[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 89 (Monday, May 11, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22007-22012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10264]


[[Page 22007]]

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Part XV





Small Business Administration





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Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

[[Page 22008]]



SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)






_______________________________________________________________________

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

13 CFR Ch. I

Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

_______________________________________________________________________

SUMMARY: The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) and Executive Order 12866 
require each agency to publish semiannually a regulatory agenda 
(agenda) that includes an inventory of all current and projected 
rulemakings, including regulations the agency expects to develop during 
the next 12 months and regulations completed since the last publication 
of the agency's agenda. SBA is publishing this agenda to provide the 
public with notice about SBA's regulatory activities and to provide 
specific information about those activities. This information will 
promote the public's participation in SBA's regulatory activities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about 
specific regulatory actions listed in the agenda, you should direct 
your comments and inquiries to the appropriate agency contact 
identified in each entry. For general information about the agenda, you 
should direct your comments or inquiries to Martin ``Sparky'' Conrey, 
Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Appropriations, U.S. 
Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 
20416, (202) 619-0638, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This agenda announces the proposed 
regulatory actions that SBA plans for the next 12 months and those that 
were completed since the fall 2008 edition of the Agenda. As permitted 
by law, SBA is combining the publication of its agenda as required by 
statute and Executive order and conforming them to the Unified Agenda 
of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions format developed by the 
Regulatory Information Service Center.

     The purpose of the agenda is to provide information to the 
public on regulations currently under review, being proposed, 
completed, or withdrawn by SBA. Accordingly, rulemaking action in 
SBA's agenda is grouped according to its stage of development. The 
stages of development are prerulemaking, proposed rules, final 
rules, and rulemaking actions completed since the fall 2008 Agenda. 
The agenda is intended to facilitate comments and views by 
interested members of the public. SBA encourages public 
participation in its rulemaking process through various mediums 
including www.regulations.gov. This Web site allows SBA to place 
rules on the Web site and receive public comments through that 
medium. SBA also provides a link from www.sba.gov to that Web site.

     SBA's regulations promote statutory mandates and Presidential 
directives linked to SBA's goals to improve the economic 
environment for small business, increase small business success by 
bridging competitive opportunity gaps, restore homes and businesses 
affected by disaster, and to operate and manage SBA's programs and 
resources efficiently and effectively.

     Publication of proposed rulemaking actions in the agenda does 
not impose any obligation on SBA to take any final action with 
regard to any specific item. Furthermore, SBA is not precluded from 
rulemaking activities that are not listed in this agenda. The dates 
listed in the timetables for specific actions are estimates and not 
commitments to act on or by the particular date.

     Since the fall 2008 edition, the Internet is the basic means 
for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda 
will be available online at www.reginfo.gov in a format that offers 
users a greatly enhanced ability to obtain information from the 
Agenda database.

     Because publication in the Federal Register is mandated for 
the regulatory flexibility agendas required by the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 602), SBA's printed agenda entries 
include only rules that are in the Agency's regulatory flexibility 
agenda, in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, because 
they are likely to have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

     Printing of these entries is limited to fields that contain 
information required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act's Agenda 
requirements. Additional information on these entries is available 
in the Unified Agenda published on the Internet.

 Darryl K. Hairston,

 Acting Administrator.

                               Small Business Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
278         Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Program Revisions...........................    3245-AE05
279         8(a) Business Development.............................................................    3245-AF53
280         Small Business Size Standards: Retail Trade Industries................................    3245-AF69
281         Small Business Size Standards: Other Services.........................................    3245-AF70
282         Small Business Size Standards: Accommodations and Food Service Industries.............    3245-AF71
283         SBA Express Loan Program..............................................................    3245-AF85
284         Implementation of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007........................    3245-AF86
285         Implementation of Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and       3245-AF87
            Opportunity Act of 2008...............................................................
286         Implementation of Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008..    3245-AF88
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[[Page 22009]]


                                 Small Business Administration--Final Rule Stage
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                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
287         Lender Oversight Program..............................................................    3245-AE14
288         Definition of ``Employee'' for Purposes of the HUBZone Program........................    3245-AF44
289         Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contact Assistance Procedures--Eligible Industries.    3245-AF80
290         Implementation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009......................    3245-AF89
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                Small Business Administration--Completed Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Regulation
 Sequence                                           Title                                            Identifier
  Number                                                                                               Number
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
291         Small Business Size Standards; Support Activities for Air Transportation..............    3245-AF29
292         Small Business Size Standards; Calculation of the Number of Employees.................    3245-AF60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________________________________________


Small Business Administration (SBA)                 Proposed Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________



278. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (SBDC) PROGRAM REVISIONS

Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6); 15 USC 648

Abstract: This rule would propose amendments to SBA's SBDC program 
regulations for the purpose of conforming the regulations to existing 
statutory requirements. This rule would amend: (1) Procedures for 
approving and funding of SBDCs; (2) approval procedures for travel 
outside the continental U.S. and U.S. territories; (3) procedures and 
requirements regarding findings and disputes resulting from financial 
exams, programmatic reviews, accreditation reviews, and other SBA 
oversight activities; (4) requirements for new and renewal applications 
for SBDC awards, including the requirements for electronic submission 
through the approved electronic Government submission facility; and (5) 
provisions regarding the collection and use of individual SBDC client 
data.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Antonio Doss, Director, Office of Small Business 
Development Centers, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street 
SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-6766
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AE05
_______________________________________________________________________



279. 8(A) BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6), 636(j), 637(a) and (d)

Abstract: This rule proposes to make a number of changes to the 
regulations governing the 8(a) BD Program and several changes to SBA's 
size regulations. Some of the changes involve technical issues, such as 
changing the term ``SIC code'' to ``NAICS code'' to reflect the 
national conversion to the North American Industry Classification 
system. SBA has learned through experience that certain of its rules 
governing the 8(a) BD program are too restrictive and serve to unfairly 
preclude firms from being admitted to the program. In other cases, SBA 
has determined that a rule is too expansive or indefinite and has 
sought to restrict or clarify that rule. Changes are also being 
proposed to correct past public or agency misinterpretation. Also, new 
situations have arisen that were not anticipated when the current rules 
were drafted and the proposed rule seeks to cover those situations. 
Finally, one of the changes, involving Native Hawaiian Organizations, 
implements recently enacted legislation.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Joe Loddo, Associate Administrator, Office of Business 
Development, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, 
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-7550
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AF53
_______________________________________________________________________



280. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS: RETAIL TRADE INDUSTRIES

Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a)

Abstract: A U.S. Small Business Administration project is the review 
and update of all SBA size standards over a 2-year period. This 
proposed rule is one of a series of proposals evaluating the size 
standards for industries within a specific North American Industry 
Classification System (NAICS) Industry Sector. This action proposes 
revisions to certain industries in the NAICS Retail Trade Industry 
Sector. These proposed revisions ensure that SBA's size standards are 
consistently evaluated using the latest available data.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

[[Page 22010]]

Agency Contact: Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division Chief, Division of Size 
Standards, Office of Gov't Contracting/Business Development, Small 
Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-6618
Fax: 202 205-6390

RIN: 3245-AF69
_______________________________________________________________________



281. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS: OTHER SERVICES

Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a)

Abstract: A U.S. Small Business Administration project is the review of 
all SBA size standards over a 2-year period. This proposed rule is one 
of a series of proposals evaluating the size standards for industries 
within a specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 
Industry Sector. This action proposes revisions to certain industries 
in the NAICS Other Services Industry Sector. Other Services include, 
for example, repair and maintenance services, personal and laundry 
services, and religious, grant making, civic, and professional 
services. These proposed revisions ensure that SBA's size standards are 
consistently evaluated using the latest available data.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division Chief, Division of Size 
Standards, Office of Gov't Contracting/Business Development, Small 
Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-6618
Fax: 202 205-6390

RIN: 3245-AF70
_______________________________________________________________________



282. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS: ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD SERVICE 
INDUSTRIES

Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a)

Abstract: A U.S. Small Business Administration project is a review of 
all SBA size standards over a 2-year period. This proposed rule is one 
of a series of proposals evaluating the size standards for industries 
within a specific North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 
Industry Sector. This action proposes revisions to certain industries 
in the NAICS Accommodations and Food Services Industry Sector. These 
proposed revisions ensure that SBA's size standards are consistently 
evaluated using the latest available data.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Carl J. Jordan, Acting Division Chief, Division of Size 
Standards, Office of Gov't Contracting/Business Development, Small 
Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-6618
Fax: 202 205-6390

RIN: 3245-AF71
_______________________________________________________________________



283.  SBA EXPRESS LOAN PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 15 USC 636(a)(31)

Abstract: SBA plans to issue regulations for the SBA Express loan 
program codified in section 7(a)(31) of the Small Business Act. The SBA 
Express program reduces the number of Government mandated forms and 
procedures, streamlines the processing and reduces the cost of smaller, 
less complex SBA loans. SBA Express loans carry a maximum SBA guaranty 
of 50 percent.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Director, Office of Financial 
Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, 
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-7562
Email: [email protected].

RIN: 3245-AF85
_______________________________________________________________________



284.  IMPLEMENTATION OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND 
SECURITY ACT OF 2007

Legal Authority: 15 USC 636(a)(32)

Abstract: SBA plans to issue regulations to implement the small 
business energy provisions in the Energy Independence and Security Act 
of 2007. The new regulations will provide guidance on several program 
changes, including larger 504 loan limits to help small businesses 
develop energy efficient technologies, investments in energy saving 
small businesses, and an energy saving debenture program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            05/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: James W. Hammersley, Director, Office of Loan Policy, 
Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW, Washington, DC 
20416
Phone: 202 205-6490

RIN: 3245-AF86
_______________________________________________________________________



285.  IMPLEMENTATION OF MILITARY RESERVIST AND VETERAN 
SMALL BUSINESS REAUTHORIZATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT OF 2008

Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(q); 15 USC 636(j)

Abstract: SBA plans to issue regulations to implement section 205 of 
the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization and 
Opportunity Act. These regulations will provide guidance on tolling of 
time limitations for veteran-owned small businesses.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            08/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Dean R. Koppel, Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Policy, Planning, and Liaison, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd 
Street SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-7322
Fax: 202 481-1540

RIN: 3245-AF87
_______________________________________________________________________



286.  IMPLEMENTATION OF SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER 
RESPONSE AND LOAN IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 2008

Legal Authority: 15 USC 636(b);636(c);636(d)

[[Page 22011]]

Abstract: SBA plans to issue regulations to implement the Small 
Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008, located 
in subtitle B of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The 
new regulations will make conforming changes to existing regulations 
and establish three new programs: The Private Disaster Loan program, 
the Immediate Disaster Assistance program, and the Expedited Disaster 
Assistance program for businesses. Additional new regulations will 
provide guidance on expanded assistance during catastrophic disasters 
and address coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA).

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            06/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Steven G Smith, Chief, Executive Office of Disaster 
Strategic Planning & Operations, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd 
St SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-7192
Fax: 202 292-3778
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AF88
_______________________________________________________________________


Small Business Administration (SBA)                    Final Rule Stage






_______________________________________________________________________



287. LENDER OVERSIGHT PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 15 USC 634(b)(6),(b)(7),(b)(14),(h), and note; 
687(f),697(e)(c)(8), and 650.

Abstract: This rule implements the Small Business Administration's 
(SBA) statutory authority under the Small Business Reauthorization and 
Manufacturing Assistance Act of 2004 (Reauthorization Act) to regulate 
Small Business Lending Companies (SBLCs) and non-federally regulated 
lenders (NFRLs). It also would conform SBA rules to various changes in 
the section 7(a) Business Loan Program and the Certified Development 
Company (CDC) Program.
In particular, this rule (1) Defines SBLCs and NFRLs; (2) clarifies 
SBA's authority to regulate SBLCs and NFRLs; (3) authorizes SBA to set 
certain minimum capital standards for SBLCs, to issue cease and desist 
orders, and revoke or suspend lending authority of SBLCs and NFRLs; (4) 
establishes the Bureau of Premier Certified Lender Program Oversight in 
the Office of Credit Risk management; (5) transfers existing SBA 
enforcement authority over CDCs from the Office of Financial Assistance 
to the appropriate official in the Office of Capital Access; and (6) 
defines SBA's oversight and enforcement authorities relative to all SBA 
lenders participating in the 7(a) and CDC programs and intermediaries 
in the Microloan program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/31/07                    72 FR 61752
NPRM Comment Period Extended    12/20/07                    72 FR 72264
NPRM Comment Period End         02/29/08
Interim Final Rule              12/11/08                    73 FR 75498
Interim Final Rule Comment 
Period End                      03/11/09
Interim Final Rule Effective    01/12/09
Final Action                    12/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Bryan Hooper, Director, Office of Credit Risk 
Management, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, 
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-3049
Fax: 202 205-6831
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AE14
_______________________________________________________________________



288. DEFINITION OF ``EMPLOYEE'' FOR PURPOSES OF THE HUBZONE PROGRAM

Legal Authority: 15 USC 657 (a)

Abstract: The purpose of this final rule is to amend the definition of 
``employee'' under 13 CFR 126.103. The definition of ``employee'' in 
part 126 is relevant to SBA's determination of whether a concern is 
eligible for certification as a HUBZone small business concern. On May 
13, 2004, SBA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
requesting comments on, among other things, specific issues related to 
the definition of ``employee,'' including the status of part-time, 
leased, and temporary employees, and the use of the term ``full-time 
equivalent'' in the definition of ``employee.'' After careful 
consideration of the comments received, SBA has decided to amend the 
definition of ``employee'' to reflect current business operations, 
market conditions, and personnel practices within the small business 
community.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            01/26/07                     72 FR 3750
NPRM Comment Period End         02/26/07
Final Action                    02/00/10

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Mariana Pardo, Acting Director, Office of Hubzone, 
Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-2985
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AF44
_______________________________________________________________________



289.  WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS FEDERAL CONTACT 
ASSISTANCE PROCEDURES--ELIGIBLE INDUSTRIES

Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined

Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is prohibited 
from using funding in Fiscal Year 2009 to implement the program 
relating to Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract 
Assistance Procedures published on October 1, 2008, but the Omnibus 
Appropriations Act, 2009, Div. D, title V, section 522 (March 11, 
2009). SBA plans to withdraw this proposed rule and promulgate a new 
rule in order to establish and implement and effective WOSB procurement 
program. SBA is committed to moving forward to implement a successful 
WOSB procurement program.

[[Page 22012]]

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

NPRM                            10/01/08                    73 FR 57014
NPRM Comment Period End         10/31/08
Reopening of Comment Period     01/12/09                     74 FR 1153
Comment Period End              03/13/09
Withdrawal and New Rule         07/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Dean R. Koppel, Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Policy, Planning, and Liaison, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd 
Street SW, Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-7322
Fax: 202 481-1540

RIN: 3245-AF80
_______________________________________________________________________



290.  IMPLEMENTATION OF AMERICAN RECOVERY AND 
REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009

Legal Authority: 15 USC 636; 15 USC 683(b); 15 USC 686(a); 15 USC 
695,697

Abstract: SBA plans to issue regulations to implement the American 
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The new regulations will make 
conforming changes to existing regulations and establish several new 
programs. These programs include a secondary market guarantee program 
for 504 first mortgages, a refinancing program for community 
development loans, a business stabilization loan program for small 
businesses experiencing immediate financial hardship, and a program to 
make loans to systemically important SBA secondary market broker-
dealers. In addition, new regulations will increase the maximum 
leverage limits for small business investment companies, and will 
increase the maximum contract amount in the Surety Bond Guarantee 
program.

Timetable:
________________________________________________________________________

Action                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Interim Final Rule              04/00/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Eric R Zarnikow, Associate Administrator, Office of 
Capital Access, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW, 
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202 205-6657
Fax: 202 481-0797
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AF89
_______________________________________________________________________


Small Business Administration (SBA)                   Completed Actions






_______________________________________________________________________



291. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; SUPPORT ACTIVITIES FOR AIR 
TRANSPORTATION

Legal Authority: 15 USC 632(a)

Abstract: This rule revises the $6.5 million small business size 
standard applicable to airport operations and other support activities 
for air transportation. This rule was developed after an internal 
review conducted by SBA suggested that the size standard did not 
reflect the structural characteristics of firms in this industry.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/26/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson
Phone: 202 205-6618
Fax: 202 205-6390
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AF29
_______________________________________________________________________



292. SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS; CALCULATION OF THE NUMBER OF 
EMPLOYEES

Legal Authority: 15 USC 632

Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration proposes a technical 
change to the manner in which it calculates the number of employees to 
determine a firm's small business size status by revising the method 
for calculating an average number of employees. The current method uses 
a rolling average of the pay periods over the preceding 12 months.

Completed:
________________________________________________________________________

Reason                            Date                      FR Cite

________________________________________________________________________

Withdrawn                       02/27/09

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes

Agency Contact: Gary M. Jackson
Phone: 202 205-6618
Fax: 202 205-6390
Email: [email protected]

RIN: 3245-AF60
[FR Doc. E9-10264 Filed 05-08-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8025-01-S