[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 116 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35328-35330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-11961]


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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION


Announcement of 504 Loan Application Streamlining Pilot

AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

ACTION: Notice of Pilot.

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SUMMARY: In order to develop more consistent and efficient processes, 
SBA is streamlining the procedures for the submission of 504 loan 
applications to its Sacramento Loan Processing Center (SLPC) on a Pilot 
program basis.
    The Pilot's modifications to the existing procedures fall into two 
categories:
    (1) Changes in documentation submitted to SLPC that apply to all 
CDCs; and
    (2) Changes in process that apply to CDCs meeting certain 
requirements.
    Any existing procedures not addressed in this document are not 
affected and will continue with no change.

DATES: The Pilot is effective upon OMB's approval of the modifications 
to SBA Form 1244 (Application for Section 504 Loan) and will terminate 
one year from that date. SBA will notify CDCs upon receipt of OMB 
approval of the Form. The new procedures will apply with respect to 
loan applications a CDC submits after the effective date. Loans 
submitted to the SLPC before that date will continue to be processed 
under current standard procedures.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified as ``Notice of Pilot'' 
by any of the following methods: (1) Rulemaking portal at 
www.regulations.gov; (2) Agency Web site: http://www.sba.gov/: (3) E-
mail: [email protected]; (4) Mail to: Andrew (``Bin'') 
McConnell, Chief 504 Program Branch, Office of Financial Assistance, at 
409 3rd St. SW., Washington, DC 20416; and (5) Hand Delivery/Courier: 
409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bin McConnell, Chief 504 Program 
Branch, Office of Financial Assistance, 409 3rd Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, (202) 205-7238, or Richard Taylor, Director, 
Sacramento Loan Processing Center, at (916) 930-2462.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    On September 30, 2004, the Small Business Administration (SBA) 
completed the process of transferring all 504 loan processing to a 
centralized facility, the Sacramento Loan Processing Center (SLPC), in 
Sacramento, California. This was a significant step in allowing the 
agency to develop more consistent and efficient processes.
    Since then, SBA has been considering ways to streamline the 
process, both for CDCs and SBA staff. As the result of a recently 
completed analysis of the processing actions currently performed by the 
SLPC, and after discussions with industry representatives, the agency 
has determined that several modifications can be made to improve 504 
loan processing. The agency will be testing these modifications in a 
504 Loan Application Streamlining Pilot (``Pilot'').

Purpose of Pilot

    As with other streamlining efforts, the goal is to promote 
efficient use of staff and other valuable resources. In this case, the 
following are the goals that the agency proposes to meet through the 
Pilot:
     Enhance SBA's ability to process 504 applications 
efficiently,
     Reduce the physical size of the 504 application,
     Reduce the cost of shipping and storing files, and
     Reduce the paperwork submission burden on CDCs.
    The Pilot has been designed to minimize any increased risk to the 
agency that might result from streamlined processes.

Discussion of Changes

    This Pilot encompasses procedural changes and the waiver of one 
regulatory provision. Changes to 504 loan procedures fall into two 
categories:
    (1) Changes in documentation submitted to SLPC that apply to all 
CDCs; and
    (2) Changes in process that apply to CDCs meeting certain 
requirements.
    Each of these changes is discussed in more detail below. SBA Form 
1244 is being revised to reflect these changes. SBA has submitted a 
request to OMB, as required under the Paperwork Reduction Act, to 
approve the modification to SBA Form 1244 to reflect these changes.
    I. Changes in documentation submitted to SLPC that apply to all 
CDCs: During the Pilot, CDCs will not be required to submit certain 
documents currently required, and will be required to address certain 
issues as part of the credit memorandum instead of submitting the 
information in separate Exhibits. Borrower will also be allowed to 
provide a single certification instead of having to sign each exhibit 
individually (other than Exhibits 11 and 12, as further discussed 
below). Lastly, the timing of the submission of four documents will be 
changed to accommodate current business practices.
    More specifically, the following are changes that apply to all 504 
loan applications submitted to SLPC by all CDC:
    1. The requirements of Exhibit 1--History of business and analysis 
of management ability, and Exhibit 5--Resumes of principals, will now 
be met by the CDC addressing these in the credit memorandum.
    2. Changes in documents submitted to the SLPC as Exhibits to SBA 
Form 1244:
     Exhibit 2--The required eligibility analysis will be 
satisfied by the CDC completing and submitting SBA's Eligibility 
Checklist (available by calling, faxing, or e-mailing the SLPC) as 
Exhibit 2.
     Exhibit 4--Only a copy of the income tax return for the 
last full year will be required instead of the last 3 years of income 
tax returns.
     Exhibit 6--Only copies of the last 2 full years of income 
tax returns will be required instead of the last 3 years of income tax 
returns except if the alternate 7(a) size standard is being used. (This 
does not change the requirements for verification of financial 
information in the Authorization. The CDC is still required to verify 
the financial information in the application by obtaining tax 
information for 3 years using IRS Form 4506-T to IRS and comparing the 
financials to this information, as required in existing SBA guidance.)
     Exhibit 12--Only copies of the last 2 full years of income 
tax returns or financial statements for each affiliated or subsidiary 
business will be required instead of the past 3 years of income tax 
returns, except if the alternate 7(a) size standard is being used. A 
current financial statement for each affiliated or subsidiary business 
is no longer required to be submitted since it is not necessary for the 
size determination.
    3. With the exception of Exhibits 11 and 12 , the Borrower will no 
longer be required to sign and date each separate SBA Form 1244 
Exhibit. The Borrower will be required instead to certify that all 
information in the SBA Form 1244 and Exhibits is true and correct, 
except that Exhibits 11 (Schedule of previous government financing) and 
12 (Names of affiliated or subsidiary businesses) must

[[Page 35329]]

each be signed by the applicant/owner on the front page of the 
document.
    4. The CDC must collect and retain all Exhibits to SBA Form 1244. 
CDC files containing the Exhibits must be available for review by SBA 
at any time.
    5. CDCs should not submit Exhibit 15 (lease agreements), Exhibit 18 
(closing costs), Exhibit 20 (resolutions), and Exhibit 23 (SBA Forms 
159) to SBA until closing.
    II. Changes in process that apply to CDCs meeting certain 
requirements: This Pilot establishes a streamlined loan application 
processing procedure, referred to as Abridged Submission Method (ASM). 
A CDC that has been designated ``ASM eligible'' must submit a 504 loan 
application to SLPC that includes only the following:
     Credit memorandum,
     Draft loan authorization,
     SBA Form 1244.
     Only the following exhibits to the 1244:
    [cir] eligibility checklist (Exhibit 2),
    [cir] SBA Forms 912 (Exhibit 3),
    [cir] Franchise documentation (Exhibit 13),
    [cir] Collateral appraisals (Exhibit 16)
    [cir] Environmental documentation (Exhibit 17),
    [cir] INS Verification (Exhibit 21).
    When SBA has the capability to accept scanned and/or digitized 
documents electronically, we will notify ASM participants that they may 
use that option.
    CDCs using ASM must collect and retain all the Exhibits to SBA Form 
1244 including those Exhibits not required to be submitted to the SLPC. 
The CDC files including the Exhibits must be available for review by 
SBA at any time. To identify CDCs eligible to participate in ASM, SLPC 
staff will review each CDC's 504 lending activity and performance.
    CDCs will not be required to apply to participate in ASM. At the 
start of this Pilot (see DATES above), the SLPC will provide written 
notification to CDCs that qualify of its eligibility to participate, as 
of that date. As a courtesy, at approximately the time of the 
publication of this Notice, the SLPC will inform each CDC of its 
prospective status, based on the information available at that date. 
CDCs should be aware that any loans they submit between the date of the 
courtesy notification and the official notification may affect their 
status. Only CDCs that are eligible on or after the effective date of 
the pilot may use ASM.
    There are two criteria a CDC must meet to be eligible for ASM:
    1. A CDC must either:
    a. Be a participant in SBA's Accredited Lenders Program (ALP) or 
Premier Certified Lenders Program (PCLP), or
    b. Have submitted at least twenty-five (25) 504 loans to the SLPC 
in the last 12 months, and have passed three or more of the benchmark 
measures using SBA's most recent data. (A description of the Benchmarks 
is available at http://www.sba.gov/banking/programguide.html.) (Note: 
SBA will replace the benchmark requirement with SBA's Office of Lender 
Oversight risk rating system when that system's use is finalized in a 
subsequent Register Notice.) and
    2. A CDC must earn an average ``Loan Package Score'' (LPS) numeric 
equivalent rating of no more than ``1.9'' AND have no loans rated ``C'' 
or lower among the most recent 10 loans submitted.
    Appendix 1 to this Notice describes the LPS in detail. In summary, 
during processing SLPC staff evaluates and rates each 504 loan 
application package based on quality and presentation. The rating will 
range from ``A'' to ``E'' with ``A'' being the highest possible rating. 
(For purposes of numeric calculation the ``A'' through ``E'' 
designation will be converted as follows: ``A'' = 1, ``B'' = 2, ``C'' = 
3, ``D'' = 4 and ``E'' = 5.) SLPC computes the rating by assigning 
equal weights (one-third) to the following three factors:
     CDC submitted all necessary documents and data.
     CDC completely and accurately analyzed the eligibility of 
the transaction.
     CDC produced a complete and thorough credit analysis.
    The quality level of loan packages a CDC presents is the key to the 
SLPC 's ability to expedite processing of approval requests. 
Consequently, the ``cut-off'' numeric equivalent average score of 
``1.9'' was selected to ensure that only CDCs with packages of the 
highest quality are allowed to use the ASM. After receiving ASM status, 
if the CDC's numeric equivalent average LPS for the most recent 25 
loans processed is more than ``1.9'' or if the CDC's submission of any 
one loan package rates a ``C'' or lower, the CDC will lose its ASM 
status. In the case of a numeric equivalent average LPS that exceeds 
``1.9'' the CDC will again become eligible for ASM once its numeric 
equivalent average rating for its 25 most recent loans is no more than 
``1.9''. In the case of a single loan package rated ``C'' or lower, the 
CDC will again become eligible with the subsequent submission of five 
(5) sequential non-ASM loan packages that rate a numeric equivalent 
average of no more than ``1.9''. These are carefully considered 
decisions based on the fact that SBA staff will not be scrutinizing all 
individual source documents in an ASM application. Establishing a high 
standard for performance will reduce the risk to the agency in 
implementing the ASM. A CDC may appeal the rating provided by the SLPC 
to the Associate Administrator for Financial Assistance.
    Monitoring--To monitor the CDC's continued eligibility to use ASM, 
the SLPC periodically will require the CDC to submit a full 504 loan 
application for review. The general frequency will be one (1) loan out 
of ten (10), within the following parameters:
     Each CDC will have at least one (1) loan reviewed during 
the twelve months of the pilot.
     No CDC will have more than twelve (12) loans reviewed 
during the pilot.
    Upon written notice identifying a specific loan for review, a CDC 
will have 3 business days to submit the entire file to the SLPC. Should 
the review of a file result in a ``C'' or lower rating, the CDC will 
lose its ASM status. The CDC's ASM status may be regained as described 
above.
    If a CDC fails to continue to meet the required portfolio 
performance standards or any other criteria for ASM, it is no longer 
eligible to use ASM, and the SLPC will inform the CDC in writing. 
Effective immediately upon such notice, a CDC must revert to submitting 
all of the Exhibits listed on the SBA Form 1244 as modified under ``I'' 
above.
    Sections 120.840-846 of Title 13 of the Code of Regulations contain 
requirements for participation in the ALP and PCLP programs, one 
benefit of which is expedited loan application processing. During the 
Pilot, using its authority under 13 CFR 120.3, SBA will modify the 
provision in 13 CFR 120.840(a) under which ALP (and PCLP CDCs 
submitting applications to the SLPC) receive expedited loan processing. 
Instead, during the Pilot, ALP (and PCLP CDCs submitting applications 
to the SLPC) will be able to use ASM, as long as they maintain that 
status and also achieve and maintain the required LPS. This LPS 
requirement is necessary to ensure that the agency is sufficiently 
protected, because during the Pilot SBA will be relying more heavily on 
the actions of CDCs and consequently is exposed to additional risk. 
CDCs with ALP and CDC status are reminded that one consideration in 
maintaining that status is continued acceptable portfolio performance 
as currently measured by performance benchmarks. The existence of this 
Pilot has no effect on a CDC's ALP or PCLP status, nor does it change 
any of the

[[Page 35330]]

servicing or other authorities granted to ALP or PCLP CDCs.
    The CDC is required to retain a copy of all loan application 
documents in its file regardless of whether they are submitted to SBA.

    Authority: 13 CFR 120.3.

James E. Rivera,
Associate Administrator for Financial Assistance.

Appendix 1--``Loan Package Score'' (LPS)

    The quality level of loan packages being presented by the CDC is 
the key to the SLPC's ability to expedite processing of approval 
requests. During the processing of each 504 loan application, the 
SBA loan specialist evaluates the quality and presentation of the 
package and assigns a grade based on the following standards.
    On the official start date of the pilot, SLPC will determine the 
CDC's score based on the 25 most recent loans submitted to the 
Center. A CDC not eligible for ASM because of its LPS score at the 
start of the pilot will become eligible for ASM when its most recent 
25 loans submitted have a numeric equivalent average LPS of no more 
than ``1.9''. The SLPC will notify a CDC when it becomes eligible 
for ASM. In the case of an ALP or PCLP lender that has submitted 
fewer than 25 loans, the Center will base the score on all loans 
submitted. If, at the start of the pilot, a CDC was not ALP or PCLP 
and did not have 25 loans submitted during the preceding 12 months, 
it will be notified as soon as it submits its 25th loan if it has an 
acceptable score.
    The SLPC will continue to monitor CDC performance by maintaining 
a ``rolling'' average that includes the most recent twenty-five (25) 
loans submitted. After receiving ASM status, if the CDC's numeric 
equivalent average LPS exceeds ``1.9'' or if the CDC's submission of 
any one loan package rates a ``C'' or lower, the CDC will lose its 
ASM status. In the case of a numeric equivalent average LPS that 
exceeds ``1.9'' the CDC will again become eligible for ASM once its 
numeric equivalent average rating is no more than ``1.9''. In the 
case of a single loan package rated ``C'' or lower, the CDC will 
again become eligible with the subsequent submission of five (5) 
sequential non-ASM loan packages that rate a numeric equivalent 
average of no more than ``1.9''.
    SLPC staff rates every 504 loan application processed by SLPC. 
The rating will range from ``A'' to ``E'' with ``A'' being the 
highest possible rating. (For purposes of numeric calculation the 
``A'' through ``E'' designation will be converted as follows: ``A'' 
= 1, ``B'' = 2, ``C'' = 3, ``D'' = 4 and ``E'' = 5.) SLPC computes 
the rating by evaluating the following three factors to comprise a 
composite score:
    1. CDC submitted all necessary documents and data.
    2. CDC completely and accurately analyzed the eligibility of the 
transaction.
    3. CDC produced a complete and thorough credit analysis.
    The following describes each rating level:
    A--A level ``A'' application package is complete in all 
respects. The CDC's credit memo provides a clear representation of 
the loan proposal, and a complete analysis of the business including 
management, financial capacity, eligibility, and project costs. The 
credit memo also explains why the transaction completely satisfies 
SBA's credit and eligibility standards. Ownership of all entities 
including potential affiliates is broken down with full analysis 
completed and true affiliates identified. The 1244 is complete and 
the information contained matches the credit memo and the financial 
documents in the file. The package is in exhibit order of the 1244 
with all exhibits included and complete. This would also include:

--All required signatures on the 1244 Part C.
--All required 912s are completed
--All required personal, corporate and affiliate tax returns and 
financial statements.
--Project property is clearly identified with cost documents to 
support the project cost.
--All required SBA forms are included and completed properly, 
including appropriate signatures as required.
--The draft authorization is consistent with the CDC's 
recommendation on the 1244 and the credit memo, is presented in the 
current version being used, and has all the relevant provisions 
included.

    In summary, a level ``A'' application package is complete and 
stands on its own. The SBA loan specialist is able to review the 
CDC's credit memo and quickly identify all of the entities for which 
exhibit information is required. At this level, additional contact 
with the CDC is rarely necessary.
    B--A level ``B'' application package is well prepared however it 
is not complete. The SBA loan specialist must contact the CDC to 
obtain further information to clarify the proposal or to obtain a 
missing document. The information usually will not change the 
structure of the proposal but is required for the package to be 
complete and eligibility to be established. Common items missed that 
would create a level ``B'' assessment are missing signatures/dates 
on the 1244; missing 912s; incomplete or missing financial 
information; misidentified or unidentified affiliates; missing INS 
verification; missing costs documents; stale dated documents.
    At this level, the CDC's credit memo is well prepared, making 
the identification of the missing documents relatively easy. 
Usually, only one or two items are needed to complete the file. The 
missing information can usually be faxed or overnight mailed with 
minimal delay in processing.
    C--A level ``C'' application package is missing substantially 
more information than a level ``B''. The SBA loan specialist will 
provide a list of missing items and/or those needing clarification 
via e-mail to the CDC. The CDC's credit memo is lacking in one or 
more key areas making the identification of the scope of the project 
difficult. The information contained in the 1244 and exhibits often 
do not match the credit memo and/or the draft authorization. The 
information requested may result in additional questions/issues 
being identified. Very often this results in a change to the 
structure and dollar amount of the project. Areas of concern, in 
addition to those identified in level ``B'' are: ineligible project 
costs; ineligible structure due to new business or single purpose 
property; miscalculated equity injection; existing SBA loan that 
limits project participation.
    The volume of missing information or the incorrect structure of 
the project can cause extended delays in the processing of the 
request.
    D--Level ``D'' application packages are seriously incomplete and 
often contain an ineligible structure. The CDC's credit memo, if 
included, does not provide adequate information to establish that 
the file meets SBA credit and eligibility standards. Many of the 
exhibits are missing or incomplete. It is difficult for the SBA loan 
specialist to determine, based on the contents of the file, what the 
actual project involves. These files usually require repeated 
requests to the CDC for information in order for the SBA loan 
specialist to construct a file that is complete enough to make a 
decision.
    E--Level ``E'' application packages are missing many critical 
documents which make it difficult to determine the scope of the 
proposed project or the principals or companies involved. Packages 
graded at this level are rare and are likely to come from new CDCs 
that are just beginning to learn the process.

[FR Doc. 05-11961 Filed 6-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8025-01-P