.416  How will I know if I receive an award?

    The ALJ will issue an initial decision on the merits of your 
request for an award which will become final in 30 days unless a 
request for review is filed under Sec. 134.228. The decision will 
include findings on your eligibility, on whether SBA's position was 
substantially justified, and on the reasonableness of the amount you 
requested. Where applicable, there will also be findings on whether you 
have unduly protracted the proceedings or whether other circumstances 
make an award unjust, and an explanation of the reason for the 
difference, if any, between the amount requested and the amount 
awarded. If you have sought an award against more than one federal 
agency, the decision will allocate responsibility for payment among the 
agencies with appropriate explanation.


Sec. 134.417  May I seek review of the ALJ's decision on my award?

    You may request review of the ALJ's decision on your award by 
filing a request for review in accordance with Sec. 134.228. You may 
seek judicial review of a final decision as provided in 5 U.S.C. 
504(c)(2).


Sec. 134.418  How are awards paid?

    If you are seeking payment of an award, you must submit a copy of 
the final decision, along with your certification that you are not 
seeking judicial review of either the decision in the adversary 
adjudication, or of the award, to the following address: Chief 
Financial Officer, Office of Financial Operations, SBA, P.O. Box 205, 
Denver, CO 80201-0205. SBA will pay you the amount awarded within 60 
days of receipt of your request unless it is notified that you or 
another party has sought judicial review of the underlying decision or 
the award.

PART 132--[REMOVED]

    2. Part 132 is hereby removed.

PARTS 112, 113, 124, and 136--[AMENDED]

    3. In accordance with the list below, for each section indicated in 
the left column, remove the reference indicated in the middle column 
from wherever it appears in the section, and add in its place the 
reference in the right column:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Section                    Remove                Add       
------------------------------------------------------------------------
112.11(b).......................  134.34............  134.228           
112.11(b).......................  134.19............  134.222           
112.11(b).......................  134.21............  134.211           
112.11(c).......................  134.32(b).........  134.227(b)        
113.7(b)........................  134.34............  134.228           
113.7(b)........................  134.19............  134.222           
113.7(b)........................  134.21............  134.211           
113.7(c)........................  134.32(b).........  134.227(b)        
124.210(b)......................  134.11(a).........  134.203(a)        
124.210(d)(2)...................  134.12............  134.202           
124.211(g)......................  134.19............  134.222           
136.170(j)(2)...................  134.34(a).........  134.228(a)        
136.170(j)(2)...................  134.34(b).........  134.228(a)        
136.170(j)(2)...................  134.32(b)(3)......  134.227(b)        
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philip Lader,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 96-1158 Filed 1-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8025-01-P