[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 29 (Monday, February 13, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8020-8027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-1660]



[[Page 8019]]

Vol. 77

Monday,

No. 29

February 13, 2012

Part XIX





Small Business Administration





-----------------------------------------------------------------------





Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

  Federal Register / Vol. 77 , No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2012 / 
Unified Agenda  

[[Page 8020]]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

13 CFR Ch. I


Semiannual Regulatory Agenda

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

ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This Regulatory Agenda is a semiannual summary of all current 
and projected rulemakings, existing regulations, and completed actions 
of the Small Business Administration (SBA). This agenda provides the 
public with information about SBA's regulatory activity. SBA expects 
that this information will enable the public to be more aware of, and 
effectively participate in, the SBA's regulatory activity. SBA invites 
the public to submit comments on any aspect of this Agenda.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

General

    Please direct general 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].

Specific

    Please direct specific comments and inquiries on individual 
regulatory activities identified in this agenda to the individual 
listed in the summary of the regulation as the point of contact for 
that regulation.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SBA provides this notice under the 
requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. sections 601 
to 612 and Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 
which require each agency to publish a semiannual agenda of 
regulations. The regulatory agenda is a summary of all current and 
projected rulemakings, as well as actions completed since the 
publication of the last Regulatory Agenda for the agency. SBA's last 
semiannual regulatory agenda was published on July 7, 2011, at 76 FR 
40136. The semiannual agenda of the SBA conforms to the Unified Agenda 
format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center.
    Beginning with the fall 2007 edition, the Internet became the basic 
means for disseminating the Unified Agenda. The complete Unified Agenda 
will be available online at www.reginfo.gov in a format that greatly 
enhances a user's ability to obtain information about the rules in the 
agency's Agenda.
    The Regulatory Flexibility Act requires federal agencies to publish 
their regulatory flexibility agendas in the Federal Register. 
Therefore, SBA's printed agenda entries include regulatory actions that 
are in the SBA's regulatory flexibility agenda. A regulatory 
flexibility agenda contains, among other things, ``a brief description 
of the subject area of any rule, which is 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.

    Dated: September 9, 2011.
Karen G. Mills,
Administrator.

              Small Business Administration--Prerule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
450.......................  Small Business Development         3245-AE05
                             Centers (SBDC) Program
                             Revisions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


           Small Business Administration--Proposed Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
451.......................  Small Business Technology          3245-AF45
                             Transfer (STTR) Policy
                             Directive (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 148).
452.......................  Small Business Innovation          3245-AF84
                             Research (SBIR) Program
                             Policy Directive (Reg
                             Plan Seq No. 149).
453.......................  SBA Express Loan Program;          3245-AF85
                             Export Express Program.
454.......................  Implementation of Small            3245-AF88
                             Business Disaster
                             Response and Loan
                             Improvement Act of 2008:
                             Expedited Disaster
                             Assistance Program.
455.......................  Implementation of Small            3245-AF99
                             Business Disaster
                             Response and Loan
                             Improvement Act of 2008:
                             Private Loan Disaster
                             Program.
456.......................  504 Regulatory                     3245-AG04
                             Enhancements.
457.......................  Small Business Jobs Act:           3245-AG16
                             Small Business Size
                             Standards; Alternative
                             Size Standard for 7(a)
                             and 504 Business Loan
                             Programs.
458.......................  Acquisition Process: Task          3245-AG20
                             and Delivery Order
                             Contracts, Bundling,
                             Consolidation (Reg Plan
                             Seq No. 150).
459.......................  Small Business Jobs Act:           3245-AG22
                             Subcontract Integrity.
460.......................  Small Business Jobs Act:           3245-AG23
                             Small Business Size and
                             Status Integrity.
461.......................  Small Business Jobs Act:           3245-AG24
                             Small Business Mentor-
                             Prot[eacute]g[eacute]
                             Programs (Reg Plan Seq
                             No. 151).
462.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG25
                             Standards for Utilities
                             Industries.
463.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG26
                             Standards; Information.
464.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG27
                             Standards; Administrative
                             and Support, Waste
                             Management and
                             Remediation Services
                             Industries.
465.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG28
                             Standards: Real Estate,
                             Rental and Leasing
                             Industries.
466.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG29
                             Standards: Educational
                             Services Industries.
467.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG30
                             Standards: Health Care
                             and Social Assistance
                             Services Industries.
468.......................  Small Business Investment          3245-AG32
                             Companies--Early Stage
                             SBICs.
469.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG36
                             Standards: Arts,
                             Entertainment, and
                             Recreation.
470.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG37
                             Standards: Construction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
References in boldface appear in The Regulatory Plan in part II of this
  issue of the Federal Register.


[[Page 8021]]


             Small Business Administration--Final Rule Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
471.......................  Lender Oversight Program..         3245-AE14
472.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG07
                             Standards: Professional,
                             Scientific, and Technical
                             Services.
473.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG08
                             Standards: Transportation
                             and Warehousing
                             Industries.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Small Business Administration--Completed Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Regulation
       Sequence No.                    Title             Identifier No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
474.......................  Implementation of Military         3245-AF87
                             Reservist and Veteran
                             Small Business
                             Reauthorization and
                             Opportunity Act of 2008.
475.......................  Interest Rate--Resetting           3245-AG03
                             Fixed Interest Rate.
476.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG05
                             Standards for Loan,
                             Investment, and Surety
                             Programs.
477.......................  Statement of Personal              3245-AG11
                             History (Form 912)
                             Modification.
478.......................  Small Business Jobs Act:           3245-AG21
                             Bundling and Contract
                             Consolidation.
479.......................  Small Business Size                3245-AG31
                             Standards: Application of
                             Nonmanufacturer Rule to
                             Processors and other
                             Producers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

Prerule Stage

450. Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Program Revisions

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 634(b)(6); 15 U.S.C. 648
    Abstract: This rule would update Small Business Development Center 
(SBDC) program regulations by amending among things, the (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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANPRM...............................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Jean Z. Smith, Acting Associate Administrator, 
Office of Small Business Development Centers, Small Business 
Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 
205-7262, Fax: 202 205-7272, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AE05

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

Proposed Rule Stage

451. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Policy Directive

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 148 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 3245-AF45

452. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Policy Directive

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 149 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 3245-AF84

453. SBA Express Loan Program; Export Express Program

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(31) and (35)
    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 loan program reduces the number of Government mandated forms 
and procedures, streamlines the processing and reduces the cost of 
smaller, less complex SBA loans. Particular features of the SBA Express 
loan program include: (1) SBA Express loans carry a maximum SBA 
guaranty of 50 percent; (2) a response to an SBA Express loan 
application will be given within 36 hours; (3) lenders and borrowers 
can negotiate the interest rate, which may not exceed SBA maximums; and 
(4) qualified lenders may be granted authorization to make eligibility 
determinations. SBA also plans to issue regulations for the Export 
Express Program codified at 7(a)(35) of the Small Business Act. The 
Export Express Program, made permanent by the Small Business Jobs Act, 
makes guaranteed financing available for export development activities.
    Timetable:

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Director, Office of Financial 
Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7562, Fax: 202 481-0248, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AF85

454. Implementation of Small Business Disaster Response and Loan 
Improvement Act of 2008: Expedited Disaster Assistance Program

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 636(j)
    Abstract: This proposed rule would establish and implement an 
expedited disaster assistance business loan program under which the SBA 
will guarantee short-term loans made by private lenders to eligible 
small businesses located in a catastrophic disaster area. The maximum 
loan amount is $150,000, and SBA will guarantee timely payment of 
principal and interest to the lender. The maximum loan term will be 180 
days, and the interest rate will be limited to 300 basis points over 
the Federal funds rate.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 8022]]

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Director, Office of Financial 
Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7562, Fax: 202 481-0248, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AF88

455. Implementation of Small Business Disaster Response and Loan 
Improvement Act of 2008: Private Loan Disaster Program

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 636
    Abstract: This proposed rule would establish and implement a 
private disaster loan program under which SBA will guarantee loans made 
by qualified lenders to eligible small businesses and homeowners 
located in a catastrophic disaster area. Private disaster loans made 
under this program will have the same terms and conditions as SBA's 
direct disaster loans. In addition, SBA will guarantee timely payment 
of principal and interest to the lender. SBA may guarantee up to 85 
percent of any loan under this program and the maximum loan amount is 
$2 million.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Director, Office of Financial 
Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7562, Fax: 202 481-0248, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AF99

456. 504 Regulatory Enhancements

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.
    Abstract: SBA proposes to revise the regulations for the Agency's 
504 Certified Development Company (CDC) Loan Program in order to (1) 
simplify processes and reduce the regulatory burdens on program 
participants while maintaining appropriate controls to mitigate risk; 
(2) increase opportunities for other nonprofit economic development 
entities to participate in the program either as independent CDCs or 
affiliates of CDCs, especially in communities not currently served; (3) 
expand the area of operations for CDCs from statewide to regional; (4) 
hold CDC Board of Directors more accountable for the CDCs economic 
development, financial strength, executive compensation and portfolio 
performance; (5) clarify current regulations; and (6) update the 
regulations with statutory requirements.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Andrew B. McConnell Jr., Chief, 504 Loan Program, 
Office of Financial Assistance, Small Business Administration, 409 
Third Street SW., Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7238, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG04

457. Small Business Jobs Act: Small Business Size Standards; 
Alternative Size Standard for 7(A) and 504 Business Loan Programs

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-240, sec 1116
    Abstract: SBA will amend its size eligibility criteria for Business 
Loans and for development company loans under title V of the Small 
Business Investment Act (504). For the SBA 7(a) Business Loan Program, 
the amendments will provide an alternative size standard for loan 
applicants that do not meet the small business size standards for their 
industries. For the 504 Program, the amendments will increase the 
current alternative standard for applicants for 504 loans. The Small 
Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Jobs Act) established alternative size 
standards that apply to both of these programs until the SBA's 
Administrator establishes other alternative size standards. This 
interim final rule will be effective when published because the 
alternative size standards that the Jobs Act established were effective 
September 27, 2010, the date of its enactment. These alternative size 
standards do not affect other Federal government programs, including 
Federal procurement.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG16

458. Acquisition Process: Task and Delivery Order Contracts, Bundling, 
Consolidation

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 150 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 3245-AG20

459. Small Business Jobs Act: Subcontract Integrity

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-240, secs 1321 and 1322, 1334
    Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration is proposing 
regulations that address subcontracting compliance and the 
interrelationship between contracting offices, small business offices 
and program offices relating to oversight and review activities. The 
proposed regulation will also address the statutory requirement that a 
large business prime contractor must represent that it will make good 
faith efforts to award subcontracts to small businesses at the same 
percentage as indicated in the subcontracting plan submitted as part of 
its proposal for a contract and that if the percentage is not met, the 
large business prime contractor must provide a written justification 
and explanation to the contracting officer. Finally, the proposed 
regulation may also address the statutory requirement that a prime 
contractor must notify the contracting officer in writing if it has 
paid a reduced price to a subcontractor for goods and services or if 
the payment to the subcontractor is more than 90 days past due.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/05/11  76 FR 61626
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/05/11  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dean R. Koppel, Assistant Director, Office of 
Policy and Research, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7322, Fax: 202 481-1540, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG22

460. Small Business Jobs Act: Small Business Size and Status Integrity

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-240, sec 1341 and 1343
    Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration is proposing 
regulations that will address the intentional misrepresentations of 
small business status as a ``presumption of loss against the 
Government.'' In addition, the

[[Page 8023]]

proposed rule will address the statutory requirement that no business 
may continue to certify itself as small on the Online Representation 
and Certifications Application (ORCA) without first providing an annual 
certification.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/07/11  76 FR 62313
NPRM Comment Period End.............   11/07/11  .......................
NPRM Comment Period Extended........   11/08/11  76 FR 69154
NPRM Extended Comment Period End....   12/08/11  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dean R. Koppel, Assistant Director, Office of 
Policy and Research, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street 
SW., Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7322, Fax: 202 481-1540, 
Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG23

461. Small Business Jobs Act: Small Business Mentor-
Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Programs

    Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 151 in part II of this 
issue of the Federal Register.
    RIN: 3245-AG24

462. Small Business Size Standards for Utilities Industries

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 22, Utilities Industries, and 
revised size standards for certain industries in the sector. This is 
one of a series of proposed rules that will examine industries grouped 
by an NAICS Sector. SBA has applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' 
which is available on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this 
proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG25

463. Small Business Size Standards; Information

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 51, Information Industries, 
and revised size standards for certain industries in the sector. This 
is one of a series of proposed rules that will examine industries 
grouped by an NAICS Sector. SBA has applied its ``Size Standards 
Methodology,'' which is available on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/12/11  76 FR 63216
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/12/11  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG26

464. Small Business Size Standards; Administrative and Support, Waste 
Management and Remediation Services Industries

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 56, Administrative and 
Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services Industries, and 
revised size standards for certain industries in the sector. This is 
one of a series of proposed rules that will examine industries grouped 
by an NAICS Sector. SBA has applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' 
which is available on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this 
proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   10/12/11  76 FR 63510
NPRM Comment Period End.............   12/12/11  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG27

465. Small Business Size Standards: Real Estate, Rental and Leasing 
Industries

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 53, Real Estate, Rental and 
Leasing Industries, and revised size standards for certain industries 
in the sector. This is one of a series of proposed rules that will 
examine industries grouped by an NAICS Sector. SBA has applied its 
``Size Standards Methodology,'' which is available on its Web site at 
http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/15/11  76 FR 70680
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/17/12  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG28

466. Small Business Size Standards: Educational Services Industries

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 61, Educational Services 
Industries, and revised size standards for certain industries in the 
sector. This is one of a series of proposed rules that will examine 
industries grouped by an NAICS Sector.

[[Page 8024]]

SBA has applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' which is available 
on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   11/15/11  76 FR 70667
NPRM Comment Period End.............   01/17/12  .......................
Final Action........................   06/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG29

467. Small Business Size Standards: Health Care and Social Assistance 
Services Industries

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 62, Health Care and Social 
Assistance Services Industries, and revised size standards for certain 
industries in the sector. This is one of a series of proposed rules 
that will examine industries grouped by an NAICS Sector. SBA has 
applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' which is available on its 
Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this purposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   04/00/12  .......................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG30

468. Small Business Investment Companies--Early Stage SBICS

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(32)
    Abstract: To address a critical market need for early stage equity 
financing, SBA proposes to license a limited number of Small Business 
Investment Companies (SBICs) each year that are focused on providing 
equity capital to seed and early stage small businesses. These SBICs 
would be designated as ``Innovation Funds.'' SBA leverage is available 
to SBICs through a debenture instrument, the structure of which was not 
designed to address the needs or circumstances of early stage 
investors, and thus presents certain repayment risks for such 
investors. However, with certain regulatory changes, the risk 
associated with providing debenture leverage to Innovation Funds may be 
significantly reduced. This rule would establish a number of regulatory 
provisions applicable to Innovation Funds for the purpose of managing 
overall program risk, including lower limits on maximum leverage 
eligibility and special distribution rules.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   12/09/11  76 FR 76907
NPRM Comment Period End.............   02/07/12
Final Action........................   04/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Carol Fendler, Systems Accountant, Office of 
Investment, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 6th 
Floor, Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7559, Email: 
[email protected]
    RIN: 3245-AG32

469.  Small Business Size Standards: Arts, Entertainment, and 
Recreation

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As a part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 71, Arts, Entertainment, and 
Recreation, and revised size standards for center industries in the 
sector. This is one of a series of proposed rules that will examine 
industries grouped by NAICS Sector. SBA has applied its ``Size 
Standards Methodology,'' which is available on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size Standards, 
Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 
20416, Phone: 202 205-6390, Fax: 202 205-6390,
    RIN: 3245-AG36

470.  Small Business Size Standards: Construction

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA is conducting a comprehensive review of all small 
business size standards to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. As a part of this effort, SBA 
has evaluated each industry NAICS Sector 23, Construction, and revised 
size standards for center industries in the sector. This is one of a 
series of proposed rules that will examine industries grouped by NAICS 
Sector. SBA has applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' which is 
available on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed 
rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size Standards, 
Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., Washington, DC 
20416, Phone: 202 205-6390, Fax: 202 205-6390.
    RIN: 3245-AG37

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

Final Rule Stage

471. Lender Oversight Program

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 634(5)(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 conforms SBA rules for 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

[[Page 8025]]

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      03/11/09
 End.
Interim Final Rule Effective........   01/12/09
Final Action........................   09/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Eugene D Stewman, Acting Director, Office of Credit 
Risk Management, Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-3049, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AE14

472. Small Business Size Standards: Professional, Scientific, and 
Technical Services

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to 
modify small business size standards for industries in the North 
American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 54, 
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. As part of its ongoing 
initiative to review all size standards, SBA will evaluate each 
industry in Sector 54 to determine whether the existing size standards 
should be retained or revised. This is one of a series of proposed 
rules that will examine industries grouped by an NAICS Sector. SBA has 
applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' which is available on its 
Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   03/16/11  76 FR 14323
NPRM Comment Period End.............   05/16/11
Final Action........................   12/00/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG07

473. Small Business Size Standards: Transportation and Warehousing 
Industries

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) proposes to 
modify small business size standards for industries in the North 
American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 48-49, 
Transportation and Warehousing Industries. As part of its ongoing 
initiative to review all size standards, SBA will evaluate each 
industry in Sector 48-49 to determine whether the existing size 
standards should be retained or revised. This is one of a series of 
proposed rules that will examine industries grouped by an NAICS Sector. 
SBA has applied its ``Size Standards Methodology,'' which is available 
on its Web site at http://www.sba.gov/size, to this proposed rule.
    Timetable:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NPRM................................   05/13/11  76 FR 27935
NPRM Comment Period End.............   07/12/11
Final Action........................   05/00/12
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dr. Khem Raj Sharma, Chief, Office of Size 
Standards, Small Business Administration, 409 Third Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20416, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-6390, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG08

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

Completed Actions

474. Implementation of Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business 
Reauthorization and Opportunity Act of 2008

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(q); 15 U.S.C. 636(j)
    Abstract: SBA plans to issue regulations to implement section 205 
of the Military Reservist and Veteran Small Business Reauthorization 
and Opportunity Act. This Act provides that any time limitation on any 
qualification, certification, or period of participation imposed under 
the Small Business Act on any program that is available to small 
business concerns shall be extended for a small business concern that 
is owned and controlled by a veteran who was called or ordered to 
active duty or a service-disabled veteran who became such a veteran due 
to an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the active military 
duty. These regulations will provide guidance on tolling of time 
limitations for veteran-owned small businesses.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   10/24/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: LeAnn Delaney, Phone: 202 205-6731, Email: 
[email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AF87

475. Interest Rate--Resetting Fixed Interest Rate

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 634
    Abstract: SBA currently offers either a fixed or variable interest 
rate for 7(a) loans. In addition to these rates, the Agency is working 
to develop a shorter term fixed interest rate with the ability to be 
re-set at periodic intervals. This type of rate is currently available 
in the commercial market place and will help provide additional options 
for small business borrowers. By authorizing this option, SBA is 
recognizing a need to allow lenders to utilize market opportunities.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   09/09/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Phone: 202 205-7562, Fax: 202 
481-0248, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG03

476. Small Business Size Standards for Loan, Investment, and Surety 
Programs

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632, 634(b)(6), 636(b), 637, 644, 662(5)
    Abstract: SBA currently sets different size standards for 
participation in its financial assistance programs. 7(a) borrowers use 
the standards set out for procurement programs or a temporary alternate 
standard; 504 borrowers may use the 7(a) standards or an alternate 
standard; SBIC investment may be made to small businesses that qualify 
through

[[Page 8026]]

another standard; and Surety Bond program participants must meet still 
different requirements. As part of an overall Agency program, SBA will 
review financial program eligibility regulations in order to update 
size eligibility requirements among these programs.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   09/09/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Phone: 202 205-7562, Fax: 202 
481-0248, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG05

477. Statement of Personal History (Form 912) Modification

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 634
    Abstract: Form 912, Statement of Personal History, is required of 
certain responsible parties that have an interest in an SBA loan. 
Contained on this form among other information are various questions 
concerning past arrest records and or convictions. SBA will modify and 
clarify regulations concerning who needs to complete this form in an 
effort to simplify and accelerate the loan approval process.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   09/09/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Grady Hedgespeth, Phone: 202 205-7562, Fax: 202 
481-0248, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG11

478. Small Business Jobs Act: Bundling and Contract Consolidation

    Legal Authority: Pub. L. 111-240, sec 1312, 1313
    Abstract: The U.S. Small Business Administration is proposing 
regulations that will set forth a government-wide policy on bundling, 
which will address teams and joint ventures of small businesses and the 
requirement that each federal agency must publish on its Web site the 
rationale for any bundled contract. In addition, the proposed 
regulations will address contract consolidation and the limitations on 
the use of such consolidation in Federal procurement to include 
ensuring that the head of a Federal agency may not carry out a 
consolidated contract over $2 million unless the Senior Procurement 
Executive or Chief Acquisition Officer ensures that market research has 
been conducted and determines that the consolidation is necessary and 
justified. Further, the proposed regulations will address two new pilot 
programs: the three year pilot program called the ``Electronic 
Procurement Center Representative (ePCR) Program'' and the Small 
Business Teaming Pilot Program for teaming and joint ventures involving 
small businesses.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   09/09/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Dean R. Koppel, Phone: 202 205-7322, Fax: 202 481-
1540, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG21

479. Small Business Size Standards: Application of Nonmanufacturer Rule 
to Processors and Other Producers

    Legal Authority: 15 U.S.C. 632(a)
    Abstract: SBA will clarify that contracting officers may not 
categorize a Federal government procurement using a North American 
Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that designates a public 
entity (NAICS Sector 92) when they will award or anticipate awarding 
the contract to a private entity. Entities in Sector 92 cannot qualify 
as small business concerns because they are not organized for profit. 
SBA intends to further clarify how the non-manufacturer rule applies to 
supply contracts.
    Completed:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Reason                    Date            FR Cite
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Withdrawn...........................   09/09/11
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes.
    Agency Contact: Khem Raj Sharma, Phone: 202 205-7189, Fax: 202 205-
6390, Email: [email protected].
    RIN: 3245-AG31

[FR Doc. 2012-1660 Filed 2-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8025-01-P