[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 178 (Monday, September 15, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55316-55350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21351]



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Vol. 79

Monday,

No. 178

September 15, 2014

Part III





Department of Agriculture





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Rural Business-Cooperative Service





Rural Utilities Service





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7 CFR Parts 4279 and 4287





Guaranteed Loanmaking and Servicing Regulations; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 178 / Monday, September 15, 2014 / 
Proposed Rules  

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Parts 4279 and 4287

RIN 0570-AA85


Guaranteed Loanmaking and Servicing Regulations

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service, 
USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is an agency 
within the Rural Development mission area of the United States 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) responsible for administering the 
Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program. The B&I Guaranteed 
Loan Program is authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act and provides loan guarantees to banks and other 
approved lenders to finance private businesses located in rural areas.
    The Agency is proposing changes to refine the regulations for the 
B&I Guaranteed Loan Program in an effort to improve program delivery, 
clarify the regulations to make them easier to understand, and reduce 
delinquencies. The proposed changes to the program are expected to 
reduce the subsidy rate and thereby lower program subsidy costs over 
time as the proposed rule is implemented. By lowering the subsidy rate, 
the Agency may be able to provide greater leverage for the budget 
authority provided by Congress. This will allow the Agency to guarantee 
a higher total dollar amount of loan requests and, assuming the same 
average size of loans being guaranteed, to guarantee more loans. These 
changes could also result in increased lending activity, expanded 
business opportunities, and creation of more jobs in rural areas.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before 
November 14, 2014. The comment period for the information collection 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 continues through November 
14, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments to this rule by any of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Submit written comments via the U.S. Postal Service 
to the Branch Chief, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0742 with a copy to Brenda Griffin, Rural 
Development, Business Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Stop 3224, Washington, DC 20250-3224.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: Submit written comments via Federal 
Express Mail or other courier service requiring a street address to the 
Branch Chief, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 300 7th Street SW., 7th Floor, Washington, 
DC 20024 with a copy to Brenda Griffin, Rural Development, Business 
Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Room 6847, Washington, DC 20250-3224.
    All written comments will be available for public inspection during 
regular work hours at the 300 7th Street SW., 7th Floor address listed 
above. Comments will also be available through regulations.gov 
referencing RIN number 0570-AA85.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Griffin, Rural Development, 
Business Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Stop 3224, Washington, DC 20250-3224; email: 
[email protected]; telephone (202) 720-6802.

I. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed rule has been reviewed under Executive Order (EO) 
12866 and has been determined to be significant. The EO defines a 
``economically significant regulatory action'' as one that is likely to 
result in a rule that may have an annual effect on the economy of $100 
million or more or adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, a 
sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the 
environment, public health or safety, or State, local, or tribal 
governments or communities. The actions in this rule collectively are 
not expected to have an impact of $100 million or more, which negates 
the need for a more detailed assessment of likely benefits and costs 
and analysis of potentially effective and reasonably feasible 
alternatives.

Programs Affected

    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program number assigned 
to the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is 10.768.

Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

    B&I Guaranteed Loans are subject to the Provisions of Executive 
Order 12372, which require intergovernmental consultation with State 
and local officials. The Agency will conduct intergovernmental 
consultation in the manner delineated in 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, or 
successor regulations.

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. The Agency has determined that this rule meets the 
applicable standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order. 
Additionally, (1) all state and local laws and regulations that are in 
conflict with this rule will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect 
will be given to the rule; and (3) administrative appeal procedures, if 
any, must be exhausted before litigation against the Department or its 
agencies may be initiated, in accordance with the regulations of the 
National Appeals Division of USDA at 7 CFR part 11.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this proposed rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on states, on the relationship between the 
national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Nor does this 
proposed rule impose substantial direct compliance costs on state and 
local governments. Therefore, consultation with states is not required.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This executive order imposes requirements on the Agency in the 
development of regulatory policies that have tribal implications or 
preempt tribal laws. Rural Development has determined that this 
proposed rule does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more 
Indian tribe(s) or on either the relationship or the distribution of 
powers and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes. Thus, this proposed rule is not subject to the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175. If a tribe determines that this rule has 
implications of which Rural Development is not aware and would like to 
engage with Rural Development on this rule, please contact Rural 
Development's Native American Coordinator at (720) 544-2911 or 
[email protected].

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Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 
605(b), the Agency certifies that this rule will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This 
proposed rule affects lenders that utilize the B&I Guaranteed Loan 
Program and any potential lenders that may utilize the program in the 
future. There are currently 1,117 active lenders in the B&I portfolio. 
The Agency estimates that approximately 50 percent of the lenders that 
utilize the program are small community banks that are considered a 
small entity, as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Therefore, 
the Agency has determined that this proposed rule will have an impact 
on a substantial number of small entities.
    However, the Agency has determined that the economic impact of the 
proposed rule on these small lenders will not be significant. Many of 
the changes being implemented in the rule are tweaks to the program 
that lenders have suggested at a series of lender roundtable meetings 
or during annual lender visits that do not have any economic impact on 
the lenders. The most significant change in the rule that affects 
lenders is the criteria to become an approved non-regulated lender. 
This change by itself, however, does not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of entities as it affects less than 2 
percent of the active lenders (approximately 21 non-regulated lenders). 
Based on the data in the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) burden package, 
the Agency estimates the cost of the proposed rule to be approximately 
$1,600 per lender. This is based on determining which of the estimated 
costs in the PRA burden package would be incurred by the lenders 
applying for and participating in the program, and the estimated number 
of lenders. SBA's definition of a small business for lenders is total 
assets of $500 million or less. The Agency selected 20 small lenders at 
random to determine their total assets. Based on 2014 data, the range 
of total assets for these 20 lenders is $52.6 million to $476 million. 
The average cost of $1,600 per lender represents less than 0.003% of 
the total assets of the smallest of these 20 lenders. Therefore, this 
rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995) for 
State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Thus, this 
rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995.

Environmental Impact Statement

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, 
subpart G, ``Environmental Program.'' The Agency has determined that 
this action does not constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment, and in accordance with 
the National Environmental Protection Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq., an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.
    Under this program, the Agency conducts a NEPA review for each 
application received. To date, no significant environmental impacts 
have been reported, and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI) have 
been issued for each approved application. Taken collectively, the 
applications show limited potential for significant adverse cumulative 
effects.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service announces its intention to seek OMB 
approval of the new reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained 
in this regulation.
    The following estimates are based on an estimated volume of 
activity of 100 preapplications, 600 applications, and 550 new loan 
guarantees. Preapplications are not required and are submitted at the 
option of the lender. The purpose of a preapplication is to allow a 
lender to submit a limited amount of information, most of which should 
be easily obtained, so that the Agency can determine and advise the 
lender whether the request is likely to meet the requirements of the 
program. Some lenders will skip the preapplication process and submit a 
full application as the first contact with the Agency. If the 
information is submitted in a preapplication, it would not need to be 
resubmitted in the application unless the financials become more than 
90 days old between the time of preapplication and application. 
Applications are evaluated by the Agency to determine whether the 
borrower is eligible, the proposed loan is for an eligible purpose, 
there is reasonable assurance of repayment ability, there is sufficient 
collateral and equity, and the proposed loan complies with all 
applicable statutes and regulations.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for the additional 
proposed requirements will increase the current collection of 
information by an estimated total of 5,111 hours. The Agency 
anticipates the number of respondents to fluctuate based on funding 
levels. The average burden per respondent under the current rule is 
estimated to be 8 hours, and the average burden under the proposed rule 
is estimated to be 11 hours, for an estimated increase of 3 hours per 
respondent.
    Respondents: Primary respondents for this data are lending 
institutions and rural for profit businesses but also include 
individuals, non-profit businesses, Indian tribes, public bodies, and 
cooperatives. The estimates below are for all three subparts associated 
with this rule and include the additional proposed requirements.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,675.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1-4.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 27,076.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden (hours) on Respondents: 40,511.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Jeanne 
Jacobs, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Support Services 
Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 
1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-0742 or by calling 
(202) 692-0040.
Comments
    Comments are invited on: (a) The accuracy of the new Rural 
Development estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (b) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (c) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including 
through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or 
other technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology. Comments may be sent to Jeanne Jacobs, Regulations and 
Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 
20250. All responses to this proposed rule will be summarized and 
included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become 
a matter of public record. Comments can be viewed at

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regulations.gov under RIN number 0570-AA85.

E-Government Act Compliance

    Rural Development is committed to complying with the E-Government 
Act, to promote the use of the Internet and other information 
technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to 
Government information and services, and for other purposes.

II. Background

    Rural Development administers a multitude of Federal programs for 
the benefit of rural America, ranging from housing and community 
facilities to infrastructure and business development. Its mission is 
to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in 
rural communities by providing the leadership, infrastructure, access 
to capital, and technical support that enables rural communities to 
prosper. To achieve its mission, Rural Development provides financial 
support--including direct loans, grants, and loan guarantees--and 
technical assistance to help improve the quality of life and provide 
the foundation for economic development in rural areas.
    The B&I Guaranteed Loan Program was authorized by the Rural 
Development Act of 1972. The loans are made by private lenders to rural 
businesses for the purpose of creating new businesses, expanding 
existing businesses, and for other purposes that create employment 
opportunities in rural America. Businesses in rural areas are eligible 
for this program. Rural area, as defined by 7 CFR 4279.108(c), is 
defined as any area other than a city or town of more than 50,000 
inhabitants and the urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a 
city or town. The types of borrowers that are served by the B&I 
Guaranteed Loan Program are cooperative organizations, corporations, 
partnerships, or other legal entities organized and operated on a 
profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe on a Federal or State 
reservation or other Federally recognized tribal group; a public body; 
or an individual, provided the borrower is engage in, or proposing to 
engage, in a business. Loans can be made for a variety of purposes 
including business acquisition, expansion or improvement; purchase of 
real estate, machinery and equipment, or supplies; debt refinancing; 
and working capital. The rate and term of the loan is negotiated 
between the business and the lender.
    The regulations for the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program were rewritten 
in 1996 to streamline and simplify the regulations for the program 
while shifting primary responsibility for loan documentation and 
analysis from the Agency to the lenders to make the program more 
responsive to the needs of lenders and rural businesses.

III. Executive Summary

Purpose of the Regulatory Action

    The Agency is promulgating these regulations to improve program 
delivery, clarify the regulations to make them easier to understand, 
and reduce delinquencies. The changes should reduce the cash outflows 
and increase the cash inflows associated with the B&I Guaranteed Loan 
Program portfolio, resulting in a lower subsidy rate. A lower subsidy 
rate should result in increased lending activity, the expansion of 
business opportunities, and the creation of more jobs in rural areas. 
Changes proposed originated from informal third party comments and 
Agency experience in administering the program, including observations 
from assessment reviews and recommendations from the Agency's internal 
Business Programs Advisory Team.
    The Agency believes the proposed changes in the rule may increase 
lending activity, resulting in the expansion of business opportunities 
and the creation of more jobs in rural America, and improve the 
program's effectiveness by improving the prosperity of rural residents 
through guarantees of targeted investments that may improve rural 
competitiveness, facilitate industrial conversion, and enable rural 
residents to profit from private sector activity. The revisions 
contained herein may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the 
program and make the regulation more customer friendly and easier to 
understand. The Agency thinks that errors may be reduced because the 
guidelines and requirements will be clearer and better organized.
    The proposed rule's incremental effect to the public will be to 
nominally increase the burden for lenders seeking to be an eligible 
lender and for ``new'' investors in projects that receive B&I loan 
guarantees after the Loan Note Guarantee is issued by a total of 
approximately $4,800 per year. The cost to participating lenders and 
borrowers was estimated to be approximately $2.5 million. The cost to 
the Federal government to administer the program was estimated to be 
approximately $2.1 million.

Summary of the Major Provisions of the Regulatory Action

    This proposed rule is intended to replace the B&I Guaranteed Loan 
Program regulations under 7 CFR parts 4279 and 4287, which will not 
significantly depart from the current program of loan guarantees for 
businesses in rural areas.
    The rule will strengthen criteria for non-regulated lenders to 
participate in the program. It will also codify provisions of the 2008 
Farm Bill, including two types of rural area exceptions and eligibility 
of local foods projects and cooperative equity security guarantees. The 
rule also includes provisions for New Markets Tax Credits and the 
Cooperative Stock Purchase Program. Changes are also made to the loan 
scoring criteria. Loan servicing changes include the termination of 
interest accrual to the lender after 90 days from the delinquency 
effective date or to a holder 90 days from the date of the first demand 
letter from any holder of the guaranteed portion. Additionally, 
attorney/legal fees that the lender can claim in the liquidation 
process will be reduced from full reimbursement to being shared equally 
between the lender and the Agency. The rule also adds the ability to 
obtain personal and corporate guarantees from those owning 20 percent 
of the business when there is a sale of the borrower's stock.

IV. Discussion of the Proposed Rule

    Following is a discussion of some of the most significant policy 
revisions included in this proposed rule.
    Eligible lenders for the program include regulated lenders 
(formerly known as ``traditional lenders'') and Agency-approved non-
regulated lenders (formerly known as ``other lenders''). Insurance 
companies will no longer be considered traditional or regulated lenders 
under the program because historically, insurance companies have had 
significant default and loss rates in the Agency B&I Guaranteed Loan 
portfolio. However, insurance companies will be able to apply to become 
Agency-approved eligible lenders by meeting criteria of a non-regulated 
lender established in the regulation. Lenders will have to execute a 
new Lender's Agreement to originate new guaranteed loans; however, 
existing lenders are bound by their existing Lender's Agreements and 
must continue to service existing guaranteed loans in their portfolio 
regardless of whether they wish to originate new guaranteed loans.
    Criteria to become an approved non-regulated lender for the B&I 
program

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will be strengthened under this proposed rule due to higher than usual 
default and loss rates for this type of lender in the Agency B&I 
Guaranteed Loan portfolio. Non-regulated lenders will be able to become 
eligible lenders for a 3-year period and may request renewals to 
continue originating loans under the program. Non-regulated lenders 
will have to have and maintain 10 percent tangible balance sheet 
equity, which is up from the 7 percent previously required. Non-
regulated lenders will have to have a record of successfully making at 
least 10 commercial loans annually totaling at least $1 million for 
each of the last 5 years, with lender's delinquent commercial loan 
portfolio over that period not exceeding 6 percent of all commercial 
loans made and 3 percent in commercial loan losses based on the 
original principal loan amount. In addition, non-regulated lenders will 
have to maintain a loss reserve and undergo a credit examination that 
must be acceptable to the Agency. These requirements are being 
strengthened to ensure participation in the program by lenders that 
have a thorough knowledge of commercial lending and high standards of 
professional competence to operate a successful lending program.
    Under the B&I program, a rural area is generally any area of a 
State other than a city or town that has a population of greater than 
50,000 inhabitants and any urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to 
such a city or town. In making this determination, the Agency will use 
the latest decennial census from the U.S. Census Bureau. The 2008 Farm 
Bill added the ability to make two different types of rural area 
exceptions, which was incorporated into the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act. Section 343(a)(13)(E) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act states: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of 
this definition, in determining which census blocks in an urbanized 
area are not in a rural area, the Agency shall exclude any cluster of 
census blocks that would otherwise be considered not in a rural area 
only because the cluster is adjacent to not more than two census blocks 
that are otherwise considered not in a rural area under this 
definition.'' Additionally, the Under Secretary for Rural Development 
may determine that areas are ``rural in character,'' and therefore 
eligible for the program, under certain circumstances. Any 
determination made by the Under Secretary under this provision will be 
to areas that are determined to be ``rural in character'' in accordance 
with Section 343(a)(13)(D) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act and are within: (1) An urbanized area that has two 
points on its boundary that are at least 40 miles apart, which is not 
contiguous or adjacent to a city or town that has a population of 
greater than 150,000 inhabitants or the urbanized area of such city or 
town; or (2) an area within an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent 
to a city or town of greater than 50,000 inhabitants that is within a 
quarter mile of a rural area.
    Presently, corporations or other non public-body type borrowers 
must be at least 51 percent owned by persons who are either citizens of 
the U.S. or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for 
permanent residence to be eligible borrowers under the B&I program. The 
Agency is inviting public comment on whether guaranteed loans should be 
made to businesses that do not meet this requirement, if the facility 
being financed will create new or save existing jobs for rural U.S. 
residents and when loan funds are used only for fixed assets that will 
remain in the U.S. This could provide flexibility to create or save 
jobs in rural areas when the business is owned, in whole or in part, by 
a foreign interest.
    The eligibility section is proposed to be revised to include 
cooperative equity security guarantees as eligible loan purposes in 
accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill. Separate sections of the regulation 
specifically address the requirements for New Markets Tax Credits and 
cooperative equity security guarantees, as well as requirements for the 
cooperative stock purchase program.
    The eligibility section is being revised to include projects that 
process, distribute, aggregate, store, and/or market locally or 
regionally produced agricultural food products to support community 
development and farm and ranch income. This is also a provision of the 
2008 Farm Bill. The term ``locally or regionally produced agricultural 
food product'' means any agricultural food product that is raised, 
produced, and distributed in the locality or region in which the final 
product is marketed, so that the distance the product is transported is 
less than 400 miles from the origin of the product or within the State 
in which the product is produced, as defined by Section 
310B(g)(9)(A)(i) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. 
Food products could be raw, cooked, or a processed edible substance, 
beverage, or ingredient used or intended for use or for sale in whole 
or in part for human consumption. A significant amount of the food 
product sold by the borrower must be locally or regionally produced, 
and a significant amount of the locally or regionally produced food 
product must be sold locally or regionally. Projects in non-rural areas 
may be included when the project provides an economic benefit to the 
surrounding rural communities. Funding priority will be given to 
projects that provide a benefit to underserved communities. In 
accordance with Section 310B(g)(9)(A)(ii) of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act, an underserved community is a community 
(including an urban or rural community and an Indian tribal community) 
that has limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh 
fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer to consumer 
direct markets and that has either a high rate of hunger or food 
insecurity or a high poverty rate as reflected in the most recent 
decennial census.
    The ineligible loan purpose section is being modified to permit 
distribution or payment to an immediate family member of the owner to 
accommodate intergenerational business acquisitions. Previously, no 
loan proceeds could be distributed to a close relative of the owner who 
retained an ownership interest in the borrower. This is being changed 
so that an immediate family member of the owner, partner, or 
stockholder can purchase the business from an owner, partner or 
stockholder when the seller does not retain an ownership interest and 
the Agency determines the price paid to be reasonable.
    A definition for a high priority project is being added to the 
rule. A high priority project is defined in the proposed rule as one 
that scores more than half of the points available under the scoring 
criteria outlined in the priority scoring section.
    In an effort to reduce the cost for the taxpayer, 90 percent 
guarantees will be limited to loans of $5 million and less that are 
either high priority projects or where the lender needs the higher 
percentage of guarantee because of its legal or regulatory lending 
limit. Additionally, reduced guarantee fees will only be available on 
loans of $5 million or less, unless an authorizing statute provides 
otherwise (e.g., the Alaska Roadless Areas statute).
    Previously, the interest rate on the guaranteed portion of the loan 
could not exceed the unguaranteed portion of the loan. This was to 
prevent the Agency from paying a higher loss on the guaranteed portion 
than it otherwise would have if the interest on the guaranteed portion 
was equal to or less than the unguaranteed portion. This requirement 
has been relaxed to prevent

[[Page 55320]]

lenders from having to set floors and ceilings to remain compliant with 
this requirement. The proposed rule now allows for the interest rate on 
the guaranteed portion to be higher than the unguaranteed portion in 
situations where a fixed rate on the guaranteed portion becomes a 
higher rate than the variable rate on the unguaranteed portion due to 
the normal fluctuation in the approved variable interest rate.
    Although credit quality standards have not changed, the credit 
quality section is being modified to be in line with the five C's of 
credit (capacity, capital, collateral, conditions, character). The 
Agency's policy on standardized collateral discounting has also been 
added. The Agency is adding the ability to require guarantees from 
persons whose ownership in the borrower is held indirectly through 
other companies.
    The Agency is relaxing the requirement for business plans with the 
application for loans where the use of loan proceeds is exclusively for 
debt refinancing and fees, but has added a requirement for feasibility 
studies for all biofuels proposals, whether new or existing. The Agency 
is also proposing to revise the requirement for 3 years of historical 
financial statements for parent, subsidiary, and affiliated companies 
to only require current financial statements. Additionally, the number 
of attachments that need to be included as part a complete application 
for loans of $600,000 and less are reduced.
    Loan scoring criteria, which is used to fund projects by priority, 
is being modified to award more points for the following: Leveraging 
B&I program dollars, the business' loan-to-job ratio, and providing 
quality jobs. The administrative points section has also been modified 
to account for community economic development strategies and State 
strategic plans and to allow for the awarding of points for projects 
that will fulfill an Agency initiative, such as the biobased product 
initiative or the Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership 
initiative. The proposed rule now allows for 150 possible priority 
points.
    Loan servicing requirements under the B&I program have been 
clarified. The annual conference between the lender and the Agency can 
be held via teleconference. This change is not meant to replace a face-
to-face annual lender conference. However, it does give some 
flexibility when face-to-face lender visits are not practical. The 
lender may contract loan servicing activities. However, the lender 
remains responsible for complying with all requirements of the 
regulations. The contracting out of any loan servicing activities does 
not relieve the lender of its responsibility to comply with the 
statutes and regulations governing the program. The proposed rule also 
clarifies that the Agency will not allow the write-down of debt while 
leaving the borrower in business and no new promissory notes may be 
issued to process a transfer and assumption since the Loan Note 
Guarantee references a specifically dated promissory note(s) with 
specific amount(s). The lender may use an allonge to the existing 
promissory note to facilitate the transaction.
    Lenders will also be able to utilize balloon payments to 
restructure a guaranteed loan in default in a workout situation as long 
as there is a reasonable prospect for success and the remaining life of 
the collateral supports the workout terms.
    Lenders will provide the loan classification of the guaranteed loan 
at loan closing rather than 90 days after the loan has closed. 
Additionally, lenders must notify the Agency when a borrower is 30 days 
past due and cannot cure the delinquency within 30 days. The lender 
must also provide a monthly default status report, as opposed to 
bimonthly. This will allow the Agency to be more responsive to 
delinquencies.
    The lender can proceed with liquidation after the loan has been 
properly accelerated while the Agency has the liquidation plan under 
review. This will allow the lender to take such action as appropriate 
to protect the interest of the lender and the Agency while the 
liquidation plan is under review by the Agency. The appraisal 
requirement threshold will be increased from $100,000 to $250,000 on 
all collateral being released, and the requirement for a current 
appraisal for collateral being liquidated is being increased from 
$200,000 to $250,000. The $250,000 threshold is consistent with Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines set forth in OMB Circular A-
129.
    The future recoveries section has been modified. The lender must 
use reasonable efforts to attempt collection from any party still 
liable for the guaranteed loan. Any net proceeds from that effort must 
be split pro rata between the lender and the Agency based on the 
original amount of the loan guarantee. To the extent any party to the 
loan has a written agreement with the Agency to repay all or part of 
any loss claim paid by the Agency, any collection on that agreement 
will not be split with the lender. This is because the Federal 
Government has collection remedies available to it that are not 
available to the lender and that are not intended to benefit private 
parties.
    Several changes have been made in an effort to reduce the cost to 
the taxpayer in guaranteeing business and industry loans. Reasonable 
attorney/legal fees that the lender can claim in the liquidation 
process, as well as a Chapter 7 or Liquidating 11 bankruptcy, will be 
reduced from full reimbursement to being shared equally between the 
lender and the Agency. The Agency will not allow default or penalty 
interest to be charged to the borrower. This could cause the Agency to 
pay a loss when a solution could have been possible if the interest 
rate had not been increased. Additionally, the proposed rule clarifies 
that late payment fees and interest on interest will not be covered by 
the guarantee. The Agency has added the ability to require personal or 
corporate guarantees from those owning 20 percent or more of the 
borrower when stock of the borrower is sold. The ability for the Agency 
to charge a transfer and assumption fee has been added to the proposed 
rule. Notification for any such fee will be published annually in the 
Federal Register.
    A significant change that is expected to decrease the cost to the 
taxpayer is that interest accrual is limited (1) to any holder to 90 
days from the date of the first demand letter from a secondary market 
holder for payment and (2) to any lender 90 days from the delinquency 
effective date. A holder is a person or entity, other than the lender, 
who owns all or part of the guaranteed portion of the loan. The Agency 
was finding instances where holders were collecting interest on the 
guaranteed portion of the loan for a much longer period of time than 
other holders on the same loan. This was costing the Agency a 
substantial amount of money in interest paid and complicating the 
administration of the defaulted loan.

List of Subjects for 7 CFR Parts 4279 and 4287

    Loan programs--Business and industry--Rural development assistance, 
Economic development, Energy, Direct loan programs, Grant programs, 
Guaranteed loan programs, Renewable energy systems, Energy efficiency 
improvements, and Rural areas.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, parts 4279 and 4287 of 
title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations are proposed to be amended 
as follows:

[[Page 55321]]

PART 4279--GUARANTEED LOANMAKING

0
1. The authority citation for part 4279 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1932(a), and 7 U.S.C. 1989.

0
2. Revise Subpart A to read as follows:

Subpart A--General

Sec.
4279.1 Introduction.
4279.2 Definitions and abbreviations.
4279.3-4279.14 [Reserved]
4279.15 Exception authority.
4279.16 Appeals.
4279.17-4279.28 [Reserved]
4279.29 Eligible lenders.
4279.30 Lenders' functions and responsibilities.
4279.31-4279.43 [Reserved]
4279.44 Access to Records.
4279.45-4279.58 [Reserved]
4279.59 Environmental requirements.
4279.60 Civil rights impact analysis.
4279.61 Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
4279.62-4279.70 [Reserved]
4279.71 Public bodies and nonprofit corporations.
4279.72 Conditions of guarantee.
4279.73 [Reserved]
4279.74 [Reserved]
4279.75 Sale or assignment of guaranteed loan.
4279.76 [Reserved]
4279.77 Minimum retention.
4279.78 Repurchase from holder.
4279.79-4279.83 [Reserved]
4279.84 Replacement of document.
4279.85-4279.99 [Reserved]
4279.100 OMB control number.

Subpart A--General


Sec.  4279.1  Introduction.

    (a) This subpart contains general regulations for making and 
servicing Business and Industry (B&I) loans guaranteed by the Agency 
and applies to lenders, holders, borrowers and other parties involved 
in making, guaranteeing, holding, servicing, or liquidating such loans. 
This subpart is supplemented by subpart B of this part, which contains 
loan processing regulations, and subpart B of part 4287 of this 
chapter, which contains loan servicing regulations.
    (b) The lender is responsible for ascertaining that all 
requirements for making, securing, servicing, and collecting the loan 
are complied with.
    (c) Whether specifically stated or not, whenever Agency approval is 
required, it must be in writing. Copies of all forms, regulations, and 
instructions referenced in this subpart may be obtained from any Agency 
office and from the USDA Rural Development Web site at 
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs. Whenever a form is designated in this subpart, 
it is initially capitalized and its reference includes predecessor and 
successor forms, if applicable.


Sec.  4279.2  Definitions and abbreviations.

    (a) Definitions.
    Administrator. The Administrator of Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service within the Rural Development mission area of the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture.
    Affiliate. An entity that is related to another entity by owning 
shares or having an interest in the entity, by common ownership, or by 
any means of control.
    Agency. The Rural Business-Cooperative Service or successor Agency 
assigned by the Secretary of Agriculture to administer the B&I program. 
References to the National or State Office should be read as prefaced 
by ``Agency'' or ``Rural Development'' as applicable.
    Agricultural production. The cultivation, growing or harvesting of 
crops and the breeding, raising, feeding or housing of livestock for 
fiber or food for human consumption.
    Annual renewal fee. The annual renewal fee is a fee that is paid 
once a year by the lender and is required to maintain the 
enforceability of the Loan Note Guarantee.
    Appraisal surplus. The difference between the fair market value of 
an asset and its depreciated book value when the fair market value is 
higher.
    Arm's-length transaction. A transaction between ready, willing, and 
able disinterested parties that are not affiliated with or related to 
each other and have no security, monetary, or stockholder interest in 
each other.
    Assignment Guarantee Agreement. Form RD 4279-6, ``Assignment 
Guarantee Agreement,'' is the signed agreement between the Agency, the 
lender, and the holder containing the terms and conditions of an 
assignment of a guaranteed portion of a loan, using the single note 
system.
    Biogas. Renewable biomass converted to gaseous fuel.
    Biomass. Any organic material that is available on a renewable or 
recurring basis including agricultural crops, trees grown for energy 
production, wood waste and wood residues, plants, including aquatic 
plants and grasses, fibers, animal waste and other waste materials, and 
fats, oils, greases, including recycled fats, oils and greases. It does 
not include paper that is commonly recycled or unsegregated solid 
waste.
    Bond. A form of debt security in which the authorized issuer 
(borrower) owes the bond holder (lender) a debt and is obligated to 
repay the principal and interest (coupon) at a later date(s) 
(maturity). An explanation of the type of bond and other bond 
stipulations must be attached to the bond issuance.
    Borrower. The person that borrows, or seeks to borrow, money from 
the lender, including any party liable for the loan except for 
guarantors.
    Collateral. The asset(s) pledged by the borrower to secure the 
loan.
    Commercially available. A system that has a proven operating 
history for at least 1 year specific to the proposed application. Such 
a system is based on established design and installation procedures and 
practices. Professional service providers, trades, large construction 
equipment providers, and labor are familiar with installation 
procedures and practices. Proprietary and the balance of system 
equipment and spare parts are readily available, and service is readily 
available to properly maintain and operate the system. An established 
warranty exists for major parts and labor. If the system is currently 
commercially available only outside of the U.S., authoritative evidence 
of the foreign operating history, performance and reliability is 
required in order to address the proven operating history.
    Conditional Commitment. Form RD 4279-3, ``Conditional Commitment,'' 
is the Agency's notice to the lender that the loan guarantee it has 
requested is approved subject to the completion of all conditions and 
requirements set forth by the Agency and outlined in the attachment to 
the Conditional Commitment.
    Conflict of interest. A situation in which a person has competing 
personal, professional, or financial interests that prevents the person 
from acting impartially.
    Cooperative organization. An entity that is legally chartered as a 
cooperative or an entity that is not legally chartered as a cooperative 
but is owned and operated for the benefit of its members, with returns 
of residual earnings paid to such members on the basis of patronage.
    Debt Collection Improvement Act (DCIA). The Debt Collection 
Improvement Act of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 3701 et seq, requires that any 
monies that are payable or may become payable from the United States 
under contracts and other written agreements to any person not an 
agency or subdivision of a State or local government may be subject to 
administrative offset for the collection of a delinquent debt the 
person owes to the United States.
    Default. The condition that exists when a borrower is not in 
compliance with the promissory note, the loan

[[Page 55322]]

agreement, or other related documents evidencing the loan. Default 
could be a monetary or non-monetary default.
    Deficiency judgment. A monetary judgment rendered by a court of 
competent jurisdiction after foreclosure and liquidation of all 
collateral securing the loan.
    Delinquency. A loan for which a scheduled loan payment is more than 
30 days past due and cannot be cured within 30 days.
    Energy projects. Commercially available projects that produce or 
distribute energy or power and/or projects that produce biomass or 
biogas fuel.
    Existing business. A business that has been in operation for at 
least 1 full year. Mergers or changes in the business name or legal 
type of entity of a currently operating business are considered to be 
existing businesses as long as there is not a significant change in 
operations. Newly-formed entities that are buying existing businesses 
will be considered an existing business as long as the business being 
bought remains in operation and there is no significant change in 
operations.
    Existing lender debt. A debt owed by a borrower to the same lender 
that is applying for or has received the Agency guarantee.
    Fair market value. The price that could reasonably be expected for 
an asset in an arm's-length transaction between a willing buyer and a 
willing seller under ordinary economic and business conditions.
    Future recovery. Funds collected by the lender after a final loss 
claim is processed.
    High impact business development investment. A business that scores 
at least 20 points under Sec.  4279.166(b)(4).
    High priority project. A project that scores more than 50 percent 
of the priority points available under Sec.  4279.166(b)(1) through 
(5).
    Holder. A person, other than the lender, who owns all or part of 
the guaranteed portion of the loan with no servicing responsibilities. 
When the single note option is used and the lender assigns a part of 
the guaranteed note to an assignee, the assignee becomes a holder only 
when the Agency receives notice and the transaction is completed 
through use of the Assignment Guarantee Agreement.
    Immediate family. Individuals who live in the same household or who 
are closely related by blood, marriage, or adoption, such as a spouse, 
domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, 
grandchild, niece, nephew, or cousin.
    In-house expenses. Expenses associated with activities that are 
routinely the responsibility of a lender's internal staff or its 
agents. In-house expenses include, but are not limited to, employees' 
salaries, staff lawyers, travel, and overhead.
    Interest. A fee paid by a borrower to the lender as a form of 
compensation for the use of money. When money is borrowed, interest is 
paid as a fee over a certain period of time (typically months or years) 
to the lender as percentage of the principal amount owed. The term 
interest does not include default or penalty interest or late payment 
fees or charges.
    Interim financing. A temporary or short-term loan made with the 
clear intent when the loan is made that it will be repaid through 
another loan that provides permanent financing. Interim financing is 
frequently used to pay construction and other costs associated with a 
planned project, with permanent financing to be obtained after project 
completion.
    Lender. The eligible lender approved by the Agency to make, 
service, and collect the Agency guaranteed loan that is subject to this 
subpart. Agency approval of the lender will be evidenced by an 
outstanding Form RD 4279-4, ``Lender's Agreement,'' between the Agency 
and the lender.
    Lender's Agreement. Form RD 4279-4, ``Lender's Agreement,'' or 
predecessor form, between the Agency and the lender setting forth the 
lender's loan responsibilities.
    Liquidation expenses. Costs directly associated with the 
liquidation of collateral, including preparing collateral for sale 
(e.g., repairs and transport) and conducting the sale (e.g., 
advertising, public notices, auctioneer expenses, and foreclosure 
fees). Liquidation expenses do not include in-house expenses. Legal/
attorney fees are considered liquidation expenses provided that the 
fees are reasonable, as determined by the Agency, and cover legal 
issues pertaining to the liquidation that could not be properly handled 
by the lender and its in-house counsel.
    Loan agreement. The agreement between the borrower and lender 
containing the terms and conditions of the loan and the 
responsibilities of the borrower and lender.
    Loan classification. The process by which loans are examined and 
categorized by degree of potential loss in the event of default.
    Loan Note Guarantee. Form RD 4279-5, ``Loan Note Guarantee,'' or 
predecessor form, issued and executed by the Agency containing the 
terms and conditions of the guarantee.
    Loan packager. A person, other than the applicant borrower or 
lender, that prepares a loan application package.
    Loan service provider. A person, other than the lender of record, 
that provides loan servicing activities to the lender.
    Loan-to-discounted value. The ratio of the dollar amount of a loan 
to the discounted dollar value of the collateral pledged as security 
for the loan.
    Loan-to-value. The ratio of the dollar amount of a loan to the 
dollar value of the collateral pledged as security for the loan.
    Local government. A county, municipality, town, township, village, 
or other unit of general government, including tribal governments, 
below the State level.
    Material adverse change. Any change in circumstance associated with 
a guaranteed loan, including the borrower's financial condition or 
collateral, that could be reasonably expected to jeopardize loan 
performance.
    Natural resource value-added product. Any naturally occurring 
resource, including agricultural resources, that is processed to add 
value or the generation of renewable energy from a natural resource.
    Negligent loan origination. The failure of a lender to perform 
those services that a reasonably prudent lender would perform in 
originating its own portfolio of loans that are not guaranteed. The 
term includes the concepts of failure to act, not acting in a timely 
manner, or acting in a manner contrary to the manner in which a 
reasonably prudent lender would act.
    Negligent loan servicing. The failure of a lender to perform those 
services which a reasonably prudent lender would perform in servicing 
(including liquidation of) its own portfolio of loans that are not 
guaranteed. The term includes not only the concept of a failure to act, 
but also not acting in a timely manner, or acting in a manner contrary 
to the manner in which a reasonably prudent lender would act.
    New business. A startup or otherwise new business that has been in 
operation for less than 1 full year. New businesses include newly-
formed entities leasing space or building ground up facilities, even if 
the owners of the new or startup business own affiliated businesses 
doing the same kind of business.
    Parity. A lien position whereby two or more lenders share a 
security interest of equal priority in collateral. In the event of 
default, each lender will be affected on an equal basis.
    Participation. Sale of an interest in a loan by the lead lender to 
one or more participating lenders wherein the lead

[[Page 55323]]

lender retains the note, collateral securing the note, and all 
responsibility for managing and servicing the loan. Participants are 
dependent upon the lead lender for protection of their interests in the 
loan. The relationship is typically formalized by a participation 
agreement. The participants and the borrower have no rights or 
obligations to one another.
    Person. An individual or entity.
    Poverty. A community or area is considered a poverty area if the 
county, city, or equivalent (such as parish, borough, municipio or 
census designated place) where the community or area is located has a 
population of which 20 percent or more have income below the poverty 
line.
    Pro rata. On a proportional basis.
    Promissory note. Evidence of debt with stipulated repayment terms. 
``Note'' or ``promissory note'' shall also be construed to include 
``Bond'' or other evidence of debt, where appropriate.
    Protective advances. Advances made by the lender for the purpose of 
preserving and protecting the collateral where the debtor has failed 
to, and will not or cannot, meet its obligations to protect or preserve 
collateral. Protective advances include, but are not limited to, 
advances affecting the collateral made for property taxes, rent, hazard 
and flood insurance premiums, and annual assessments. Legal/attorney 
fees are not a protective advance.
    Public body. A municipality, county, or other political subdivision 
of a State; a special purpose district; or an Indian tribe on a Federal 
or State reservation or other Federally-recognized Indian tribe; or an 
organization controlled by any of the above.
    Report of loss. Form RD 449-30, ``Guaranteed Loan Report of Loss,'' 
used by lenders when reporting a financial loss under an Agency 
guarantee.
    Rural Development. The mission area of USDA that is comprised of 
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and 
Rural Utilities Service and is under the policy direction and 
operational oversight of the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
    Spreadsheet. A table containing data from a series of financial 
statements of a business over a period of time. Financial statement 
analysis normally contains spreadsheets for balance sheet and income 
statement items and includes a cash flow analysis and commonly used 
ratios. The spreadsheets enable a reviewer to easily scan the data, 
spot trends, and make comparisons.
    State. Any of the 50 States of the U.S., the Commonwealth of Puerto 
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, the Federated 
States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
    Subordination. An agreement among the lender, borrower, and Agency 
whereby lien priorities on certain assets pledged to secure payment of 
the guaranteed loan will be reduced to a position junior to, or on 
parity with, the lien position of another loan in order for the 
Agency's borrower to obtain additional financing, not guaranteed by the 
Agency, from the lender or a third party.
    Tangible balance sheet equity. Tangible equity divided by tangible 
assets. Formula: ((Assets-intangible assets)-liabilities)/(Assets-
intangible assets) or (Equity-intangible assets)/(Assets-intangible 
assets)
    Transfer and assumption. The conveyance by a borrower to an 
assuming borrower of the assets, collateral, and liabilities of the 
loan in return for the assuming borrower's binding promise to pay the 
outstanding debt.
    USDA Lender Interactive Network Connection (LINC). The portal Web 
site currently at https://usdalinc.sc.egov.usda.gov/ used by lenders to 
update loan data in the Agency's Guaranteed Loan System. Current 
capabilities include loan closing and status reporting.
    Veteran. For the purposes of assigning priority points, a veteran 
is a person who is a veteran of any war, as defined in title 38 U.S.C. 
101(12).
    Working capital. Current assets available to support a business's 
operations and growth. Working capital is calculated as current assets 
less current liabilities.
    (b) Abbreviations.

B&I--Business and Industry
CFR--Code of Federal Regulations
DCIA--Debt Collection Improvement Act
FDIC--Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
FSA--Farm Service Agency
GAAP--Generally Accepted Accounting Principles of the U.S.
GLS--Guaranteed Loan System
LINC--USDA Lender Interactive Network Connection
NAD--National Appeals Division
OMB--Office of Management and Budget
REAP--Rural Energy for America Program
U.S.--United States of America
USDA--United States Department of Agriculture

    (c) Accounting terms. Accounting terms not otherwise defined in 
this part shall have the definition ascribed to them under GAAP.


Sec. Sec.  4279.3-4279.14  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.15  Exception authority.

    The Administrator may, on a case-by-case basis, grant an exception 
to any requirement or provision of this subpart provided that such an 
exception is in the best financial interests of the Federal Government. 
Exercise of this authority cannot be in conflict with applicable law.


Sec.  4279.16  Appeals.

    Applicants, borrowers, lenders, and holders have appeal or review 
rights for Agency decisions made under this subpart, subpart B of this 
part, or subpart B of part 4287. Programmatic decisions based on clear 
and objective statutory or regulatory requirements are not appealable; 
however, such decisions are reviewable for appealability by the NAD. 
The borrower, lender, and holder can appeal any Agency decision that 
directly and adversely impacts them. For an adverse decision that 
impacts the borrower, the lender and borrower must jointly execute a 
written request for appeal for an alleged adverse decision made by the 
Agency. An adverse decision that only impacts the lender may be 
appealed by the lender only. An adverse decision that only impacts the 
holder may be appealed by the holder only. A decision by a lender 
adverse to the interest of the borrower is not a decision by the 
Agency, whether or not concurred in by the Agency. Appeals will be 
conducted by USDA NAD and will be handled in accordance with 7 CFR part 
11.


Sec. Sec.  4279.17-4279.28  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.29  Eligible lenders.

    An eligible lender must be domiciled in a State as defined in Sec.  
4279.2 and must not be debarred or suspended by the Federal government. 
If the lender is under a cease and desist order, or similar constraint, 
from a Federal agency, the lender must inform the Agency. The Agency 
will evaluate the lender's eligibility on a case-by-case basis given 
the risk of loss posed by the cease and desist order. The Agency will 
only approve loan guarantees for lenders with adequate capital to fund 
and cover potential liquidation expenses for guaranteed loans it 
proposes to make and adequate experience and expertise to make, secure, 
service, and collect B&I loans. The lender must provide documentation 
as to its capital and experience in commercial lending. The lender and 
the Agency will execute a Lender's Agreement for each lender approved 
to participate in the program. If a valid Lender's Agreement already 
exists, it is

[[Page 55324]]

not necessary to execute a new Lender's Agreement with each loan 
guarantee; however, a new Lender's Agreement must be executed with any 
existing lenders making new loans on or after [DATE OF FINAL RULE 
PUBLICATION]. The Agency may revoke a lender's eligible status at any 
time for cause, including those examples cited in Sec.  4279.29(c).
    (a) Regulated lenders. A regulated lender is any Federal or State 
chartered bank, Farm Credit Bank, other Farm Credit System institution 
with direct lending authority, Bank for Cooperatives, Savings and Loan 
Association, Savings Bank, or mortgage company that is part of a bank-
holding company. These entities must be subject to credit examination 
and supervision by either an agency of the U.S. or a State. Eligible 
lenders may also include the National Rural Utilities Cooperative 
Finance Corporation and credit unions provided that they are subject to 
credit examination and supervision by either the National Credit Union 
Administration or a State agency.
    (b) Non-regulated lenders. The Agency may consider an applicant 
lender that does not meet the criteria of paragraph (a) of this section 
for eligibility to become a guaranteed lender for a 3-year period 
provided that the Agency determines that the applicant lender has the 
legal authority to operate a lending program and sufficient lending 
expertise and financial strength to operate a successful lending 
program. When the applicant lender is a multi-tiered entity, it will be 
considered in its entirety. Insurance companies (formerly included as 
traditional lenders) and non-regulated lenders (formerly known as other 
lenders) previously approved as guaranteed lenders prior to [DATE OF 
FINAL RULE PUBLICATION] must reapply to become an approved non-
regulated lender in order to originate new guaranteed loans. However, 
both insurance companies and non-regulated lenders that have executed a 
Lender's Agreement must continue to service the guaranteed loans in 
their portfolios in accordance with that agreement.
    (1) Non-regulated lenders must:
    (i) Have been making commercial loans for at least 5 years;
    (ii) Have a record of successfully making at least 10 commercial 
loans annually totaling at least $1 million for each of the last 5 
years, with lender's delinquent commercial loan portfolio over this 
period not exceeding (a) 6 percent of all commercial loans made and (b) 
3 percent in commercial loan losses (based on the original principal 
loan amount);
    (iii) Have and maintain tangible balance sheet equity of at least 
10 percent of tangible assets and sufficient funds available to 
disburse the guaranteed loans it proposes to approve within the first 6 
months of being approved as a guaranteed lender;
    (iv) Agree to establish and maintain an Agency approved loss 
reserve equal to 3 percent of each B&I loan closed and agree to 
increase the loss reserve for anticipated losses as required by the 
Agency;
    (v) Have adequate policies and procedures to ensure that internal 
credit controls provide adequate loanmaking and servicing guidance; and
    (vi) Have undergone a credit examination at its own expense from a 
recognized independent reviewer acceptable to the Agency. The applicant 
lender should consult with the Agency prior to receiving an examination 
to ensure the examiner will be acceptable.
    (2) A non-regulated lender that wishes consideration to become a 
guaranteed lender must submit a request in writing to the Agency. The 
Agency will notify the prospective lender whether the lender's request 
for eligibility is approved or rejected. If rejected, the Agency will 
notify the prospective lender, in writing, of the reasons for the 
rejection. The lender must include in its written request the 
following:
    (i) An audited financial statement not more than 1 year old that 
evidences that the lender has the required tangible balance sheet 
equity and the resources to successfully meet its responsibilities;
    (ii) A copy of any license, charter, or other evidence of authority 
to engage in the proposed loanmaking and servicing activities. If 
licensing by the State is not required, an attorney's opinion stating 
that licensing is not required and that the entity has the legal 
authority to engage in the proposed loanmaking and servicing activities 
must be submitted;
    (iii) Information on lending experience, including length of time 
in the lending business; range and volume of lending and servicing 
activity, including a list of the industries for which it has provided 
financing; status of its loan portfolio, including a list of loans in 
the portfolio with each loan's current loan classification code and 
delinquency and loss rates as outlined in Sec.  4279.29(b)(1)(ii); 
experience of management and loan officers; sources of funds for the 
proposed loans; office location and proposed lending area; an estimate 
of the number and size of guaranteed loan applications the lender will 
develop; and proposed rates and fees, including loan origination, loan 
preparation, and servicing fees. Such rates and fees must not be 
greater than those charged by similarly located regulated commercial 
lenders in the ordinary course of business;
    (iv) A copy of the examination required under paragraph (b)(1)(vi) 
of this section; and
    (v) Documentation as to how the lender will fulfill the 
requirements of Sec.  4279.30.
    (3) Renewal of eligible lender status to continue making B&I loans 
is not automatic. Eligible lender status will lapse 3 years from the 
date of Agency approval and execution of the Lender's Agreement unless 
the lender obtains a renewal. A lender whose eligible status has lapsed 
must continue to service any outstanding loans guaranteed under this 
part but may not submit requests for new loan guarantees. Lenders whose 
eligibility has lapsed may file a subsequent request under this 
subsection. Lenders requesting renewal must complete and execute a new 
Lender's Agreement, along with a written update of the eligibility 
criteria required by this section for approval. Lenders requesting 
renewal must resubmit the information required by paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section and must address how the lender is complying with each of 
the required criteria described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. 
The written update of the eligibility criteria must also include any 
change in the persons designated to process and service Agency 
guaranteed loans or change in the operating methods used in the 
processing and servicing of loans since the original or last renewal 
date of eligible lender status. The lender must provide this 
information to the Agency at least 60 days prior to the expiration of 
the existing agreement to be assured of a timely renewal.
    (c) Revocation of eligible lender status. The Agency may revoke a 
lender's status at any time for cause. Cause for revoking eligible 
status includes:
    (1) Failure to maintain status as an eligible lender as set forth 
in Sec.  4279.29 of this subpart;
    (2) Knowingly submitting false information when requesting a 
guarantee or basing a guarantee request on information known to be 
false or which the lender should have known to be false;
    (3) Making a guaranteed loan with deficiencies that may cause 
losses not to be covered by the Loan Note Guarantee, such as negligent 
loan origination;
    (4) Conviction of the lender or its officers for criminal acts in 
connection with any loan transaction whether or not the loan was 
guaranteed by the Agency;

[[Page 55325]]

    (5) Violation of usury laws in connection with any loan transaction 
whether or not the loan was guaranteed by the Agency;
    (6) Failure to obtain and maintain the required security for any 
loan guaranteed by the Agency;
    (7) Using loan funds guaranteed by the Agency for purposes other 
than those specifically approved by the Agency in the Conditional 
Commitment;
    (8) Violation of any term of the Lender's Agreement;
    (9) Failure to correct any Agency cited deficiency in loan 
documents in a timely manner;
    (10) Failure to submit reports required by the Agency in a timely 
manner;
    (11) Failure to process Agency guaranteed loans as would a 
reasonably prudent lender;
    (12) Failure to provide for adequate construction planning and 
monitoring in connection with any loan to ensure that the project will 
be completed with the available funds and, once completed, will be 
suitable for the borrower's needs;
    (13) Repetitive recommendations for servicing actions or guaranteed 
loans with marginal or substandard credit quality or that do not comply 
with Agency requirements;
    (14) Negligent loan origination;
    (15) Negligent loan servicing;
    (16) Failure to conduct any approved liquidation of a loan 
guaranteed by the Agency or its predecessors in a timely and effective 
manner and in accordance with the approved liquidation plan; or
    (17) Violation of applicable nondiscrimination law, including, but 
not limited to, statutes, regulations, USDA Departmental Regulations, 
the Secretary's Civil Rights Policy Statement, and the Equal Credit 
Opportunity Act.
    (d) Debarment of lender. The Agency may debar a lender in addition 
to the revocation of the lender's status.


Sec.  4279.30  Lenders' functions and responsibilities.

    (a) General. (1) Lenders have the primary responsibility for the 
successful delivery of the guaranteed loan program. Any action or 
inaction on the part of the Agency does not relieve the lender of its 
responsibilities to originate and service the loan guaranteed under 
this subpart, subpart B of this part, and subpart B of part 4287. 
Lenders may contract for services but are ultimately responsible for 
underwriting, loan origination, loan servicing, and compliance with all 
Agency regulations. Agents and persons are prohibited from acting as 
both loan packager and loan service provider on the same guaranteed 
loan. All lenders obtaining or requesting a loan guarantee are 
responsible for:
    (i) Processing applications for guaranteed loans;
    (ii) Developing and maintaining adequately documented loan files, 
which must be maintained for at least 3 years after any final loss has 
been paid;
    (iii) Recommending only loan proposals that are eligible and 
financially feasible;
    (iv) Properly closing the loan and obtaining valid evidence of debt 
and collateral in accordance with sound lending practices prior to 
disbursing loan proceeds;
    (v) Keeping an inventory accounting of all collateral items and 
reconciling the inventory of all collateral sold during loan servicing, 
including liquidation;
    (vi) Supervising construction;
    (vii) Distributing loan funds;
    (viii) Servicing guaranteed loans in a prudent manner, including 
liquidation if necessary;
    (ix) Reporting all conflicts of interest, or appearances thereof, 
to the Agency;
    (x) Following Agency regulations and agreements; and
    (xi) Obtaining Agency approvals or concurrence as required.
    (2) This subpart, subpart B of this part, and subpart B of part 
4287 contain the regulations for this program, including the lenders' 
responsibilities. If a lender fails to comply with these requirements, 
the Agency may reduce any loss payment in accordance with the 
applicable regulations.
    (b) Credit evaluation. The lender must analyze all credit factors 
associated with each proposed loan and apply its professional judgment 
to determine that the credit factors, considered in combination, ensure 
loan repayment. The lender must have an adequate underwriting process 
to ensure that loans are reviewed by persons other than the originating 
officer, and there must be good credit documentation procedures. The 
Agency will only guarantee loans that are sound and have reasonable 
assurance of repayment. The Agency will not guarantee marginal or 
substandard loans.
    (c) Environmental responsibilities. Lenders are responsible for 
becoming familiar with Federal environmental requirements; considering, 
in consultation with the prospective borrower, the potential 
environmental impacts of their proposals at the earliest planning 
stages; and developing proposals that minimize the potential to 
adversely impact the environment.
    (1) Lenders must assist the borrower in completing Form RD 1940-20, 
``Request for Environmental Information,'' (when required by 7 CFR part 
1940, subpart G) or successor forms; assist in the collection of 
additional data when the Agency needs such data to complete its 
environmental review of the proposal; and assist in the resolution of 
environmental problems.
    (2) Lenders must ensure the borrower has:
    (i) Provided the necessary environmental information to enable the 
Agency to undertake its environmental review process in accordance with 
7 CFR part 1940, subpart G, or successor regulations, including the 
provision of all required Federal, State, and local permits;
    (ii) Complied with any mitigation measures required by the Agency; 
and
    (iii) Not taken any actions or incurred any obligations with 
respect to the proposed project that will either limit the range of 
alternatives to be considered during the Agency's environmental review 
process or that will have an adverse effect on the environment.
    (3) Lenders must alert the Agency to any environmental issues 
related to a proposed project or items that may require extensive 
environmental review.


Sec. Sec.  4279.31--4279.43  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.44  Access to records.

    The lender must permit representatives of the Agency (or other 
agencies of the U.S.) to inspect and make copies of any records of the 
lender pertaining to Agency guaranteed loans during regular office 
hours of the lender or at any other time upon agreement between the 
lender and the Agency. In addition, the lender must cooperate fully 
with Agency oversight and monitoring of all lenders involved in any 
manner with any guarantee to ensure compliance with this subpart, 
subpart B of this part, and subpart B of part 4287. Such oversight and 
monitoring will include, but is not limited to, reviewing lender 
records and meeting with lenders in accordance with subpart B of part 
4287.


Sec. Sec.  4279.45--4279.58  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.59  Environmental requirements.

    The Agency is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (under 40 CFR part 1500) and 
related compliance actions (such as Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (under 36 CFR part 800) and Section 7 of the 
Endangered Species Act) are met and will complete the appropriate level 
of environmental review in accordance with subpart G of part 1940 or 
successor regulations.

[[Page 55326]]

Because development of the loan application occurs simultaneously with 
development of the environmental review, applicants, including lenders 
and borrowers, must not take any actions or incur any obligations that 
would either limit the range of alternatives to be considered in the 
environmental review or that would have an adverse effect on the 
environment. Satisfactory completion of the environmental review 
process must occur prior to issuance of the Conditional Commitment to 
the lender.


Sec.  4279.60  Civil Rights Impact Analysis.

    Issuance of a Conditional Commitment is conditioned on the Agency 
being able to satisfactorily complete a Civil Rights Impact Analysis.


Sec.  4279.61  Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

    In accordance with Title V of Public Law 93-495, the Equal Credit 
Opportunity Act, with respect to any aspect of a credit transaction, 
neither the lender nor the Agency will discriminate against any 
applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, 
marital status or age (providing the applicant has the capacity to 
contract), or because all or part of the applicant's income derives 
from a public assistance program, or because the applicant has, in good 
faith, exercised any right under the Consumer Protection Act. The 
lender must comply with the requirements of the Equal Credit 
Opportunity Act as contained in the Federal Reserve Board's Regulation 
implementing that Act (see 12 CFR part 202) prior to loan closing.


Sec. Sec.  4279.62--4279.70  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.71  Public bodies and nonprofit corporations.

    Any public body or nonprofit corporation that receives a guaranteed 
loan that meets the thresholds established by OMB must provide an audit 
in accordance with applicable regulations. Any audit meeting OMB's 
requirements will be adequate to meet any audit requirements of the B&I 
program for that year.


Sec.  4279.72  Conditions of guarantee.

    A loan guarantee under this part will be evidenced by a Loan Note 
Guarantee issued by the Agency. The provisions of this part and part 
4287 will apply to all outstanding guarantees. In the event of a 
conflict between the guarantee documents and these regulations as they 
exist at the time the documents are executed, these regulations will 
control.
    (a) Full faith and credit. A guarantee under this part constitutes 
an obligation supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. and is 
incontestable except for fraud or misrepresentation of which a lender 
or holder has actual knowledge at the time it becomes such lender or 
holder or which a lender or holder participates in or condones. The 
guarantee will be unenforceable to the extent that any loss is 
occasioned by a provision for interest on interest or default or 
penalty interest. In addition, the guarantee will be unenforceable by 
the lender to the extent any loss is occasioned by the violation of 
usury laws, use of loan proceeds for unauthorized purposes, negligent 
loan origination, negligent servicing, or failure to obtain or maintain 
the required security regardless of the time at which the Agency 
acquires knowledge thereof. Any losses occasioned will be unenforceable 
to the extent that loan funds were used for purposes other than those 
specifically approved by the Agency in its Conditional Commitment. The 
Agency may for cause terminate or reduce the Loan Note Guarantee at any 
time. The Agency will guarantee payment as follows:
    (1) To any holder, 100 percent of any loss sustained by the holder 
on the guaranteed portion of the loan it owns and on interest due on 
such portion less any servicing fee. For those loans closed on or after 
[DATE OF FINAL RULE PUBLICATION], the guarantee will not cover note 
interest to any holder after 90 days from the date of the first 
repurchase demand to the lender made by a holder. Upon receipt of the 
first demand letter from a holder, the Agency will notify any remaining 
holders known by the Agency in writing that interest will discontinue 
after 90 days from the date of the first holder's demand.
    (2) To the lender, subject to the provisions of this part and 
subpart B of part 4287, the lesser of:
    (i) Any loss sustained by the lender on the guaranteed portion, 
including principal and interest evidenced by the notes or assumption 
agreements and secured advances for protection and preservation of 
collateral made with the Agency's authorization; or
    (ii) The guaranteed principal advanced to or assumed by the 
borrower and any interest due thereon.
    (b) Rights and liabilities. When a guaranteed portion of a loan is 
sold to a holder, the holder will succeed to all rights of the lender 
under the Loan Note Guarantee to the extent of the portion purchased. 
The full, legal interest in the note must remain with the lender, and 
the lender will remain bound to all obligations under the Loan Note 
Guarantee, Lender's Agreement, and Agency program regulations. A 
guarantee and right to require purchase will be directly enforceable by 
a holder notwithstanding any fraud or misrepresentation by the lender 
or any unenforceability of the guarantee by the lender, except for 
fraud or misrepresentation of which the holder had actual knowledge at 
the time it became the holder or in which the holder participates in or 
condones. The lender will reimburse the Agency for any payments the 
Agency makes to a holder on the lender's guaranteed loan that, under 
the Loan Note Guarantee, would not have been paid to the lender had the 
lender retained the entire interest in the guaranteed loan and not 
conveyed an interest to a holder.
    (c) Payments. A lender will receive all payments of principal and 
interest on account of the entire loan and must promptly remit to the 
holder its pro rata share thereof, determined according to its 
respective interest in the loan, less only the lender's servicing fee.


Sec.  4279.73  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.74  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.75  Sale or assignment of guaranteed loan.

    The lender may sell all or part of the guaranteed portion of the 
loan on the secondary market or retain the entire loan. The lender must 
fully disburse and properly close a loan prior to sale of the note(s) 
on the secondary market. The lender cannot sell or participate any 
amount of the guaranteed or unguaranteed portion of the loan to the 
borrower or its parent, subsidiary, or affiliate or to officers, 
directors, stockholders, other owners, or members of their immediate 
families. The lender cannot share any premium received from the sale of 
a guaranteed loan in the secondary market with a loan packager or other 
loan service provider. If the lender desires to market all or part of 
the guaranteed portion of the loan at or subsequent to loan closing, 
such loan must not be in default. Lenders may use either the single 
note or multi-note system as outlined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this 
section.
    (a) Single note system. The entire loan is evidenced by one note, 
and one Loan Note Guarantee is issued. When the loan is evidenced by 
one note, the lender may not at a later date cause any additional notes 
to be issued. The lender may assign all or part of the guaranteed 
portion of the loan to one or more holders by using Form RD 4279-6, 
``Assignment Guarantee Agreement.'' The lender must complete and 
execute the Assignment Guarantee Agreement and return it to the Agency 
for

[[Page 55327]]

execution prior to holder execution. The holder, upon written notice to 
the lender and the Agency, may reassign the unpaid guaranteed portion 
of the loan, in full, sold under the Assignment Guarantee Agreement. 
Holders may only reassign the guaranteed portion in the complete Block 
they have received and cannot subdivide or further split the guaranteed 
portion of a loan or retain an interest strip. Upon notification and 
completion of the assignment through the use of Form RD 4279-6, the 
assignee shall succeed to all rights and obligations of the holder 
there under. Subsequent assignments require notice to the lender and 
Agency using any format, including that used by the Bond Market 
Association, together with the transfer of the original Assignment 
Guarantee Agreement. The Agency will neither execute a new Assignment 
Guarantee Agreement to effect a subsequent reassignment nor reissue a 
duplicate Assignment Guarantee Agreement unless the original was lost, 
stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or defaced in accordance with Sec.  
4279.84. The Assignment Guarantee Agreement clearly states the 
percentage and corresponding amount of the guaranteed portion it 
represents and the lender's servicing fee. A servicing fee may be 
charged by the lender to a holder and is calculated as a percentage per 
annum of the unpaid balance of the guaranteed portion of the loan 
assigned by the Assignment Guarantee Agreement. The Agency is not and 
will not be a party to any contract between the lender and another 
party where the lender sells its servicing fee in an arm's length 
marketplace transaction. The Agency will not acknowledge, approve, or 
have any liability to any of the parties of this contract.
    (b) Multinote system. Under this option, the lender may provide one 
note for the unguaranteed portion of the loan and no more than ten 
notes for the guaranteed portion. All promissory notes must reflect the 
same payment terms. When the lender selects this option, the holder 
will receive one of the borrower's executed notes and a Loan Note 
Guarantee. The Agency will issue a Loan Note Guarantee for each note, 
including the unguaranteed note, to be attached to each note. An 
Assignment Guarantee Agreement will not be used when the multinote 
option is utilized.


Sec.  4279.76  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.77  Minimum retention.

    The lender is required to hold in its own portfolio a minimum of 5 
percent of the original total loan amount. The amount required to be 
maintained must be of the unguaranteed portion of the loan and cannot 
be participated to another. The lender may enter into no agreement that 
reduces its exposure below the minimum 5 percent it is required to 
retain in its portfolio. The lender may sell the remaining amount of 
the unguaranteed portion of the loan only through participation. The 
lender must retain title to the notes, retain the lender's interest in 
the collateral, and retain the servicing responsibilities for the 
guaranteed loan.


Sec.  4279.78  Repurchase from holder.

    (a) Repurchase by lender. A lender has the option to repurchase the 
unpaid guaranteed portion of the loan from a holder within 30 days of 
written demand by the holder when the borrower is in default not less 
than 60 days on principal or interest due on the loan; or when the 
lender has failed to remit to the holder its pro rata share of any 
payment made by the borrower within 30 days of the lenders receipt 
thereof. The repurchase by the lender must be for an amount equal to 
the unpaid guaranteed portion of principal and accrued interest less 
the lender's servicing fee. The holder must concurrently send a copy of 
the demand letter to the Agency. For loans closed on or after [DATE OF 
FINAL RULE PUBLICATION], the guarantee will not cover note interest to 
any holder accruing after 90 days from the date of the first demand 
letter of a holder to the lender requesting the repurchase. The lender 
must accept an assignment without recourse from the holder upon 
repurchase. The lender is encouraged to repurchase the loan to 
facilitate the accounting of funds, resolve any loan problems, and 
prevent default, where and when reasonable. The benefit to the lender 
is that it may resell the guaranteed portion of the loan in order to 
continue collection of its servicing fee if the default is cured. The 
lender will notify the holder and the Agency of its decision.
    (b) Agency repurchase. (1) The lender's servicing fee will stop on 
the date that interest was last paid by the borrower when the Agency 
purchases the guaranteed portion of the loan from a holder. The lender 
cannot charge such servicing fee to the Agency and must apply all loan 
payments and collateral proceeds received to the guaranteed and 
unguaranteed portions of the loan on a pro rata basis.
    (2) If the Agency repurchases 100 percent of the guaranteed portion 
of the loan, the Agency will not continue collection of the annual 
renewal fee from the lender.
    (3) If the lender does not repurchase the unpaid guaranteed portion 
of the loan as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the Agency 
will purchase from the holder the unpaid principal balance of the 
guaranteed portion together with accrued interest to date of 
repurchase, less the lender's servicing fee, within 30 days after 
written demand to the Agency from the holder. For loans closed on or 
after [DATE OF FINAL RULE PUBLICATION], the guarantee will not cover 
note interest to any holder accruing after 90 days from the date of the 
first demand letter of a holder to the lender requesting the 
repurchase. Accrued interest paid to the holder will be calculated from 
the date interest was last paid on the loan with a cutoff date being 
not more than 90 days from the date any holder makes demand. If there 
is more than one holder, all subsequent holders will be paid using the 
same date as the first holder (first holder's date of demand to the 
lender). Once the holder makes demand upon the Agency, the request 
cannot be rescinded.
    (4) When the guaranteed loan has been delinquent more than 60 days 
and no holder comes forward, the Agency may issue a letter to the 
holder(s) establishing the cutoff date for interest accrual. Accrued 
interest to be paid the holder will be calculated from the date 
interest was last paid on the loan with a cutoff date being no more 
than 90 days from the date of the most recent delinquency effective 
date as reported by the lender.
    (5) When the lender has accelerated the account and the lender 
holds all or a portion of the guaranteed loan, an estimated loss claim 
(loan in the liquidation process) must be filed by the lender with the 
Agency within 60 days. Accrued interest paid to the lender will be 
calculated from the date interest was last paid on the loan with a 
cutoff date being no more than 90 days from the most recent delinquency 
effective date as reported by the lender.
    (6) The holder's demand to the Agency must include a copy of the 
written demand made upon the lender. The holder must also include 
evidence of its right to require payment from the Agency. Such evidence 
must consist of either the original of the Loan Note Guarantee properly 
endorsed to the Agency or the original of the Assignment Guarantee 
Agreement properly assigned to the Agency without recourse including 
all rights, title, and interest in the loan. When the single-note 
system is utilized and the initial holder has sold its interest, the 
current holder must present the original Assignment Guarantee Agreement 
and an original of each Agency approved

[[Page 55328]]

reassignment document in the chain of ownership, with the latest 
reassignment being assigned to the Agency without recourse, including 
all rights, title, and interest in the guarantee. The holder must 
include in its demand the amount due including unpaid principal, unpaid 
interest to date of demand, and interest subsequently accruing from 
date of demand to proposed payment date. The Agency will be subrogated 
to all rights of the holder.
    (7) Upon request by the Agency, the lender must promptly furnish a 
current statement certified by an appropriate authorized officer of the 
lender of the unpaid principal and interest then owed by the borrower 
on the loan and the amount then owed to any holder, along with the 
information necessary for the Agency to determine the appropriate 
amount due the holder. Any discrepancy between the amount claimed by 
the holder and the information submitted by the lender must be resolved 
between the lender and the holder before payment will be approved. Such 
conflict will suspend the running of the 30 day payment requirement.
    (8) Purchase by the Agency neither changes, alters, nor modifies 
any of the lender's obligations to the Agency arising from the loan or 
guarantee nor does it waive any of Agency's rights against the lender. 
The Agency will have the right to set-off against the lender all rights 
inuring to the Agency as the holder of the instrument against the 
Agency's obligation to the lender under the program.
    (c) Repurchase for servicing. If, in the opinion of the lender, 
repurchase of the guaranteed portion of the loan is necessary to 
adequately service the loan, the holder must sell the guaranteed 
portion of the loan to the lender for an amount equal to the unpaid 
principal and interest on such portion less the lender's servicing fee. 
The lender must not repurchase from the holder for arbitrage or other 
purposes to further its own financial gain. Any repurchase must only be 
made after the lender obtains the Agency's written approval. If the 
lender does not repurchase the guaranteed portion from the holder, the 
Agency may, at its option, purchase such guaranteed portion for 
servicing purposes.


Sec. Sec.  4279.79-4279.83   [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.84  Replacement of document.

    (a) The Agency may issue a replacement Loan Note Guarantee or 
Assignment Guarantee Agreement that was lost, stolen, destroyed, 
mutilated, or defaced to the lender or holder upon receipt of an 
acceptable certificate of loss and an indemnity bond.
    (b) When a Loan Note Guarantee or Assignment Guarantee Agreement is 
lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated, or defaced while in the custody of 
the lender or holder, the lender must coordinate the activities of the 
party who seeks the replacement documents and must submit the required 
documents to the Agency for processing. The requirements for 
replacement are as follows:
    (1) A certificate of loss, notarized and containing a jurat, which 
includes:
    (i) Name and address of owner;
    (ii) Name and address of the lender of record;
    (iii) Capacity of person certifying;
    (iv) Full identification of the Loan Note Guarantee or Assignment 
Guarantee Agreement including the name of the borrower, the Agency's 
case number, date of the Loan Note Guarantee or Assignment Guarantee 
Agreement, face amount of the evidence of debt purchased, date of 
evidence of debt, present balance of the loan, percentage of guarantee, 
and, if an Assignment Guarantee Agreement, the original named holder 
and the percentage of the guaranteed portion of the loan assigned to 
that holder. Any existing parts of the document to be replaced must be 
attached to the certificate;
    (v) A full statement of circumstances of the loss, theft, 
destruction, defacement, or mutilation of the Loan Note Guarantee or 
Assignment Guarantee Agreement; and
    (vi) For the holder, evidence demonstrating current ownership of 
the Loan Note Guarantee and promissory note or the Assignment Guarantee 
Agreement. If the present holder is not the same as the original 
holder, a copy of the endorsement of each successive holder in the 
chain of transfer from the initial holder to present holder must be 
included. If copies of the endorsement cannot be obtained, best 
available records of transfer must be submitted to the Agency (e.g., 
order confirmation, canceled checks, etc.).
    (2) An indemnity bond acceptable to the Agency must accompany the 
request for replacement except when the holder is the United States, a 
Federal Reserve Bank, a Federal corporation, a State or territory, or 
the District of Columbia. The bond must be with surety except when the 
outstanding principal balance and accrued interest due the present 
holder is less than $1 million verified by the lender in writing in a 
letter of certification of balance due. The surety must be a qualified 
surety company holding a certificate of authority from the Secretary of 
the Treasury and listed in Treasury Department Circular 570.
    (3) All indemnity bonds must be issued and payable to the United 
States of America acting through the Agency. The bond must be in an 
amount not less than the unpaid principal and interest. The bond must 
hold the Agency harmless against any claim or demand that might arise 
or against any damage, loss, costs, or expenses that might be sustained 
or incurred by reasons of the loss or replacement of the instruments.
    (4) In those cases where the guaranteed loan was closed under the 
provision of the multinote system, the Agency will not attempt to 
obtain, or participate in the obtaining of, replacement notes from the 
borrower. The holder is responsible for bearing the costs of note 
replacement if the borrower agrees to issue a replacement instrument. 
Should such note be replaced, the terms of the note cannot be changed. 
If the evidence of debt has been lost, stolen, destroyed, mutilated or 
defaced, such evidence of debt must be replaced before the Agency will 
replace any instruments.


Sec. Sec.  4279.85-4279.99  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.100  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control 
number . Public reporting burden for this 
collection of information is estimated to vary from 30 minutes to 12 
hours per response, with an average of 6 hours per response, including 
time for reviewing the collection of information. The burden may 
increase beyond the estimate reported here, if RBS determines 
additional data will need to be collected to facilitate evaluation, 
which can enhance the operation and performance of the program. Send 
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this 
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this 
burden, to the Department of Agriculture, Clearance Officer, OIRM, Stop 
7630, Washington, DC 20250. You are not required to respond to this 
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB 
control number.

0
3. Revise Subpart B to read as follows:
Subpart B--Business and Industry Loans
Sec.
4279.101 Introduction.
4279.102 Definitions and abbreviations.
4279.103 Exception Authority.
4279.104 Appeals.
4279.105-4279.107 [Reserved]
4279.108 Eligible borrowers.
4279.109-4279.112 [Reserved]

[[Page 55329]]

4279.113 Eligible uses of funds.
4279.114 [Reserved]
4279.115 Cooperative stock/cooperative equity.
4279.116 New Markets Tax Credit program.
4279.117 Ineligible purposes and entity types.
4279.118 [Reserved]
4279.119 Loan guarantee limits.
4279.120 Fees and charges.
4279.121-4279.124 [Reserved]
4279.125 Interest rates.
4279.126 Loan terms.
4279.127-4279.130 [Reserved]
4279.131 Credit quality.
4279.132 Personal and corporate guarantees.
4279.133-4279.135 [Reserved]
4279.136 Insurance.
4279.137 Financial statements.
4279.138-4279.143 [Reserved]
4279.144 Appraisals.
4279.145-4279.149 [Reserved]
4279.150 Feasibility studies.
4279.151-4279.160 [Reserved]
4279.161 Filing preapplications and applications.
4279.162-4279.164 [Reserved]
4279.165 Evaluation of application.
4279.166 Loan priority scoring.
4279.167 Planning and performing development.
4279.168 Timeframe for processing applications.
4279.169-4279.172 [Reserved]
4279.173 Loan approval and obligating funds.
4279.174 Transfer of lenders.
4279.175-4279.179 [Reserved]
4279.180 Changes in borrower.
4279.181 Conditions precedent to issuance of the Loan Note 
Guarantee.
4279.182-4279.186 [Reserved]
4279.187 Refusal to execute Loan Note Guarantee.
4279.188-4279.199 [Reserved]
4279.200 OMB control number.

PART 4279--GUARANTEED LOANMAKING

Subpart B--Business and Industry Loans


Sec.  4279.101  Introduction.

    (a) Content. This subpart contains loan processing regulations for 
the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program. It is 
supplemented by subpart A of this part, which contains general 
guaranteed loan regulations, and subpart B of part 4287 of this 
chapter, which contains loan servicing regulations.
    (b) Purpose. The purpose of the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is to 
improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and 
improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. 
This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit 
structure through the guarantee of quality loans that will provide 
lasting community benefits. It is not intended that the guarantee 
authority will be used for marginal or substandard loans or for relief 
of lenders having such loans.
    (c) Documents. Whether specifically stated or not, whenever Agency 
approval is required, it must be in writing. Copies of all forms, 
regulations, and Instructions referenced in this subpart may be 
obtained from any Agency office and from the USDA Rural Development Web 
site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs. Whenever a form is designated in this 
subpart, that designation includes predecessor and successor forms, if 
applicable, as specified by the Agency.


Sec.  4279.102  Definitions and abbreviations.

    The definitions and abbreviations in Sec.  4279.2 of this chapter 
are applicable to this subpart.


Sec.  4279.103  Exception Authority.

    Section 4279.15 of this chapter applies to this subpart.


Sec.  4279.104  Appeals.

    Section 4279.16 of this chapter applies to this subpart.


Sec. Sec.  4279.105-4279.107   [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.108  Eligible borrowers.

    (a) Type of entity. A borrower may be a cooperative organization, 
corporation, partnership, or other legal entity organized and operated 
on a profit or nonprofit basis; an Indian tribe on a Federal or State 
reservation or other Federally recognized tribal group; a public body; 
or an individual. A borrower must be engaged in or proposing to engage 
in a business. Business may include manufacturing, wholesaling, 
retailing, providing services, or other activities that will provide 
employment and improve the economic or environmental climate.
    (b) Citizenship. Individual borrowers must be citizens of the 
United States (U.S.) or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted 
for permanent residence. For purposes of this subpart, citizens and 
residents of the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, 
American Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are considered 
U.S. citizens. Corporations or other non public-body type borrowers 
must be at least 51 percent owned by persons who are either citizens of 
the U.S. or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for 
permanent residence. Individuals that reside in the U.S. after being 
legally admitted for permanent residence must provide a permanent green 
card as evidence of eligibility.
    (c) Rural area. The business financed with a guaranteed loan under 
this subpart must be located in a rural area, except for cooperative 
organizations financed in accordance with Sec.  4279.113(j)(2) and 
local foods projects financed in accordance with Sec.  4279.113(x)(2). 
Loans to borrowers with facilities located in both rural and non-rural 
areas will be limited to the amount necessary to finance the facility 
located in the eligible rural area, except for those cooperative 
organizations financed in accordance with Sec.  4279.113(j)(2) and 
those local foods projects financed in accordance with Sec.  
4279.113(x)(2).
    (1) Rural areas are any area of a State other than a city or town 
that has a population of greater than 50,000 inhabitants and any 
urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to such a city or town. In 
making this determination, the Agency will use the latest decennial 
census of the U.S.
    (2) For the purposes of this definition, cities and towns are 
incorporated population centers with definite boundaries, local self 
government, and legal powers set forth in a charter granted by the 
State.
    (3) For the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the island is considered 
rural, except for the San Juan Census Designated Place (CDP) and any 
other CDP with greater than 50,000 inhabitants. However, CDPs with 
greater than 50,000 inhabitants, other than the San Juan CDP, may be 
eligible if they are determined to be ``not urban in character.''
    (4) For the State of Hawaii, all areas within the State are 
considered rural, except for the Honolulu CDP within the County of 
Honolulu.
    (5) For the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, 
American Samoa, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Agency 
will determine what constitutes a rural area based on available 
population data.
    (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, in 
determining which census blocks in an urbanized area are not in a rural 
area, the Agency will exclude any cluster of census blocks that would 
otherwise be considered not in a rural area only because the cluster is 
adjacent to not more than two census blocks that are otherwise 
considered not in a rural area under this definition.
    (7)(i) The Under Secretary, whose authority may not be redelegated, 
may determine that an area is ``rural in character.'' Any determination 
made by the Under Secretary under this provision will be to areas that 
are

[[Page 55330]]

determined to be ``rural in character'' and are within:
    (A) An urbanized area that has two points on its boundary that are 
at least 40 miles apart, which is not contiguous or adjacent to a city 
or town that has a population of greater than 150,000 inhabitants or 
the urbanized area of such city or town; or
    (B) An area within an urbanized area contiguous and adjacent to a 
city or town of greater than 50,000 inhabitants that is within \1/4\ 
mile of a rural area.
    (ii) Units of local government may petition the Under Secretary for 
a ``rural in character'' designation by submitting a petition to both 
the appropriate Rural Development State Director and the Administrator 
on behalf of the Under Secretary. The petition must document how the 
area meets the requirements of paragraph (c)(7) of this section and 
discuss why the petitioner believes the area is ``rural in character,'' 
including, but not limited to, the area's population density; 
demographics; topography; and how the local economy is tied to a rural 
economic base. Upon receiving a petition, the Under Secretary will 
consult with the applicable Governor and Rural Development State 
Director and request comments within 10 business days, unless those 
comments were submitted with the petition. The Under Secretary will 
release to the public a notice of a petition filed by a unit of local 
government not later than 30 days after receipt of the petition by way 
of notice in a local newspaper and notice on the applicable Rural 
Development State Office Web site. The Under Secretary will make a 
determination not less than 15 days, but no more than 60 days, after 
the release of the notice. The public notice will appear for at least 3 
consecutive days if published in a daily newspaper or otherwise in two 
consecutive publications. Upon a negative determination, the Under 
Secretary will provide to the petitioner an opportunity to appeal a 
determination to the Under Secretary for reconsideration, and the 
petitioner will have 10 business days to appeal the determination and 
provide further information for consideration.
    (d) Other credit. All applications for assistance will be accepted 
and processed without regard to the availability of credit from any 
other source.
    (e) Prohibition under Agency programs. No loans guaranteed by the 
Agency will be conditioned on any requirement that the recipients of 
such assistance accept or receive electric or other services from any 
particular utility, supplier, or cooperative.


Sec. Sec.  4279.109-4279.112   [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.113  Eligible uses of funds.

    Eligible uses of funds must be consistent with Sec.  4279.101(b) of 
this subpart and include, but are not limited, to the following:
    (a) Purchase and development of land, buildings, and associated 
infrastructure, including expansion or modernization.
    (b) Business acquisitions provided that jobs will be created or 
saved.
    (c) Leasehold improvements when the lease contains no reverter 
clauses or restrictive clauses that would impair the use or value of 
the property as security for the loan. The term of the lease must be 
equal to or greater than the term of the loan.
    (d) Constructing or equipping facilities for lease to private 
businesses engaged in commercial or industrial operations. Financing 
for mixed-use properties involving both commercial business and 
residential space is authorized provided that not less than 50 percent 
of the building's projected revenue will be generated from business 
use.
    (e) Purchase of machinery and equipment.
    (f) Startup costs, working capital, inventory, and supplies in the 
form of a permanent working capital term loan.
    (g) Debt refinancing when it is determined that the project is 
viable and refinancing is necessary to improve cash flow and create new 
or save existing jobs. Debt being refinanced must be debt of the 
borrower reflected on its balance sheet, and the lender's analysis must 
document that the debt being refinanced was for an eligible loan 
purpose under this subpart. Except as provided for in paragraph (k)(3) 
of this section, existing lender debt may be included provided that, at 
the time of application, the loan being refinanced has been closed and 
current for at least the past 12 months (current status cannot be 
achieved by the lender forgiving the borrower's debt or servicing 
actions that impact the borrower's repayment schedule), and the lender 
is providing better rates or terms. Unless the amount to be refinanced 
is owed directly to the Federal government or is Federally guaranteed, 
the existing lender debt refinancing must be less than 50 percent of 
the overall loan.
    (h) Takeout of interim financing. Guaranteeing a loan that provides 
for permanent, long-term financing after project completion to pay off 
a lender's interim loan will not be treated as debt refinancing 
provided that the lender submits a complete preapplication or 
application that proposes such interim financing prior to closing the 
interim loan. The borrower must take no action that would have an 
adverse impact on the environment or limit the range of alternatives to 
be considered by the Agency during the environmental review process. 
The Agency will not guarantee takeout of interim financing loans that 
prevent a meaningful environmental assessment prior to Agency loan 
approval. Even for projects with interim financing, the Agency cannot 
approve the loan and issue a Conditional Commitment until the 
environmental process is complete. The Agency assumes no responsibility 
or obligation for interim loans.
    (i) Purchase of membership, stocks, bonds, or debentures necessary 
to obtain a loan from Farm Credit System institutions and other lenders 
provided that the purchase is required for all of their borrowers and 
is the minimum amount required.
    (j) Loans to cooperative organizations.
    (1) Guaranteed loans to eligible cooperative organizations may be 
made in principal amounts up to $40 million if the project is located 
in a rural area, the cooperative facility being financed provides for 
the value-added processing of agricultural commodities, and the total 
amount of loans exceeding $25 million does not exceed 10 percent of the 
funds available for the fiscal year.
    (2) Guaranteed loans to eligible cooperative organizations may also 
be made in non-rural areas provided:
    (i) The primary purpose of the loan is for a facility to provide 
value-added processing for agricultural producers that are located 
within 80 miles of the facility;
    (ii) The applicant satisfactorily demonstrates that the primary 
benefit of the loan will be to provide employment for rural residents;
    (iii) The principal amount of the loan does not exceed $25 million; 
and
    (iv) The total amount of loans guaranteed under this paragraph does 
not exceed 10 percent of the funds available for the fiscal year.
    (3) An eligible cooperative organization may refinance an existing 
B&I loan provided that the existing loan is current and performing; the 
existing loan is not and has not been in monetary default (more than 30 
days late) or the collateral of which has not been converted; and there 
is adequate security or full collateral for the new guaranteed loan.
    (k) The purchase of cooperative stock by individual farmers or 
ranchers in a farmer or rancher cooperative in accordance with Sec.  
4279.115(a).
    (l) The purchase of preferred stock or similar equity issued by a 
cooperative organization or a fund that invests

[[Page 55331]]

primarily in cooperative organizations in accordance with Sec.  
4279.115(b).
    (m) Taxable corporate bonds when the bonds are fully amortized and 
comply with all provisions of Sec.  4279.126, and the bond holder 
(lender) retains 5 percent of the bond in accordance with Sec.  
4279.77. The bonds must be fully secured with collateral in accordance 
with Sec.  4279.131(b). The bonds must only provide for a trustee when 
the trustee is totally under the control of the lender. The bonds must 
provide no rights to bond holders other than the right to receive the 
payments due under the bond. For instance, the bonds must not provide 
for bond holders replacing the trustee or directing the trustee to take 
servicing actions, such as accelerating the bonds. Convertible bonds 
are not eligible under this paragraph due to the potential conflict of 
interest of a lender having an ownership interest in the borrower.
    (1) The bond issuer (borrower) must not issue more than 11 bonds 
with no more than 10 of those bonds being guaranteed under this 
program. The bond issuer must obtain the services and opinion of an 
experienced bond counsel who must present a legal opinion stating that 
the bonds are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuer and 
that the issuer has adhered to all applicable laws.
    (2) The bond holder must purchase all of the bonds and comply with 
all Agency regulations. There must be a bond purchase agreement between 
the issuer and the bond holder. The bond purchase agreement must 
contain similar language to what is required to be in a loan agreement 
in accordance with Sec.  4279.161(b)(11) and must not be in conflict 
with subparts A or B of part 4279 or subpart B of part 4287. The bond 
holder is responsible for all servicing of the loan (bond), although 
the bond holder may contract for servicing assistance, including 
contracting with a trustee who remains under the lender's total 
control.
    (n) Interest (including interest on interim financing) during the 
period before the first principal payment becomes due or when the 
facility becomes income producing, whichever is earlier.
    (o) Fees and charges outlined in Sec.  4279.120(a), (c) and (d).
    (p) Feasibility studies.
    (q) Agricultural production, when not eligible for Farm Service 
Agency (FSA) farmer program assistance and when it is part of an 
integrated business also involved in the processing of agricultural 
products. Any agricultural production considered for guaranteed loan 
financing must be owned, operated, and maintained by the business 
receiving the loan for which a guarantee is provided. Except for 
cooperative stock purchase loans in accordance with Sec.  4279.115(a), 
independent agricultural production operations are not eligible, even 
if not eligible for FSA farmer programs assistance.
    (1) The agricultural-production portion of any loan must not exceed 
50 percent of the total loan or $5 million, whichever is less.
    (2) This paragraph does not preclude financing the following types 
of businesses:
    (i) Commercial nurseries engaged in the production of ornamental 
plants; trees and other nursery products, such as bulbs, flowers, 
shrubbery, flower and vegetable seeds, sod, and the growing of plants 
from seed to the transplant stage; and forestry, which includes 
businesses primarily engaged in the operation of timber tracts, tree 
farms, forest nurseries, and related activities such as reforestation.
    (ii) The growing of mushrooms or hydroponics.
    (iii) The boarding and/or training of animals.
    (iv) Commercial fishing.
    (v) Aquaculture, including conservation, development, and 
utilization of water for aquaculture.
    (r) Educational or training facilities.
    (s) Industries undergoing adjustment from terminated Federal 
agricultural price and income support programs or increased competition 
from foreign trade.
    (t) Community facility projects that are not listed as an 
ineligible loan purpose in Sec.  4279.117.
    (u) Tourist and recreation facilities, including hotels, motels, 
and bed and breakfast establishments, except as prohibited under 
ineligible purposes in Sec.  4279.117.
    (v) Pollution control and abatement.
    (w) Energy projects that are not eligible under 7 CFR 4280, subpart 
B, Rural Energy for America Program, unless sufficient funding is not 
available under subpart B of part 4280, and when the facility has been 
constructed according to plans and specifications and is producing at 
the quality and quantity projected in the application. Eligible energy 
projects must be commercially available. Eligible energy projects also 
include those that reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy resources by 
encouraging the development and construction of solar energy systems 
and other renewable energy systems (including wind energy systems and 
anaerobic digesters for the purpose of energy generation), including 
the modification of existing systems in rural areas.
    (1) Projects that produce biomass fuel or biogas as an output must 
utilize commercially available technologies and have completed two 
operating cycles at design performance levels prior to issuance of a 
Loan Note Guarantee.
    (2) Projects that produce steam or electricity as an output must 
have met acceptance test performance criteria acceptable to the Agency 
and be successfully interconnected with the purchaser of the output. An 
executed power purchase agreement acceptable to the Agency will be 
required prior to issuance of a Loan Note Guarantee.
    (3) Performance or acceptance test requirements for all other 
energy projects will be determined by the Agency on a case-by-case 
basis.
    (x) Projects that process, distribute, aggregate, store, and/or 
market locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to 
support community development and farm and ranch income, subject to 
each of the following:
    (1) The term ``locally or regionally produced agricultural food 
product'' means any agricultural food product that is raised, produced, 
and distributed in the locality or region in which the final product is 
marketed, so that the distance the product is transported is less than 
400 miles from the origin of the product, or within the State in which 
the product is produced. Food products could be raw, cooked, or a 
processed edible substance, beverage, or ingredient used or intended 
for use or for sale in whole or in part for human consumption.
    (2) Projects in non-rural areas may be included when the project 
provides an economic benefit to the surrounding rural communities.
    (3) A significant amount of the food product sold by the borrower 
is locally or regionally produced, and a significant amount of the 
locally or regionally produced food product is sold locally or 
regionally.
    (4) The borrower must include in an appropriate agreement, with 
retail and institutional facilities to which the borrower sells locally 
or regionally produced agricultural food products, a requirement to 
inform consumers of the retail or institutional facilities that the 
consumers are purchasing or consuming locally or regionally produced 
agricultural food products.
    (5) The Agency will give funding priority to projects that provide 
a benefit to underserved communities in accordance with Sec.  
4279.166(b)(4)(i)(G). An underserved community is a community 
(including an urban or rural

[[Page 55332]]

community and an Indian tribal community) that has limited access to 
affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in 
grocery retail stores or farmer to consumer direct markets and that has 
either a high rate of hunger or food insecurity or a high poverty rate 
as reflected in the most recent decennial census or other Agency 
approved census.


Sec.  4279.114  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.115  Cooperative stock/cooperative equity.

    (a) Cooperative stock purchase program. The Agency may guarantee 
loans for the purchase of cooperative stock by individual farmers or 
ranchers in a farmer or rancher cooperative established for the purpose 
of processing an agricultural commodity. The cooperative may use the 
proceeds from the stock sale to recapitalize, to develop a new 
processing facility or product line, or to expand an existing 
production facility. The cooperative may contract for services to 
process agricultural commodities or otherwise process value-added 
agricultural products during the 5-year period beginning on the 
operation startup date of the cooperative in order to provide adequate 
time for the planning and construction of the processing facility of 
the cooperative. Loan proceeds must remain in the cooperative from 
which stock was purchased, and the cooperative must not reinvest those 
funds into another entity.
    (1) The maximum loan amount is the threshold established in Sec.  
4279.161(c), and all applications will be processed in accordance with 
Sec.  4279.161(c).
    (2) The maximum term is 7 years.
    (3) The lender will, at a minimum, obtain a valid lien on the 
stock, an assignment of any patronage refund, and the ability to 
transfer the stock to another party, or otherwise liquidate and dispose 
of the collateral in the event of a borrower default.
    (4) The lender must complete a written credit analysis of each 
stock purchase loan and a complete credit analysis of the cooperative 
prior to making its first stock purchase loan.
    (5) The borrower may provide financial information in the manner 
that is generally required by commercial agricultural lenders.
    (6) A feasibility study of the cooperative is required for startup 
cooperatives and may be required by the Agency for existing 
cooperatives when the cooperative's operations will be significantly 
affected by the proceeds that were generated from the stock sale.
    (7) The Agency will conduct an appropriate environmental assessment 
on the processing facility and will not process individual applications 
for the purchase of stock until the environmental assessment on the 
cooperative processing facility is completed. Typically, an individual 
loan for the purchase of cooperative stock is considered a categorical 
exclusion.
    (b) Cooperative equity security guarantees. The Agency may 
guarantee loans for the purchase of preferred stock or similar equity 
issued by a cooperative organization or for a fund that invests 
primarily in cooperative organizations. In either case, the guarantee 
must significantly benefit one or more entities eligible for assistance 
under the B&I program.
    (1) ``Similar equity'' is any special class of equity stock that is 
available for purchase by non-members and/or members and lacks voting 
and other governance rights.
    (2) A fund that invests ``primarily'' in cooperative organizations 
is determined by its percentage share of investments in and loans to 
cooperatives. A fund portfolio must have at least 50 percent of its 
loans and investments in cooperatives to be considered eligible for 
loan guarantees for the purchase of preferred stock or similar equity.
    (3) The principal amount of the loan will not exceed $10 million.
    (4) The maximum term is 7 years or no longer than the specified 
holding period for redemption as stated by the stock offering, 
whichever is less.
    (5) All borrowers purchasing preferred stock or similar equity must 
provide a prospectus on the preferred stock being offered and financial 
information about the issuer of the preferred stock to both the lender 
and the Agency.
    (6) Issuer(s) of preferred stock must be a cooperative organization 
or a fund and must be able to issue preferred stock to the public in 
accordance with the securities' regulations as set forth by the 
Securities and Exchange Commission and any other applicable regulatory 
body, if required.
    (7) A fund must use a loan guaranteed under this subpart to 
purchase preferred stock that is issued by cooperatives.
    (8) The lender will, at a minimum, obtain a valid lien on the 
preferred stock, an assignment of any patronage refund, and the ability 
to transfer the stock to another party, or otherwise liquidate and 
dispose of the collateral in the event of a borrower default. For the 
purpose of recovering losses from loan defaults, lenders may take 
ownership of all equities purchased with such loans, including 
additional shares derived from re-investment of dividends.
    (9) Shares of preferred stock that are purchased with guaranteed 
loan proceeds cannot be converted to common or voting stock.
    (10) In the absence of adequate provisions for investors' rights to 
early redemption of preferred stock or similar equity, a borrower must 
request from a cooperative or fund issuing such equities a contingent 
waiver of the holding or redemption period in advance of share 
purchases. This contingent waiver provides that in the event a borrower 
defaults on a loan financed under the guaranteed loan program, the 
borrower waives any ownership rights in the stock, and the lender and 
Agency will then have the right to redeem the stock.
    (11) Guaranteed loans for the purchase of preferred stock must be 
pre-paid in the event a cooperative or fund that issued the stock has 
either exercised an early redemption or subsequently enters into 
bankruptcy.


Sec.  4279.116  New Markets Tax Credit program.

    This section identifies the provisions specific to guaranteed loans 
involving projects that include new markets tax credits available under 
the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) program. Such applicants and 
applications must comply with the provisions in subparts A and B of 
this part, except as modified in this section.
    (a) NMTC eligible lenders. To be an eligible lender for a loan 
guarantee that involves NMTC, the organization must meet the applicable 
eligibility criteria in Sec.  4279.29 as otherwise modified by 
paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.
    (1) Sub-entities under the control of a non-regulated lender 
approved as a lender for this program do not need to separately meet 
the requirements of Sec.  4279.29(b). An eligible non-regulated lender 
may modify its list of eligible sub-entities under its control at any 
time by notifying the Agency in writing.
    (2) In order to take advantage of the requirement exemption in 
paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the non-regulated lender must include 
in its application to be a lender each sub-entity under its control and 
must clearly define the multiple-entity organizational and control 
structure. In addition, the lender must include each such sub-entity in 
the audited financial statements, commercial loan portfolio, and 
commercial loan performance statistics.
    (b) NMTC eligible purposes. The provisions of Sec.  4279.117(r) 
notwithstanding, a lender that is a Department of Treasury certified 
Community Development Entity (CDE) or subsidiary of a CDE (sub-CDE) may

[[Page 55333]]

have an ownership interest in the borrower provided that each of the 
conditions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section 
is met.
    (1) The lender does not have an ownership interest in the borrower 
prior to the guaranteed loan application.
    (2) The lender does not take a controlling interest in the 
borrower.
    (3) The lender cannot provide equity or take an ownership interest 
in a borrower at a level that would result in the lender owning 20 
percent or more interest in the borrower.
    (4) In its guaranteed loan application, the lender provides an 
Agency approved exit strategy when the NMTCs expire after the seventh 
year. The CDE's (or sub-CDE's) exit strategy must include a general 
plan to address the lender's equity in the project, and, if the lender 
will divest their equity interest, how this will be accomplished and 
the impact on the borrower.
    (c) Conflict of interest. Notwithstanding Sec.  4279.117(q), a 
CDE's (or sub-CDE's) ownership interest in the borrower does not 
constitute a conflict of interest. The Agency will mitigate the 
potential for or appearance of a conflict interest by requiring 
appropriate loan covenants regarding limitations on dividends and 
distributions of earnings be established as well as other covenants in 
accordance with Sec.  4279.161(b)(11). The Agency will also ensure that 
the lender limits waivers of loan covenants and future modifications of 
loan documents.
    (d) Eligible borrowers. The provisions of Sec.  4279.117(t) 
notwithstanding, a sub-CDE may be an eligible borrower as specified in 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section. Paragraphs (d)(2) through (13) of 
this section identify modifications to subpart B of this part that 
apply when the eligible borrower is a sub-CDE.
    (1) To be an eligible borrower for a NMTC loan, each of the 
following conditions must be met:
    (i) The sub-CDE must be established for a single specific NMTC 
investment;
    (ii) The lender is not an affiliate of the sub-CDE;
    (iii) One hundred percent of the guaranteed loan funds are or will 
be loaned by the sub-CDE to the Qualified Active Low-Income Community 
Business (QALICB), as defined by applicable regulations of the Internal 
Revenue Service and are or will be used by the QALICB in accordance 
with Sec. Sec.  4279.113 and 4279.117. All of the B&I guaranteed loan 
funds must be ``passed through'' the sub-CDE to the QALICB. The 
QALICB's project must be the ultimate use of the B&I guaranteed loan 
funds; and
    (iv) The QALICB meets the requirements of Sec.  4279.108.
    (2) The provisions of Sec.  4279.119 apply except that the loan 
guarantee limits apply to the QALICB and not to the sub-CDE, who would 
otherwise be understood to be the ``borrower.''
    (3) Section 4279.126 applies to both the borrower (sub-CDE) and the 
QALICB. The terms and payment schedule of the lender's loan to the sub-
CDE must be at least equal to the terms and payment schedule of the 
sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB. An Agency approved unequal or escalating 
schedule of principal and interest payments may be used for a NMTC 
loan. The lender may require additional principle repayment by a co-
borrower such as an owner or principle of the QALICB. The lender or 
sub-CDE may require a debt repayment reserve fund or sinking fund; 
however, such fund is not in lieu of a principal repayment schedule in 
accordance with Sec.  4279.126 as amended by this paragraph.
    (4) Except for Sec.  4279.131(b), section 4279.131 applies to both 
the lender's loan to the sub-CDE and the sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB. 
Section 4279.131(b) applies only to the sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB.
    (5) The personal and corporate guarantee provisions of Sec.  
4279.132 and the insurance provisions of Sec.  4279.136 apply only to 
the QALICB and the sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB.
    (6) Section 4279.137 applies to both the borrower (sub-CDE) and the 
QALICB.
    (7) Sections 4279.144 and 4279.150 apply to both the QALICB and the 
sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB.
    (8) Section 4279.161 applies to both the borrower (sub-CDE) and the 
QALICB. As part of the application completed by the lender in 
accordance with Sec.  4279.161, the lender application documentation 
the lender submits to the Agency must include comparable information 
for the loan (using the B&I guaranteed loan funds) between the sub-CDE 
and QALICB. The requirements of Sec.  4279.161 apply to the loan 
application, application analysis and underwriting, and loan documents 
between the sub-CDE and QALICB. The lender must include these materials 
in its guaranteed loan application to the Agency.
    (9) The environmental requirements specified in Sec.  4279.165(b) 
apply to both the loan between the sub-CDE and QALICB and the QALICB's 
project.
    (10) When assigning the priority score to a NMTC loan application 
under Sec.  4279.166, the Agency will score the project based on the 
sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB, the QALICB, and the QALICB's project as 
the ultimate use of B&I guaranteed loan funds.
    (11) When complying with the planning and performing development 
provisions in Sec.  4279.167, the lender is responsible for ensuring 
that both the sub-CDE's loan to the QALICB and the QALICB's project 
comply with the provisions in Sec.  4279.167.
    (12) Section 4279.180 applies to both the sub-CDE (borrower) and 
the QALICB.
    (13) Section 4279.181 applies to both the sub-CDE (borrower) and 
the QALICB.
    (e) Subordinated debt as equity. For purposes of calculating 
tangible balance sheet equity, the CDE's or sub-CDE's loan that is 
subordinated to the guaranteed loan will be considered equity when 
calculating tangible balance sheet equity. The QALICB's financial 
statements must be prepared by an accountant in accordance with GAAP.


Sec.  4279.117  Ineligible purposes and entity types.

    (a) Distribution or payment to an individual or entity that will 
retain an ownership interest in the borrower. Distribution or payment 
to a member of the immediate family of an owner, partner, or 
stockholder will not be permitted, except for a change in ownership of 
the business where the selling immediate family member does not retain 
an ownership interest and the Agency determines the price paid to be 
reasonable. In situations where there is common ownership or an 
otherwise closely-related company is being paid to do construction or 
installation work for a borrower, only documented costs associated with 
construction or installation can be paid with loan proceeds. This 
paragraph does not apply to transfers of ownership for Employee Stock 
Ownership Plans or worker cooperatives, to cooperatives where the 
cooperative pays the member for product or services, or where member 
stock is transferred among members of the cooperative.
    (b) Projects in excess of $1 million that would likely result in 
the transfer of jobs from one area to another and increase direct 
employment by more than 50 employees. However, this limitation is not 
to be construed to prohibit assistance for the expansion of an existing 
business entity through the establishment of a new branch, affiliate, 
or subsidiary of such entity if the establishment of such branch, 
affiliate, or subsidiary will not result in an increase in unemployment 
in the area of original location or in any other area where such entity 
conducts business

[[Page 55334]]

operations, unless there is reason to believe that such branch, 
affiliate, or subsidiary is being established with the intention of 
closing down the operations of the existing business entity in the area 
or its original location or in any other area where it conducts such 
operations.
    (c) Projects in excess of $1 million that would increase direct 
employment by more than 50 employees, which is calculated to or likely 
to result in an increase in the production of goods, materials, or 
commodities, or the availability of services or facilities in the area, 
when there is not sufficient demand for such goods, materials, 
commodities, services or facilities to employ the efficient capacity of 
existing competitive commercial or industrial enterprises, unless such 
financial or other assistance will not have an adverse effect upon 
existing competitive enterprises in the area.
    (d) The financing of timeshares, residential or resort trailer 
parks and campgrounds, housing, housing development sites, apartments, 
duplexes, or other residential housing, except as authorized in Sec.  
4279.113(d).
    (e) Owner-occupied housing--bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels, 
storage facilities, etc.--are only allowed when the pro rata value of 
the owner's living quarters, based on square footage, is deducted from 
the use of loan proceeds.
    (f) Guaranteeing lease payments or any lines of credit.
    (g) Guaranteeing loans made by other Federal agencies.
    (h) Loans made with the proceeds of any obligation the interest on 
which is excludable from income under 26 U.S.C. 103 or a successor 
statute. Funds generated through the issuance of tax-exempt obligations 
shall neither be used to purchase the guaranteed portion of any Agency 
guaranteed loan nor shall an Agency guaranteed loan serve as collateral 
for a tax-exempt issue. The Agency may guarantee a loan for a project 
that involves tax-exempt financing only when the guaranteed loan funds 
are used to finance a part of the project that is separate and distinct 
from the part that is financed by the tax-exempt obligation, and the 
guaranteed loan has at least a parity security position with the tax-
exempt obligation.
    (i) Guarantees supporting inherently religious activities such as 
worship, religious instruction, proselytization, or to pay costs 
associated with acquisition, construction or rehabilitation of 
structures for inherently religious activities, including the financing 
of multi-purpose facilities where religious activities will be among 
the activities conducted.
    (j) Businesses that derive more than 10 percent of annual gross 
revenue (including any lease income from space or machines) from 
gambling activity, excluding State-authorized lottery proceeds.
    (k) Businesses deriving income from activities of a prurient sexual 
nature or illegal activities.
    (l) Racetracks or facilities for the conduct of races by animals, 
professional or amateur drivers, jockeys, etc.
    (m) Golf courses and golf course infrastructure, including par 3 
and executive golf courses.
    (n) Cemeteries.
    (o) Research and development projects and projects that involve 
technology that is not commercially available.
    (p) Debt service reserves.
    (q) Any project that the Agency determines creates a conflict of 
interest or an appearance thereof between any party related to the 
project.
    (r) Guarantees where the lender or any of the lender's officers has 
an ownership interest in the borrower or is an officer or director of 
the borrower or where the borrower or any of its officers, directors, 
stockholders, or other owners have more than a 5 percent ownership 
interest in the lender.
    (s) Notwithstanding cooperative stock purchase loans and 
cooperative equity security guarantees in accordance with Sec.  
4279.115, guarantees supporting investment or arbitrage or speculative 
real estate investment.
    (t) Lending institutions, investment institutions, or insurance 
companies.
    (u) Charitable institutions or fraternal organizations.
    (v) Any business located within the Coastal Barriers Resource 
System that does not qualify for an exception as defined in section 6 
of the Coastal Barriers Resource Act, 16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
    (w) Any business located in a special flood or mudslide hazard area 
as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in a community 
that is not participating in the National Flood Insurance Program 
unless the project is an integral part of a community's flood control 
plan.


Sec.  4279.118  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.119  Loan guarantee limits.

    (a) Loan amount. The total amount of B&I loans to one borrower 
(including the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions, the outstanding 
principal and interest balance of any existing B&I guaranteed loans, 
and the new loan request) must not exceed $10 million, except as 
outlined in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section.
    (1) The Administrator may, at the Administrator's discretion, grant 
an exception to the $10 million limit for loans of $25 million or less 
under the following circumstances:
    (i) The project to be financed is a high-priority project as 
defined in Sec.  4279.2 of this chapter. Priority points will be 
awarded in accordance with the criteria contained in Sec.  4279.166 of 
this subpart;
    (ii) The lender must document to the satisfaction of the Agency 
that the loan will not be made and the project will not be completed if 
the guaranteed loan is not approved; and
    (iii) The percentage of guarantee will not exceed 60 percent. No 
exception to this requirement will be approved under paragraph (b) of 
this section for loans exceeding $10 million.
    (2) The Secretary, whose authority may not be redelegated, may 
approve guaranteed loans in excess of $25 million, at the Secretary's 
discretion, for rural cooperative organizations that process value-
added agricultural commodities in accordance with Sec.  4279.113(j)(1) 
of this subpart.
    (b) Percentage of guarantee. The percentage of guarantee, up to the 
maximum allowed by this section, is a matter of negotiation between the 
lender and the Agency. The maximum percentage of guarantee is 80 
percent for loans of $5 million or less, 70 percent for loans between 
$5 and $10 million, and 60 percent for loans exceeding $10 million. For 
subsequent guaranteed loans, the maximum percentage of guarantee will 
be based on the total amount of outstanding principal and interest of 
any existing B&I guaranteed loans and the new loan request. 
Notwithstanding the preceding, the Administrator may, at the 
Administrator's discretion, grant an exception allowing guarantees of 
up to 90 percent on loans of $5 million or less if the conditions of 
either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) are met. Each fiscal year, the Agency 
will establish a limit on the maximum portion of guarantee authority 
available for that fiscal year that may be used to guarantee loans with 
an increased percentage of guarantee. The Agency will publish a notice 
announcing this limit in the Federal Register.
    (1) The project to be financed is a high-priority project as 
defined in Sec.  4279.2 of this chapter. Priority points will be 
awarded in accordance with the criteria contained in Sec.  4279.166 of 
this subpart; or

[[Page 55335]]

    (2) The lender documents, to the satisfaction of the Agency, that 
the loan will not be made and the project will not be completed due to 
the bank's legal or regulatory lending limit if the higher percentage 
of guarantee is not approved.


Sec.  4279.120  Fees and charges.

    There are two types of non-refundable fees; the guarantee fee and 
the annual renewal fee. These fees are to be paid by the lender but may 
be passed on to the borrower.
    (a) Guarantee fee. The guarantee fee is paid at the time the Loan 
Note Guarantee is issued and may be included as an eligible use of 
guaranteed loan proceeds. The amount of the guarantee fee is determined 
by multiplying the total loan amount by the guarantee fee rate by the 
percent of guarantee. The rate of the guarantee fee is established by 
the Agency in an annual notice published in the Federal Register. 
Subject to annual limits set by the Agency in the published notice, the 
Agency may charge a reduced guarantee fee if requested by the lender 
for loans of $5 million or less when the borrower's business:
    (1) Supports value-added agriculture and results in farmers 
benefiting financially,
    (2) Promotes access to healthy foods, or
    (3) Is a high impact business development investment as defined in 
Sec.  4279.2 of this chapter and applied in accordance with Sec.  
4279.166(b)(4), and is located in a rural community that:
    (i) Is experiencing long-term population decline;
    (ii) Has remained in poverty for the last 30 years;
    (iii) Is experiencing trauma as a result of natural disaster or 
fundamental structural changes in its economic base;
    (iv) Is located in a city or county with an unemployment rate 125 
percent of the statewide rate or greater; or
    (v) Is located within the boundaries of a Federally recognized 
Indian Tribe's reservation or within tribal trust lands or within land 
owned by an Alaska Native Regional or Village Corporation as defined by 
the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
    (b) Annual renewal fee. The annual renewal fee is paid by the 
lender to the Agency once a year. Payment of the annual renewal fee is 
required in order to maintain the enforceability of the guarantee as to 
the lender.
    (1) The Agency will establish the rate of the annual renewal fee in 
an annual notice published in the Federal Register. The amount of the 
annual renewal fee is determined by multiplying the outstanding 
principal loan balance as of December 31 of each year by the annual 
renewal fee rate by the percent of guarantee. The rate that is in 
effect at the time the loan is obligated remains in effect for the life 
of the guarantee on the loan.
    (2) Annual renewal fees are due on January 31. Payments not 
received by April 1 are considered delinquent and, at the Agency's 
discretion, may result in the Agency terminating the guarantee to the 
lender. The Agency will provide the lender 30 calendar days notice that 
the annual renewal fee is delinquent before terminating the guarantee. 
Holders' rights will continue in effect as specified in Form RD 4279-5, 
``Loan Note Guarantee,'' and Form RD 4279-6, ``Assignment Guarantee 
Agreement,'' unless the holder took possession of an interest in the 
Loan Note Guarantee knowing the annual renewal fee had not been paid. 
Until the Loan Note Guarantee is terminated by the Agency, any 
delinquent annual renewal fees will bear interest at the note rate, and 
any delinquent annual renewal fees, including any interest due thereon, 
will be deducted from any loss payment due the lender. For loans where 
the Loan Note Guarantee is issued between October 1 and December 31, 
the first annual renewal fee payment is due January 31 of the second 
year following the date the Loan Note Guarantee was issued.
    (3) Lenders are prohibited from selling guaranteed loans on the 
secondary market if there are unpaid annual renewal fees.
    (c) Routine lender fees. The lender may establish charges and fees 
for the loan provided they are similar to those normally charged other 
applicants for the same type of loan in the ordinary course of 
business, and these fees are an eligible use of loan proceeds. The 
lender must document such routine fees on Form RD 4279-1, ``Application 
for Loan Guarantee.'' The lender may charge prepayment penalties and 
late payment fees that are stipulated in the loan documents, as long as 
they are reasonable and customary; however, the Loan Note Guarantee 
will not cover either prepayment penalties or late payment fees.
    (d) Professional services. Professional services are those rendered 
by entities generally licensed or certified by States or accreditation 
associations, such as architects, engineers, accountants, attorneys, or 
appraisers, and those rendered by loan packagers. The borrower may pay 
fees for professional services needed for planning and developing a 
project. Such fees are an eligible use of loan proceeds provided that 
the Agency agrees that the amounts are reasonable and customary. The 
lender must document these fees on Form RD 4279-1.


Sec. Sec.  4279.121-4279.124  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.125  Interest rates.

    The interest rate for the guaranteed loan will be negotiated 
between the lender and the borrower and may be either fixed or 
variable, or a combination thereof, as long as it is a legal rate. 
Interest rate swaps must not be used in conjunction with guaranteed 
loans made under this subpart. Interest rates will not be more than 
those rates customarily charged borrowers for loans without guarantees 
and are subject to Agency review and approval. Lenders are encouraged 
to utilize the secondary market and pass interest-rate savings on to 
the borrower.
    (a) A variable interest rate must be a rate that is tied to a 
published base rate agreed to by the lender and the Agency. The 
variable interest rate must be specified in the promissory note and may 
be adjusted at different intervals during the term of the loan, but the 
adjustments may not be more often than quarterly. The lender must 
incorporate, within the variable rate promissory note at loan closing, 
the provision for adjustment of payment installments. The lender must 
properly amortize the outstanding principal balance within the 
prescribed loan maturity in order to eliminate the possibility of a 
balloon payment at the end of the loan.
    (b) It is permissible to have different interest rates on the 
guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan provided that the rate 
of the guaranteed portion does not exceed the rate on the unguaranteed 
portion, except for situations where a fixed rate on the guaranteed 
portion becomes a higher rate than the variable rate on the 
unguaranteed portion due to the normal fluctuations in the approved 
variable interest rate.
    (c) Any change in the base rate or fixed interest rate between 
issuance of Form RD 4279-3, ``Conditional Commitment,'' and Form RD 
4279-5 must be approved in writing by the Agency. Approval of such 
change must be shown as an amendment to the attachment to Form 4279-3 
and must be reflected on Form RD 1980-19, ``Guaranteed Loan Closing 
Report.''
    (d) The lender's promissory note must not contain provisions for 
default or penalty interest nor will default or penalty interest, 
interest on interest, or late payment fees or charges be paid under the 
Loan Note Guarantee.

[[Page 55336]]

Sec.  4279.126  Loan terms.

    (a) The length of the loan term must be the same for both the 
guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan. The maximum repayment 
for loans for real estate will not exceed 30 years; machinery and 
equipment repayment will not exceed the useful life of the machinery 
and equipment or 15 years, whichever is less; and working capital 
repayment will not exceed 7 years. The term for a debt refinancing loan 
may be based on the collateral the lender will take to secure the loan.
    (b) A loan's maturity will take into consideration the use of 
proceeds, the useful life of assets being financed and those used as 
collateral, and the borrower's ability to repay the loan.
    (c) Only loans that require a periodic payment schedule that will 
retire the debt over the term of the loan without a balloon payment 
will be guaranteed.
    (d) The first installment of principal and interest will, if 
possible, be scheduled for payment after the facility is operational 
and has begun to generate income. However, the first full installment 
must be due and payable within 3 years from the date of the promissory 
note and be paid at least annually thereafter. In cases where there is 
an interest-only period, interest will be paid at least annually from 
the date of the note.
    (e) There must be no ``due-on-demand'' clauses without cause. 
Regardless of any ``due-on-demand'' with cause provision in a lender's 
promissory note, the Agency must concur in any acceleration of the loan 
if the sole basis for acceleration is a nonmonetary default.


Sec.  4279.127-4279.130  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.131  Credit quality.

    The Agency will only guarantee loans that are sound and that have a 
reasonable assurance of repayment. The lender is responsible for 
conducting a financial analysis that involves the systematic 
examination and interpretation of information to assess a company's 
past performance, present condition, and future viability. The lender 
is primarily responsible for determining credit quality and must 
address all of the elements of credit quality in a comprehensive, 
written credit analysis including capacity (sufficient cash flow to 
service the debt), collateral (assets to secure the loan), conditions 
(borrower, economy, and industry), capital (equity/net worth), and 
character (integrity of management), as further described in paragraphs 
(a) through (e) of this section. The lender's analysis is the central 
underwriting document and must be sufficiently detailed to describe the 
proposed loan and business situation and document that the proposed 
loan is sound. The lender's analysis must include a written discussion 
of repayment ability with a cash-flow analysis, history of debt 
repayment, borrower's management, necessity of any debt refinancing, 
and credit reports of the borrower, principals, and any parent, 
affiliate or subsidiary. The lender's analysis must also include 
spreadsheets and discussion of the 3 years of historical balance sheets 
and income statements (for existing businesses) and 2 years of 
projected balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements, 
with appropriate ratios and comparisons with industrial standards (such 
as Dun & Bradstreet or Risk Management Association). All data must be 
shown in total dollars and also in common size form, obtained by 
expressing all balance sheet items as a percentage of assets and all 
income and expense items as a percentage of sales.
    (a) Capacity/Cash Flow. The lender must make all efforts to ensure 
the borrower has adequate working capital or operating capital and to 
structure or restructure debt so that the borrower has adequate debt 
coverage and the ability to accommodate expansion.
    (b) Collateral. The lender must ensure that the collateral for the 
loan has a documented value sufficient to protect the interest of the 
lender and the Agency and, except as set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of 
this section, the discounted collateral value must be at least equal to 
the loan amount.
    (1) The lender must discount collateral consistent with the sound 
loan-to-discounted value policy outlined in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) 
through (iv) of this section. The type, quality, and location of 
collateral are relevant factors used to assess collateral adequacy and 
appropriate levels of discounting. Other factors to be considered in 
the discounted value of collateral must include the marketability and 
alternative uses of the collateral. That is, specialized buildings or 
equipment will be discounted greater than multi-purpose facilities or 
equipment. When using discounts other than those outlined below, the 
lender must document why such discounts are appropriate.
    (i) A maximum of 80 percent of current fair market value will be 
given to real estate. Special purpose real estate must be assigned less 
value.
    (ii) A maximum of 70 percent of cost or current fair market value 
will be given to machinery, equipment, and furniture and fixtures and 
will be based on its marketability, mobility, useful life, 
specialization, and alternative uses, if any.
    (iii) A maximum of 60 percent of book value will be assigned to 
acceptable inventory and accounts receivable; however, all accounts 
over 90 days past due, contra accounts, affiliated accounts, and other 
accounts deemed not to be acceptable collateral, as determined by the 
Agency, will be omitted. Calculations to determine the percentage to be 
applied in the analysis are to be based on the realizable value of the 
accounts receivable taken from a current aging of accounts receivable 
from the borrower's most recent financial statement. At a minimum, 
reviewed annual financial statements will be required when there is a 
predominant reliance on inventory and/or receivable collateral that 
exceeds $250,000. Except for working capital loans, term debt must not 
be dependent upon accounts receivable and inventory to meet collateral 
requirements.
    (iv) No value will be assigned to unsecured personal, partnership, 
or corporate guarantees.
    (2) Some businesses are predominantly cash-flow oriented, and where 
cash flow and profitability are strong, loan-to-value discounts may be 
adjusted accordingly with satisfactory documentation. A loan primarily 
based on cash flow must be supported by a successful and documented 
financial history. Under no circumstances must the loan-to-value of the 
collateral (loan-to-fair market value) ever be equal to or greater than 
100 percent.
    (3) A parity or junior lien position may be considered provided the 
loan-to-discounted value is adequate to secure the guaranteed loan in 
accordance with this section.
    (4) The entire loan must be secured by the same security with equal 
lien priority for the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of the loan. 
The unguaranteed portion of the loan will neither be paid first nor 
given any preference or priority over the guaranteed portion.
    (c) Conditions. The lender must consider the current status of the 
borrower, overall economy, and industry for which credit is being 
extended. The regulatory environment surrounding the particular 
business or industry must also be considered. Businesses in areas of 
decline will be required to provide strong business plans that outline 
how they differ from the current trends. Local, regional and national 
condition of the industry must be addressed.
    (d) Capital/Equity. (1) A minimum of 10 percent tangible balance 
sheet equity

[[Page 55337]]

(or a maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio of 9:1) will be required 
at loan closing for borrowers that are existing businesses. A minimum 
of 20 percent tangible balance sheet equity (or a maximum debt to 
tangible net worth ratio of 4:1) will be required at loan closing for 
borrowers that are new businesses. For energy projects, the minimum 
tangible balance sheet equity requirement range will be between 25 
percent and 40 percent (or a maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio 
between 3:1 and 1.5:1) at loan closing, considering whether the 
business is an existing business with a successful financial and 
management history or a new business; the value of personal/corporate 
guarantees offered; contractual relationships with suppliers and 
buyers; credit rating; and strength of the business plan/feasibility 
study.
    (2) Tangible balance sheet equity will be determined based upon 
financial statements prepared by an accountant in accordance with GAAP. 
The capital/equity requirement must be met in the form of either cash 
or tangible earning assets contributed to the business and reflected on 
the borrower's balance sheet. Transfers of assets at fair market value 
must be an arm's length transaction. Tangible equity cannot include 
appraisal surplus, bargain purchase gains, or intangible assets. Owner 
subordinated debt may be included when the subordinated debt is in 
exchange for cash injected into the business that remains in the 
business for the life of the guaranteed loan. The note or other form of 
evidence must be submitted to the Agency in order for subordinated debt 
to count towards meeting the tangible balance sheet equity requirement.
    (3) The lender must certify, in accordance with Sec.  
4279.181(a)(9)(i), that the capital/equity requirement was determined, 
based on a balance sheet prepared by an accountant in accordance with 
GAAP, and met, as of the date the guaranteed loan was closed, giving 
effect to the entirety of the loan in the calculation, whether or not 
the loan itself is fully advanced. A copy of the loan closing balance 
sheet must be included with the lender's certification.
    (4) In situations where a real estate holding company and an 
operating entity are dependent upon one another's operations and are 
effectively one business, they must be co-borrowers. The capital/equity 
requirement will apply to both entities on a consolidated basis, and 
financial statements must be prepared both individually and on a 
consolidated basis.
    (5) In situations where co-borrowers are independent operations, 
the capital/equity requirement will apply to all co-borrowers on an 
individual basis.
    (6) For sole proprietorships and other situations where business 
assets are held personally, financial statements must be prepared using 
only the assets and liabilities directly attributable to the business. 
Assets, plus any improvements, must be valued at the lower of cost or 
fair market value.
    (7) Increases in the equity requirement may be imposed by the 
Agency. A reduction in the capital/equity requirement for existing 
businesses may be permitted by the Administrator under the following 
conditions:
    (i) Collateralized personal and corporate guarantees, in accordance 
with Sec.  4279.132 of this subpart, when feasible and legally 
permissible are obtained; and
    (ii) Pro forma and historical financial statements indicate the 
business to be financed meets or exceeds the median quartile (as 
identified in Risk Management Association's Annual Statement Studies or 
similar publication) for the current ratio, quick ratio, debt-to-worth 
ratio, and debt coverage ratio.
    (e) Character. The lender must conduct a thorough review of key 
management personnel to ensure that the business has adequately trained 
and experienced managers. The borrower and all owners with a 20 percent 
or more ownership interest must have a good credit history, reflecting 
a record of meeting obligations in a timely manner. If there have been 
credit problems in the past, the lender must provide a satisfactory 
explanation to show that the problems are unlikely to recur.


Sec.  4279.132  Personal and corporate guarantees.

    (a) Full, unconditional personal and/or corporate guarantees for 
the full term of the loan are required from those owning 20 percent or 
more interest in the borrower, unless the Agency grants an exception. 
The Agency may grant an exception only when the lender requests it and 
documents to the Agency's satisfaction that collateral, equity, cash 
flow and profitability indicate an above-average ability to repay the 
loan. Partial guarantees for the full term of the loan at least equal 
to each owner's percentage of interest in the borrower times the loan 
amount may be required in lieu of full, unconditional guarantees when 
the guarantors' percentages equal 100 percent so that the loan is fully 
guaranteed.
    (b) When warranted by an Agency assessment of potential financial 
risk, the Agency may require the following:
    (1) Guarantees to be secured;
    (2) Guarantees of parent, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies 
owning less than a 20 percent interest in the borrower; and
    (3) Guarantees from persons whose ownership interest in the 
borrower is held indirectly through intermediate entities.
    (c) All personal and corporate guarantors must execute Form RD 
4279-14, ``Unconditional Guarantee,'' and any guarantee form required 
by the lender. The Agency will retain the original, executed Form RD 
4279-14.
    (1) Any amounts paid by the Agency on behalf of an Agency 
guaranteed loan borrower will constitute a Federal debt owed to the 
Agency by the guaranteed loan borrower.
    (2) Any amounts paid by the Agency pursuant to a claim by a 
guaranteed program lender will constitute a Federal debt owed to the 
Agency by a guarantor of the loan, to the extent of the amount of the 
guarantor's guarantee.
    (3) In all instances under paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this 
section, interest charges will be assessed in accordance with 7 CFR 
1951.133.


Sec. Sec.  4279.133-4279.135  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.136  Insurance.

    The lender is responsible for ensuring that required insurance is 
maintained by the borrower.
    (a) Hazard. Hazard insurance with a standard clause naming the 
lender as mortgagee or loss payee, as applicable, is required for the 
life of the guaranteed loan. The amount must be at least equal to the 
replacement value of the collateral or the outstanding balance of the 
loan, whichever is the greater amount.
    (b) Life. The lender may require a collateral assignment of life 
insurance to insure against the risk of death of persons critical to 
the success of the business. When required, coverage must be in amounts 
necessary to provide for management succession or to protect the 
business. The Agency may require life insurance on key individuals for 
loans where the lender has not otherwise proposed such coverage. The 
cost of insurance and its effect on the applicant's working capital 
must be considered as well as the amount of existing insurance that 
could be assigned without requiring additional expense.
    (c) Worker compensation. Worker compensation insurance is required 
in accordance with State law.

[[Page 55338]]

    (d) Flood. National flood insurance is required in accordance with 
applicable law.
    (e) Other. The lender must consider whether public liability, 
business interruption, malpractice, and other insurance is appropriate 
to the borrower's particular business and circumstances and must 
require the borrower to obtain such insurance as is necessary to 
protect the interests of the borrower, the lender, or the Agency.


Sec.  4279.137  Financial statements.

    The lender will determine the type and frequency of submission of 
financial statements by the borrower and any guarantors. At a minimum, 
annual financial statements prepared by an accountant in accordance 
with GAAP are required, except for personal financial statements and 
cooperative stock purchase loans in accordance with Sec.  4279.115(a). 
However, if the loan amount exceeds $3 million or if circumstances 
warrant, the Agency may require annual audited financial statements.


Sec. Sec.  4279.138-4279.143  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.144  Appraisals.

    Lenders must obtain appraisals for real estate and chattel 
collateral when the value of the collateral exceeds $250,000. Lenders 
must use the market value as established by the appraisal and 
discounting policies outlined in Sec.  4279.131(b) to meet the 
discounted collateral coverage requirements of this subpart. Lenders 
are responsible for ensuring that appraisal values adequately reflect 
the actual value of the collateral. The Agency will require 
documentation that the appraiser has the necessary experience and 
competency to appraise the property in question. Appraisals must not be 
more than 1 year old, and a more recent appraisal may be requested by 
the Agency in order to reflect more current market conditions. For loan 
servicing purposes, an appraisal may be updated in lieu of a complete 
new appraisal when the original appraisal is more than 1 year old but 
less than 2 years old. Failure by the lender to follow these 
requirements will be considered an act of fraud or misrepresentation.
    (a) All real property appraisals associated with Agency guaranteed 
loanmaking and servicing transactions must meet the requirements 
contained in the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and 
Enforcement Act (FIRREA) of 1989 and the appropriate guidelines 
contained in Standards 1 and 2 of the Uniform Standards of Professional 
Appraisal Practices (USPAP) and be performed by a State Certified 
General Appraiser. Notwithstanding any exemption that may exist for 
transactions guaranteed by a Federal Government agency, all appraisals 
obtained by the lender for loanmaking and servicing must conform to the 
Interagency Appraisal and Evaluations Guidelines established by the 
lender's primary Federal or State regulator. All appraisals must 
include consideration of the potential effects from a release of 
hazardous substances or petroleum products or other environmental 
hazards on the fair market value of the collateral, if applicable. The 
lender must complete and submit its technical review of the appraisal. 
For construction projects, the lender must use the ``as-completed'' 
market value of the real estate to determine value of the real estate 
property.
    (b) Values attributed to business valuation or as a going concern 
are not allowed.
    (c) Chattels must be evaluated in accordance with normal banking 
practices and generally accepted methods of determining value. Chattel 
appraisals must reflect the age, condition, and remaining useful life 
of the equipment. If the appraisal is completed by a state licensed/
certified appraiser, the appraisal report must comply with USPAP 
Standards 7 and 8.


Sec.  4279.145-4279.149  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.150  Feasibility studies.

    A feasibility study, by a qualified independent consultant 
acceptable to the Agency, is required for new businesses. The Agency 
may require a feasibility study for existing businesses when the 
project will significantly affect the borrower's operations. A 
feasibility study is also required for all biofuels proposals, 
regardless of whether the business is new or existing. At a minimum, a 
feasibility study must include an evaluation of the economic, market, 
technical, financial, and management feasibility and an executive 
summary that reaches an overall conclusion as to the business' chance 
of success. The income approach of an appraisal is not an acceptable 
feasibility study.


Sec.  4279.151-4279.160  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.161  Filing preapplications and applications.

    Borrowers and lenders are encouraged to file preapplications and 
obtain Agency comments before completing an application. However, if 
they prefer, borrowers and lenders may file a complete application 
without filing a preapplication. The Agency will neither accept nor 
process preapplications and applications unless a lender has agreed to 
finance the proposal. Guaranteed loans exceeding $600,000 must be 
submitted under the requirements specified in paragraph (b) of this 
section. However, guaranteed loans of $600,000 and less may be 
submitted under the requirements of either paragraph (b) or (c) of this 
section.
    (a) Preapplications. Lenders may file preapplications by submitting 
the following to the Agency:
    (1) A letter or preliminary lender credit analysis, signed by the 
lender, containing the following:
    (i) Name of the proposed borrower, organization type, address, 
contact person, federal tax identification number, email address, and 
telephone number;
    (ii) Name of the proposed lender, address, telephone number, 
contact person, email address, and lender's Internal Revenue Service 
(IRS) identification number;
    (iii) Amount of the loan request, percent of guarantee requested, 
and the proposed rates and terms;
    (iv) Description of collateral to be offered with estimated values 
and the amount and source of equity to be contributed to the project;
    (v) A brief description of the project, products, services 
provided, and availability of raw materials and supplies; and
    (vi) The number of current full-time equivalent jobs, the number of 
jobs to be created as a result of the proposed loan, and the overall 
average wage rate.
    (2) The borrower's current (not more than 90 days old) balance 
sheet and year-to-date income statement. For existing businesses, also 
include balance sheets and income statements for the last 3 years; and
    (3) A completed Form RD 4279-2, ``Certification of Non-Relocation 
and Market Capacity Information Report,'' if the proposed loan is in 
excess of $1 million and will increase direct employment by more than 
50 employees.
    (b) Applications. Lenders must submit the information specified in 
paragraphs (b)(1) through (19) of this section when filing an 
application with the Agency.
    (1) A completed Form RD 4279-1.
    (2) A completed Form RD 4279-2, if the proposed loan is in excess 
of $1 million and will increase direct employment by more than 50 
employees.
    (3) A completed Form RD 1940-20, ``Request for Environmental 
Information,'' and attachments, unless the project is categorically 
excluded

[[Page 55339]]

under Agency environmental regulations.
    (4) A personal or commercial credit report from an acceptable 
credit reporting company for each individual or entity owning 20 
percent or more interest in the borrower, except for those corporations 
listed on a major stock exchange. Credit reports are not required for 
elected and appointed officials when the applicant is a public body or 
non-profit corporation.
    (5) Commercial credit reports for the borrower(s) and any parent, 
affiliate, and subsidiary companies.
    (6) Current (not more than 90 days old) financial statements for 
any parent, affiliate, and subsidiary companies.
    (7) Current (not more than 90 days old) personal and corporate 
financial statements of any guarantors.
    (8) For all borrowers, a current (not more than 90 days old) 
balance sheet and year-to-date income statement, a pro forma balance 
sheet projected for loan closing, and projected balance sheets, income 
statements and cash flow statements for the next 2 years. Projections 
must be supported by a list of assumptions showing the basis for the 
projections. In the event processing of the loan is not complete within 
90 days, a current set of financial statements will be required every 
90 days.
    (9) For borrowers that are existing businesses, balance sheets and 
income statements for the last 3 years. If the business has been in 
operation for less than 3 years, balance sheets and income statements 
for all years for which financial information is available.
    (10) The lender's comprehensive, written credit analysis of the 
proposal, as described in Sec.  4279.131.
    (11) A draft loan agreement. A final loan agreement must be 
executed by the lender and borrower before the Agency issues a Loan 
Note Guarantee and must contain any additional requirements imposed by 
the Agency in its Conditional Commitment. The loan agreement must 
establish prudent, adequate controls to protect the interests of the 
lender and Agency. At a minimum, the following requirements must be 
included in the loan agreement:
    (i) Type and frequency of borrower and guarantor financial 
statements to be required for the duration of the loan;
    (ii) Prohibition against assuming liabilities or obligations of 
others;
    (iii) Limitations on dividend payments and compensation of officers 
and owners;
    (iv) Limitation on the purchase and sale of equipment and other 
fixed assets;
    (v) Restrictions concerning consolidations, mergers, or other 
circumstances and a limitation on selling the business without the 
concurrence of the lender;
    (vi) Maximum debt-to-net worth ratio; and
    (vii) Minimum debt service coverage ratio.
    (12) Intergovernmental consultation comments in accordance with 7 
CFR, part 3015, subpart V, or successor regulation, unless exemptions 
have been granted by the State single point of contact.
    (13) Appraisals, accompanied by a copy of the appropriate 
environmental site assessment, if available.
    (14) A business plan or similar document that must include a 
description of the business and project, management experience, sources 
of capital, products and services and pricing, marketing plan, proposed 
use of funds, availability of labor, raw materials and supplies, 
contracts in place, distribution channels, and the names of any 
corporate parent, affiliates, and subsidiaries with a description of 
the relationship. A business plan may be omitted if the information is 
included in a feasibility study. At the Agency's discretion, a business 
plan may be omitted when loan proceeds are used exclusively for debt 
refinancing and fees.
    (15) Independent feasibility study, if required.
    (16) For companies listed on a major stock exchange or subject to 
the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, a copy of SEC Form 
10-K, ``Annual Report Pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.''
    (17) For health care facilities, a certificate of need, if required 
by statute or State law.
    (18) For guaranteed loan applications for five or more residential 
units, including nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, an 
Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan that is in conformance with 7 
CFR 1901.203(c)(3).
    (19) Any additional information required by the Agency to make a 
decision.
    (c) Applications of $600,000 and less. Guaranteed loan applications 
may be processed under this paragraph if the request does not exceed 
$600,000, provided the Agency determines that there is not a 
significant increased risk of a default on the loan. A lender may need 
to resubmit an application under paragraph (b) of this section if the 
application under this paragraph does not contain sufficient 
information for the Agency to make a decision whether to guarantee the 
loan. Applications submitted under this paragraph must include the 
information contained in paragraphs (b)(1) (with the short application 
box marked at the top of Form RD 4279-1), (b)(3), (b)(8) through (10), 
(b)(12), and (b)(13) of this section. The lender must have the 
documentation identified in paragraph (b) of this section, with the 
exception of paragraph (b)(2), available in its file for review.


Sec. Sec.  4279.162-4279.164  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.165  Evaluation of application.

    (a) General review. The Agency will evaluate the application and 
make a determination whether the borrower is eligible, the proposed 
loan is for an eligible purpose, there is reasonable assurance of 
repayment ability, there is sufficient collateral and equity, and the 
proposed loan complies with all applicable statutes and regulations. If 
the Agency determines it is unable to guarantee the loan, it will 
inform the lender in writing.
    (b) Environmental requirements. The environmental review process 
must be completed, in accordance with 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G or 
successor regulation, prior to loan approval.


Sec.  4279.166  Loan priority scoring.

    The Agency will consider applications and preapplications in the 
order they are received by the Agency; however, for the purpose of 
assigning priority points as described in paragraph (b) of this 
section, the Agency will compare an application to other pending 
applications that are competing for funding. The Agency may establish a 
minimum loan priority score to fund projects from the National Office 
reserve and will publish any minimum loan priority score in a notice 
published in the Federal Register.
    (a) When applications on hand otherwise have equal priority, the 
Agency will give preference to applications for loans from qualified 
veterans.
    (b) The Agency will assign priority points on the basis of the 
point system contained in this section. The Agency will use the 
application and supporting information to determine an eligible 
proposed project's priority for available guarantee authority. To the 
extent possible, all lenders must consider Agency priorities when 
choosing projects for guarantee. The lender must provide necessary 
information related to determining the score, if requested.
    (1) Population priority. Projects located in an unincorporated area 
or in a city with a population under 25,000 (10 points).
    (2) Demographics priority. The priority score for demographics 
priority

[[Page 55340]]

will be the total score for the following categories:
    (i) Located in an eligible area of long-term population decline 
according to the last three decennial censuses (5 points);
    (ii) Located in a rural county that has had 20 percent or more of 
its population living in poverty based on the last three decennial 
censuses (5 points);
    (iii) Located in a rural community that is experiencing trauma as a 
result of natural disaster (5 points);
    (iv) Located in a city or county with an unemployment rate 125 
percent of the statewide rate or greater (5 points);
    (v) Located within the boundaries of a Federally recognized Indian 
Tribe's reservation or within tribal trust lands or within land owned 
by an Alaska Native Regional or Village Corporation as defined by the 
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (5 points); and
    (vi) Business is owned by a qualified veteran as defined by Sec.  
4279.2 of this chapter (5 points).
    (3) Loan features. The priority score for loan features will be the 
total score for the following categories:
    (i) Lender will price a variable rate loan at a rate equal to or 
less than the Wall Street Journal published Prime Rate plus 1.5 percent 
(5 points);
    (ii) Lender will price a variable rate loan at a rate equal to or 
less than the Wall Street Journal published Prime Rate plus 1 percent 
(5 points);
    (iii) Lender will price a fixed rate loan equal to or less than the 
Farmer Mac II rate plus 2.5 percent (5 points);
    (iv) Lender will price a fixed rate loan equal to or less than the 
Farmer Mac II rate plus 2 percent (5 points);
    (v) The Agency guaranteed loan is less than 60 percent of project 
cost (5 points);
    (vi) The Agency guaranteed loan is less than 50 percent of project 
cost (5 points);
    (vii) The Agency guaranteed loan is less than 40 percent of project 
cost (5 points);
    (viii) The loan-to-job ratio (loan amount/number of jobs created 
and saved) is less than $75,000 in loan proceeds per job created and 
saved (5 points);
    (ix) The loan-to-job ratio is less than $50,000 in loan proceeds 
per job created and saved (5 points); and
    (x) For loans not requesting an exception under Sec.  4279.119(b) 
of this subpart, the percentage of guarantee is 10 or more percentage 
points less than the maximum allowable for a loan of its size (5 
points).
    (4) High impact business investment priorities. The priority score 
for high impact business investment will be the total score for the 
following two categories:
    (i) Business/industry. The priority score for business/industry 
will be the total score for the following:
    (A) Industry that is not already present in the community (5 
points);
    (B) Business that has 20 percent or more of its sales in 
international markets (5 points);
    (C) Business that offers high value, specialized products and/or 
services that command high prices (2 points);
    (D) Business that provides an additional market for existing local 
businesses (3 points);
    (E) Business that is locally owned and managed (3 points);
    (F) Business that will produce a natural resource value-added 
product or an agricultural resource value-added product (2 points); and
    (G) Business that processes, distributes, aggregates, stores and/or 
markets locally or regionally produced agricultural food products to 
underserved communities in accordance with Sec.  4279.113(x)(5) (5 
points); and
    (ii) Occupations. The priority score for occupations will be the 
total score for the following:
    (A) Business that creates or saves jobs with an average wage 
exceeding 125 percent of the Federal minimum wage (5 points);
    (B) Business that creates or saves jobs with an average wage 
exceeding 150 percent of the Federal minimum wage (5 points); and
    (C) Business that offers a healthcare benefits package to all 
employees, with at least 50 percent of the premium paid by the 
employer, or a business that qualifies under the Work Opportunity Tax 
Credit Program authorized by the Small Business and Work Opportunity 
Tax Act of 2007 (5 points).
    (5) Administrative points. The State Director may assign up to 10 
additional points to an application to account for statewide 
distribution of funds, natural disasters or economic emergency 
conditions, community economic development strategies, State strategic 
plans, fundamental structural changes in a community's economic base, 
or projects that will fulfill an Agency initiative. In addition to the 
State Director assigned points, if an application is considered in the 
National Office, the Administrator may assign up to an additional 10 
points to account for geographic distribution of funds, emergency 
conditions caused by economic problems or natural disasters, or 
projects that will fulfill an Agency initiative.


Sec.  4279.167  Planning and performing development.

    (a) Design policy. The lender must ensure that all facilities 
constructed with program funds are designed, and costs estimated, by an 
independent professional utilizing accepted architectural, engineering 
and design practices. The Agency may require an independent 
professional architect on complex projects. The lender must ensure the 
design conforms to applicable Federal, State, and local codes and 
requirements. The lender must also ensure that the project will be 
completed with available funds and, once completed, will be used for 
its intended purpose and produce in the quality and quantity proposed 
in the completed application approved by the Agency. Once construction 
is completed, the lender must provide the Agency with a copy of the 
Notice of Completion.
    (b) Issuing the Loan Note Guarantee prior to project completion. If 
the lender requests that the Loan Note Guarantee be issued prior to 
completion of a construction project, the lender must have a 
construction monitoring plan acceptable to the Agency and undertake the 
added responsibilities set forth in this paragraph. The lender must 
monitor the progress of construction and undertake the reviews and 
inspections necessary to ensure that construction conforms to 
applicable Federal, State, and local code requirements; proceeds are 
used in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and 
contract documents; and that funds are used for eligible project costs. 
The lender must expeditiously report any problems in project 
development to the Agency.
    (1) In cases of takeout of interim financing where the Loan Note 
Guarantee is issued prior to completion of a project, the promissory 
note must contain the terms and conditions of the interim financing and 
the permanent financing and convert the interim financing to the 
permanent note as the Loan Note Guarantee can only be placed on one 
note.
    (2) Prior to disbursement of construction funds, the lender must 
have:
    (i) A complete set of plans and specifications for the project on 
file;
    (ii) A detailed timetable for the project with a corresponding 
budget of costs setting forth the parties responsible for payment. The 
timetable and budget must be agreed to by the borrower;
    (iii) A person, with demonstrated experience relating to the 
project's industry, confirm that the budget is adequate for the planned 
development;

[[Page 55341]]

    (iv) A firm, fixed-price construction contract with an independent 
general contractor with costs and provisions for change order 
approvals, a retainage percentage, and a disbursement schedule or a 100 
percent performance/payment bond on the borrower's contactor will be 
required in cases when the lender requests issuance of a Loan Note 
Guarantee prior to completion of construction. The bonding agent must 
be listed on Treasury Circular 570. A performance/payment bond will be 
made a part of the contract if the borrower requests it or if the 
contractor requests partial payments for construction work; and
    (v) Contingencies in place to handle unforeseen cost overruns 
without seeking additional guaranteed assistance. These are to be 
agreed to by the borrower.
    (3) Once construction begins, the lender is to:
    (i) Use any borrower funds in the project first;
    (ii) Ensure that the project is built to support the functions at 
the level and quality contemplated by the borrower through the use of 
accepted architectural and engineering practices. There is no absolute 
requirement that the goal be achieved by the use of a professional 
inspection. However, if after careful review, it appears that the use 
of a professional inspector is the only method that ensures that the 
project is built to support the functions at the level and quality 
contemplated by the borrower through the use of accepted architectural 
and engineering practices, one may be required by the Agency. If one is 
required, inspections must be made by a qualified, independent 
inspector prior to any progress payments. If other less expensive or 
rigorous methods will achieve the same result, they may be utilized. 
The decision will be made on a case-by-case basis and must be 
reasonable under the specific circumstances of the case;
    (iii) Obtain lien waivers from all contractors and materialmen 
prior to any disbursement; and
    (iv) Provide at least monthly, written reports to the Agency on 
fund disbursement and project status.
    (4) Once construction is completed, the lender is to provide the 
Agency with a copy of the Notice of Completion.
    (c) Compliance with other Federal laws. Lenders must comply with 
other applicable Federal laws including Equal Employment Opportunities, 
Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Act, and the Civil Rights 
Act of 1964. Guaranteed loans that involve the construction of or 
addition to facilities that accommodate the public and commercial 
facilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 
must comply with the ADA. The borrower and lender are responsible for 
ensuring compliance with these requirements.
    (d) Environmental responsibilities. The lender must ensure that the 
borrower has:
    (1) Provided the necessary environmental information to enable the 
Agency to undertake its environmental review process in accordance with 
subpart G of 7 CFR part 1940 or successor regulations, including the 
provision of all required Federal, State, and local permits;
    (2) Complied with any mitigation measures required by the Agency; 
and
    (3) Not taken any actions or incurred any obligations with respect 
to the proposed project that would either limit the range of 
alternatives to be considered during the Agency's environmental review 
process or that would have an adverse effect on the environment.


Sec.  4279.168  Timeframe for processing applications.

    All complete guaranteed loan applications will be approved or 
disapproved within 60 days, unless approval is prevented by a lack of 
guarantee authority or there are delays resulting from public comment 
requirements of the environmental assessment or outstanding DOL 
clearance issues.


Sec. Sec.  4279.169-4279.172   [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.173  Loan approval and obligating funds.

    (a) Upon approval of a loan guarantee, the Agency will issue a 
Conditional Commitment to the lender containing conditions under which 
a Loan Note Guarantee will be issued. No Conditional Commitment can be 
issued until the loan is obligated. If a Loan Note Guarantee is not 
issued by the Conditional Commitment expiration date, the Conditional 
Commitment may be extended at the request of the lender and only if 
there has been no material adverse change in the borrower or the 
borrower's financial condition since issuance of the Conditional 
Commitment. If the Conditional Commitment is not accepted, the 
Conditional Commitment may be withdrawn and funds may be deobligated. 
Likewise, if the Conditional Commitment expires, funds may be 
deobligated.
    (b) If certain conditions of the Conditional Commitment cannot be 
met, the lender and borrower may request changes to the Conditional 
Commitment. Within the requirements of the applicable regulations and 
prudent lending practices, the Agency may negotiate with the lender and 
the borrower regarding any proposed changes to the Conditional 
Commitment. Any changes to the Conditional Commitment must be 
documented by written amendment to the Conditional Commitment.
    (c) The borrower must comply with all Federal requirements then in 
effect for receiving Federal assistance.


Sec.  4279.174  Transfer of lenders.

    (a) The Agency may approve the substitution of a new eligible 
lender in place of a former lender who has been issued and has accepted 
an outstanding Conditional Commitment when the Loan Note Guarantee has 
not yet been issued; provided that there are no changes in the 
borrower's ownership or control, loan purposes, or scope of project and 
the loan terms and conditions in the Conditional Commitment and the 
loan agreement remain the same.
    (b) Unless the new lender is already an approved lender, the Agency 
will analyze the new lender's servicing capability, eligibility, and 
experience prior to approving the substitution. The original lender 
must provide the Agency with a letter stating the reasons it no longer 
desires to be a lender for the project. The substituted lender must 
execute a new part B of Form 4279-1, Form RD 4279-4, ``Lender's 
Agreement,'' (unless a valid Lender's Agreement with the Agency already 
exists), and must complete a new lender's analysis in accordance with 
Sec.  4279.131. The new lender may also be required to provide other 
updated application items outlined in Sec.  4279.161(b).


Sec. Sec.  4279.175-4279.179   [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.180  Changes in borrower.

    Any changes in borrower ownership or organization prior to the 
issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee must meet the eligibility 
requirements of the program and be approved by the Agency.


Sec.  4279.181  Conditions precedent to issuance of the Loan Note 
Guarantee.

    (a) The lender must not close the loan until all conditions of the 
Conditional Commitment are met. When loan closing plans are 
established, the lender must notify the Agency. Coincident with, or 
immediately after loan closing, the lender must provide the following 
to the Agency:
    (1) An executed Form RD 4279-4, unless a valid Lender's Agreement

[[Page 55342]]

exists that was issued after [DATE OF FINAL RULE PUBLICATION];
    (2) Form RD 1980-19 and appropriate guarantee fee;
    (3) Copy of the executed promissory note(s);
    (4) Copy of the executed loan agreement;
    (5) Copy of the executed settlement statement;
    (6) Original, executed Forms RD 4279-14, as required;
    (7) Any other documents required to comply with applicable law or 
required by the Conditional Commitment.
    (8) Borrower's loan closing balance sheet, supporting paragraph 
(a)(9)(i) of this section of the lender certification, demonstrating 
required tangible balance sheet equity; and
    (9) The lender's certification to each of the following 
certifications:
    (i) The capital/equity requirement was determined, based on a 
balance sheet prepared by an accountant in accordance with GAAP, and 
met, as of the date the guaranteed loan was closed, giving effect to 
the entirety of the loan in the calculation, whether or not the loan 
itself is fully advanced.
    (ii) All requirements of the Conditional Commitment have been met.
    (iii) No major changes have been made in the lender's loan 
conditions and requirements since the issuance of the Conditional 
Commitment, unless such changes have been approved by the Agency in 
writing.
    (iv) There is a reasonable prospect that the guaranteed loan and 
other project debt will be repaid on time and in full (including 
interest) from project cash flow according to the terms proposed in the 
application for loan guarantee.
    (v) All planned property acquisition has been or will be completed, 
all development has been or will be substantially completed in 
accordance with plans and specifications and conforms with applicable 
Federal, State, and local codes, and costs have not exceeded the amount 
approved by the lender and the Agency.
    (vi) The borrower has marketable title to the collateral then owned 
by the borrower, subject to the instrument securing the loan to be 
guaranteed and to any other exceptions approved in writing by the 
Agency.
    (vii) The loan has been properly closed, and the required security 
instruments have been properly executed, or will be obtained on any 
acquired property that cannot be covered initially under State law.
    (viii) Lien priorities are consistent with the requirements of the 
Conditional Commitment. No claims or liens of laborers, subcontractors, 
suppliers of machinery and equipment, materialmen, or other parties 
have been filed against the collateral and no suits are pending or 
threatened that would adversely affect the collateral when the security 
instruments are filed.
    (ix) When required, personal or corporate guarantees have been 
obtained in accordance with Sec.  4279.132.
    (x) The loan proceeds have been or will be disbursed for purposes 
and in amounts consistent with the Conditional Commitment and the 
application submitted to the Agency. When applicable, the entire amount 
of the loan for working capital has been disbursed to the borrower, 
except in cases where the Agency has approved disbursement over an 
extended period of time and funds are escrowed so that the settlement 
statement reflects the full amount to be disbursed.
    (xi) All truth-in-lending and equal credit opportunity requirements 
have been met.
    (xii) There has been neither any material adverse change in the 
borrower's financial condition nor any other material adverse change in 
the borrower, for any reason, during the period of time from the 
Agency's issuance of the Conditional Commitment to issuance of the Loan 
Note Guarantee regardless of the cause or causes of the change and 
whether or not the change or causes of the change were within the 
lender's or borrower's control. The lender must address any assumptions 
or reservations in the requirement and must address all adverse changes 
of the borrower, any parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the borrower, 
and guarantors.
    (xiii) Neither the lender nor any of the lender's officers has an 
ownership interest in the borrower or is an officer or director of the 
borrower, and neither the borrower nor its officers, directors, 
stockholders, or other owners have more than a 5 percent ownership 
interest in the lender.
    (xiv) The loan agreement includes all measures identified in the 
Agency's environmental impact analysis for this proposal with which the 
borrower must comply for the purpose of avoiding or reducing adverse 
environmental impacts of the project's construction or operation.
    (xv) If required, hazard, flood, liability, workers compensation, 
and life insurance are in effect.
    (b) The Agency may, at its discretion, request copies of additional 
loan documents for its file.
    (c) When the Agency is satisfied that all conditions for the 
guarantee have been met, the Agency will issue the Loan Note Guarantee 
and the following documents, as appropriate.
    (1) Assignment Guarantee Agreement. In the event the lender uses 
the single note option and assigns the guaranteed portion of the loan 
to a holder, the lender, holder, and the Agency will execute Form RD 
4279-6, and
    (2) Certificate of Incumbency. If requested by the lender, the 
Agency will provide the lender with a certification on Form RD 4279-7, 
``Certificate of Incumbency and Signature,'' of the signature and title 
of the Agency official who signs the Loan Note Guarantee, Lender's 
Agreement, and Assignment Guarantee Agreement.


Sec. Sec.  4279.182-4279.186  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.187  Refusal to execute Loan Note Guarantee.

    If the Agency determines that it cannot execute the Loan Note 
Guarantee, the Agency will promptly inform the lender of the reasons 
and give the lender a reasonable period within which to satisfy the 
objections. If the lender satisfies the objections within the time 
allowed, the Agency will issue the Loan Note Guarantee. If the lender 
requests additional time in writing and within the period allowed, the 
Agency may grant the request.


Sec. Sec.  4279.188-4279.199  [Reserved]


Sec.  4279.200  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control 
number . Public reporting 
burden for this collection of information is estimated to vary from 30 
minutes to 24 hours per response, with an average of 3 hours per 
response, including time for reviewing the collection of information. 
The burden may increase beyond the estimates reported here, if RBS 
determines additional data will need to be collected to facilitate 
evaluation, which can enhance the operation and performance of the 
program.

PART 4287--SERVICING

0
4. The authority citation for part 4287 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1932(a); 7 U.S.C. 1989.

0
5. Revise Subpart B to read as follows:
Subpart B--Servicing Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans
Sec.
4287.101 Introduction.
4287.102 Definitions and abbreviations.
4287.103 Exception Authority.

[[Page 55343]]

4287.104 [Reserved]
4287.105 [Reserved]
4287.106 Appeals.
4287.107 Routine servicing.
4287.108-4287.111 [Reserved]
4287.112 Interest rate changes.
4287.113 Release of collateral.
4287.114-4287.122 [Reserved]
4287.123 Subordination of lien position.
4287.124 Alterations of loan instruments.
4287.125-4287.132 [Reserved]
4287.133 Sale of corporate stock.
4287.134 Transfer and assumption.
4287.135 Substitution of lender.
4287.136 Lender failure.
4287.137-4287.144 [Reserved]
4287.145 Default by borrower.
4287.146-4287.155 [Reserved]
4287.156 Protective advances.
4287.157 Liquidation.
4287.158 Determination of loss and payment.
4287.159-4287.168 [Reserved]
4287.169 Future recovery.
4287.170 Bankruptcy.
4287.171-4287.179 [Reserved]
4287.180 Termination of guarantee.
4287.181-4287.199 [Reserved]
4287.200 OMB control number.

Subpart B--Servicing Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans


Sec.  4287.101  Introduction.

    (a) This subpart supplements subparts A and B of part 4279 of this 
chapter by providing additional requirements and instructions for 
servicing and liquidating all B&I guaranteed loans and loans guaranteed 
under the Rural Energy for America Program. This includes Drought and 
Disaster, Disaster Assistance for Rural Business Enterprises, Business 
and Industry Disaster, and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 
guaranteed loans.
    (b) The lender is responsible for servicing the entire loan and 
must remain mortgagee and secured party of record notwithstanding the 
fact that another party may hold a portion of the loan.
    (c) Whether specifically stated or not, whenever Agency approval is 
required, it must be in writing. Copies of all forms, regulations, and 
Instructions referenced in this subpart may be obtained from any Agency 
office and from the USDA Rural Development Web site at 
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs. Whenever a form is designated in this subpart, 
that designation includes predecessor and successor forms, if 
applicable, as specified by the Agency.


Sec.  4287.102  Definitions and abbreviations.

    The definitions and abbreviations contained in Sec.  4279.2 of this 
chapter apply to this subpart.


Sec.  4287.103  Exception authority.

    Section 4279.15 of this chapter applies to this subpart.


Sec.  4287.104  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.105  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.106  Appeals.

    Section 4279.16 of this chapter applies to this subpart.


Sec.  4287.107  Routine servicing.

    The lender is responsible for servicing the entire loan and for 
taking all servicing actions that a prudent lender would perform in 
servicing its own portfolio of loans that are not guaranteed. The 
lender may contract for services but is ultimately responsible for 
underwriting, loan origination, loan servicing, and compliance with all 
Agency regulations. Form RD 4279-4, ``Lender's Agreement,'' is the 
contractual agreement between the lender and the Agency that sets forth 
some of the lender's loan servicing responsibilities. These 
responsibilities include, but are not limited to, periodic borrower 
visits, the collection of payments, obtaining compliance with the 
covenants and provisions in the loan agreement, obtaining and analyzing 
financial statements, ensuring payment of taxes and insurance premiums, 
maintaining liens on collateral, and keeping an inventory accounting of 
all collateral items and reconciling the inventory of all collateral 
sold during loan servicing, including liquidation.
    (a) Lender reports and annual renewal fee. The lender must report 
the outstanding principal and interest balance and the current loan 
classification on each guaranteed loan semiannually (at June 30 and 
December 31) using either the USDA Lender Interactive Network 
Connection (LINC) system or Form RD 1980-41, ``Guaranteed Loan Status 
Report.'' The lender must transmit the annual renewal fee to the Agency 
in accordance with Sec.  4279.120(b) of this chapter calculated based 
on the December 31 semiannual status report.
    (b) Loan classification. The lender must provide the loan 
classification or rating under its regulatory standards as of loan 
closing on Form RD 1980-19, ``Guaranteed Loan Closing Report.'' When 
the lender changes the loan classification in the future, the lender 
must notify the Agency within 30 days, in writing, of any change in the 
loan classification.
    (c) Agency and lender conference. At the Agency's request, the 
lender must consult with the Agency to ascertain how the guaranteed 
loan is being serviced and that the conditions and covenants of the 
loan agreement are being enforced.
    (d) Borrower financial reports. The lender must obtain, analyze, 
and forward to the Agency the borrower's and any guarantor's annual 
financial statements required by the loan agreement within 120 days of 
the end of the borrower's fiscal year. The lender must analyze these 
financial statements and provide the Agency with a written summary of 
the lender's analysis, ratio analysis, and conclusions, which, at a 
minimum, must include trends, strengths, weaknesses, extraordinary 
transactions, violations of loan covenants and covenant waivers 
proposed by the lender, any routine servicing actions performed, and 
other indications of the financial condition of the borrower. 
Spreadsheets of the financial statements must also be included. 
Following the Agency's review of the lender's financial analysis, the 
Agency will provide a written report of any concerns to the lender. Any 
concerns based upon the Agency's review must be addressed by the 
lender. If the lender makes a reasonable attempt to obtain financial 
statements but is unable to obtain the borrower's cooperation, the 
failure to obtain financial statements will not impair the validity of 
the Loan Note Guarantee.
    (e) Protection of Agency interests. If the Agency determines that 
the lender is not in compliance with its servicing responsibilities, 
the Agency reserves the right to take any action the Agency determines 
necessary to protect the Agency's interests with respect to the loan. 
If the Agency exercises this right, the lender must cooperate with the 
Agency to rectify the situation. In determining any loss, the Agency 
will assess against the lender any cost to the Agency associated with 
such action.


Sec. Sec.  4287.108-4287.111  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.112  Interest rate changes.

    (a) The borrower, lender, and holder (if any) may collectively 
initiate a permanent or temporary reduction in the interest rate of the 
guaranteed loan at any time during the life of the loan upon written 
agreement among these parties. The lender must obtain prior Agency 
concurrence and must provide a copy of the modification agreement to 
the Agency. If any of the guaranteed portion has been purchased by the 
Agency, the Agency (as a holder) will affirm or reject interest rate 
change proposals in writing.
    (b) No increases in interest rates will be permitted, except the 
normal fluctuations in approved variable interest rates, unless a 
temporary interest rate reduction occurred.
    (c) The interest rate, after adjustments, must comply with the 
interest rate

[[Page 55344]]

requirements set forth in Sec.  4279.125 of this chapter.
    (d) The lender is responsible for the legal documentation of 
interest-rate changes by an endorsement or any other legally effective 
amendment to the promissory note; however, no new notes shall be 
issued. The lender must provide copies of all legal documents to the 
Agency.


Sec.  4287.113  Release of collateral.

    (a) Within the parameters of paragraph (c) of this section, lenders 
may, over the life of the loan, release collateral (other than personal 
and corporate guarantees) with a cumulative value of up to 20 percent 
of the original loan amount without Agency concurrence if the proceeds 
generated are used to reduce the guaranteed loan or to buy replacement 
collateral. Working assets, such as accounts receivable, inventory, and 
work-in-progress that are routinely depleted or sold and proceeds used 
for the normal course of business operations may be used in and 
released for routine business purposes without prior concurrence of the 
Agency as long as the loan has not been accelerated.
    (b) If a release of collateral does not meet the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this section, the lender must complete a written 
evaluation to justify the release and must obtain written Agency 
concurrence in advance of the release.
    (c) Collateral must remain sufficient to provide for adequate 
collateral coverage. The lender must support all releases of collateral 
with a value exceeding $250,000 with a current appraisal on the 
collateral being released. The appraisal must meet the requirements of 
Sec.  4279.144 of this chapter. The cost of this appraisal will not be 
paid for by the Agency. The Agency may, at its discretion, require an 
appraisal of the remaining collateral in cases where it has been 
determined that the Agency may be adversely affected by the release of 
collateral. The sale or release of the collateral must be based on an 
arm's length transaction, and there must be adequate consideration for 
the release of collateral. Such consideration may include, but is not 
limited to:
    (1) Application of the net proceeds from the sale of collateral to 
the borrower's debts in order of their lien priority against the sold 
collateral;
    (2) Use of the net proceeds from the sale of collateral to purchase 
other collateral of equal or greater value for which the lender will 
obtain as security for the benefit of the guaranteed loan with a lien 
position equal or superior to the position previously held;
    (3) Application of the net proceeds from the sale of collateral to 
the borrower's business operation in such a manner that a significant 
improvement to the borrower's debt service ability will be clearly 
demonstrated. The lender's written request must detail how the 
borrower's debt service ability will be improved; or
    (4) Assurance that the release of collateral is essential for the 
success of the business, thereby furthering the goals of the program. 
Such assurance must be supported by written documentation from the 
lender acceptable to the Agency.


Sec. Sec.  4287.114-4287.122  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.123  Subordination of lien position.

    A subordination of the lender's lien position must be requested in 
writing by the lender and concurred with in writing by the Agency in 
advance of the subordination. The lender's subordination proposal must 
include a financial analysis of the servicing action and be fully 
supported by current financial statements of the borrower and 
guarantors that are less than 90 days old.
    (a) The subordination of lien position must enhance the borrower's 
business and be in the best financial interest of the Agency.
    (b) The lien to which the guaranteed loan is subordinated is for a 
fixed dollar limit and for a fixed term after which the guaranteed loan 
lien priority will be restored.
    (c) Collateral must remain sufficient to provide for adequate 
collateral coverage. The Agency may require a current independent 
appraisal in accordance with Sec.  4279.144 of this chapter.
    (d) Lien priorities must remain for the portion of the loan that 
was not subordinated.
    (e) A subordination to a line of credit cannot exceed 1 year. The 
term of the line of credit cannot be extended.


Sec.  4287.124  Alterations of loan instruments.

    The lender must neither alter nor approve any alterations or 
modifications of any loan instrument without the prior written approval 
of the Agency.


Sec. Sec.  4287.125-4287.132  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.133  Sale of corporate stock.

    Any sale or transfer of corporate stock must be approved by the 
Agency in writing and must be to an eligible individual or entity in 
accordance with Sec. Sec.  4279.108(a) and 4279.108(b) of this chapter. 
In the event a portion of the borrower's stock is sold or transferred, 
the Agency may require personal or corporate guarantees from those then 
owning a 20 percent or more interest in the borrower in accordance with 
Sec.  4279.132 of this chapter.


Sec.  4287.134  Transfer and assumption.

    The lender may request a transfer and assumption of a guaranteed 
loan in situations where the total indebtedness, or less than the total 
indebtedness, is transferred to another eligible borrower on the same 
or different terms. A transfer and assumption of the borrower's 
operation can be accomplished before or after the loan goes into 
liquidation. However, if the collateral has been purchased through 
foreclosure or the borrower has conveyed title to the lender, no 
transfer and assumption is permitted. Additionally, no transfer and 
assumption is permitted when the Agency has repurchased 100 percent of 
the guaranteed portion of the loan.
    (a) Documentation of request. All transfers and assumptions must be 
approved in writing by the Agency and must be to an eligible borrower. 
The lender must provide credit reports for each individual or entity 
owning 20 percent or more interest in the transferee, along with such 
other documentation as the Agency may request to determine eligibility. 
In accordance with Sec.  4279.132 of this chapter, the Agency will 
require personal and/or corporate guarantee(s) from all owners that 
have a 20 percent or more interest in the transferee. When warranted by 
an Agency assessment of potential financial risk, the Agency may also 
require guarantees of parent, subsidiaries, or affiliated companies 
(owning less than a 20 percent interest in the borrower) and may 
require security for any guarantee. The new borrower must sign Form RD 
4279-1, ``Application for a Loan Guarantee,'' and any guarantors of the 
guaranteed loan must sign Form RD 4279-14, ``Unconditional Guarantee.''
    (b) Terms. Loan terms may be changed with the concurrence of the 
Agency, all holders, and the transferor (including guarantors) if the 
transferor has not been or will not be released from liability. Any new 
loan terms must be within the terms authorized by Sec.  4279.126 of 
this chapter.
    (c) Release of liability. The transferor, including any guarantor, 
may be released from liability only with prior Agency written 
concurrence and only when the value of the collateral being transferred 
is at least equal to the amount of the loan being assumed and is 
supported by a current appraisal and

[[Page 55345]]

a current financial statement of the transferee. The Agency will not 
pay for the appraisal. If the transfer is for less than the debt, for a 
release of liability, the lender must demonstrate to the Agency that 
the transferor and guarantors have no reasonable debt-paying ability 
considering their assets and income in the foreseeable future.
    (d) Proceeds. The lender must credit any proceeds received from the 
sale of collateral before a transfer and assumption to the transferor's 
guaranteed loan debt in order of lien priority before the transfer and 
assumption is closed.
    (e) Additional loans. Loans to provide additional funds in 
connection with a transfer and assumption must be considered a new loan 
application, which requires submission of a complete Agency application 
in accordance with Sec.  4279.161(b) of this chapter.
    (f) Credit quality. The lender will provide a credit analysis of 
the proposal that addresses capacity (sufficient cash flow to service 
the debt), capital (net worth), collateral (assets to secure the debt), 
conditions (of the borrower, industry trends, and the overall economy), 
and character (integrity of the transferee management) in accordance 
with Sec.  4279.131 of this chapter.
    (g) Appraisals. If the proposed transfer and assumption is for the 
full amount of the Agency guaranteed loan, the Agency will not require 
an appraisal. If the proposed transfer and assumption is for less than 
the full amount of the Agency guaranteed loan, the Agency will require 
an appraisal on all of the collateral being transferred, and the amount 
of the assumption must not be less than this appraised value. The 
lender is responsible for obtaining this appraisal, which must conform 
to the requirements of Sec.  4279.144 of this chapter. The Agency will 
not pay the appraisal fee or any other costs associated with this 
transfer.
    (h) Documents. Prior to Agency approval, the lender must provide 
the Agency a written legal opinion that the transaction can be properly 
and legally transferred and assurance that the conveyance instruments 
will be appropriately filed, registered, and recorded.
    (1) The lender must not issue any new promissory notes. The 
assumption must be completed in accordance with applicable law and must 
contain the Agency case number of the transferor and transferee. The 
lender must provide the Agency with a copy of the transfer and 
assumption agreement. The lender must ensure that all transfers and 
assumptions are noted on all original Loan Note Guarantees.
    (2) A new loan agreement, consistent in principle with the original 
loan agreement, must be executed to establish the terms and conditions 
of the loan being assumed. An assumption agreement can be used to 
establish the loan covenants.
    (3) Upon execution of the transfer and assumption, the lender must 
provide the Agency with a written legal opinion that the transfer and 
assumption is completed, valid, enforceable, and certification that the 
transfer and assumption is consistent with the conditions outlined in 
the Agency's conditions of approval for the transfer and complies with 
all Agency regulations.
    (i) Loss/repurchase resulting from transfer. (1) Any resulting loss 
must be processed in accordance with Sec.  4287.158.
    (2) If a holder owns any of the guaranteed portion, such portion 
must be repurchased by the lender or the Agency in accordance with 
Sec.  4279.78 of this chapter.
    (j) Related party. If the transferor and transferee are affiliated 
or related parties, any transfer and assumption must be for the full 
amount of the debt.
    (k) Cash downpayment. The lender may allow the transferee to make 
cash downpayments directly to the transferor provided:
    (1) The transfer and assumption is made for the total indebtedness;
    (2) The lender recommends that the cash be released, and the Agency 
concurs prior to the transaction being completed. The lender may 
require that an amount be retained for a defined period of time as a 
reserve against future defaults. Interest on such account may be paid 
periodically to the transferor or transferee as agreed;
    (3) The lender determines that the transferee has the repayment 
ability to meet the obligations of the assumed guaranteed loan as well 
as any other indebtedness; and
    (4) Any payments by the transferee to the transferor will not 
suspend the transferee's obligations to continue to meet the guaranteed 
loan payments as they come due under the terms of the assumption.
    (l) Transfer/annual renewal fees.
    (1) The Agency will charge a nonrefundable transfer fee at the time 
of transfer, which may be passed on to the borrower by the lender. The 
transfer fee rate will be equal to the rate of the guarantee fee 
authorized in Sec.  4279.120 of this chapter for the fiscal year in 
which the transfer occurs. The amount of the transfer fee is determined 
by multiplying the principal balance at the time of the transfer by the 
transfer fee rate by the percentage of guarantee on the original loan.
    (2) The lender must pay any annual renewal fee published in the 
Federal Register and then in effect at the time the loan is closed for 
the duration of the Loan Note Guarantee. Annual renewal fees are due 
for the entire year even if the Loan Note Guarantee is terminated 
before the end of the year.


Sec.  4287.135  Substitution of lender.

    After the issuance of a Loan Note Guarantee, the lender is 
prohibited from selling or transferring the entire loan without the 
prior written approval of the Agency. Because the Loan Note Guarantee 
is associated with a specific promissory note and cannot be transferred 
to a new promissory note, the lender must transfer the original 
promissory note to the new lender, who must agree to its current loan 
terms, including the interest rate, secondary market holder (if any), 
collateral, loan agreement terms, and guarantors. The new lender must 
also obtain the original Loan Note Guarantee, original personal and 
corporate guarantee(s), and the loan payment history from the 
transferor lender. If the new lender wishes to modify the loan terms 
after acquisition, the new lender must submit a request to the Agency.
    (a) The Agency may approve the substitution of a new lender if:
    (1) The proposed substitute lender:
    (i) Is an eligible lender in accordance with Sec.  4279.29 of this 
chapter and is approved as such;
    (ii) Is able to service the loan in accordance with the original 
loan documents; and
    (iii) Agrees in writing to acquire title to the unguaranteed 
portion of the loan held by the original lender and assumes all 
original loan requirements, including liabilities and servicing 
responsibilities; and
    (2) The substitution of the lender is requested in writing by the 
borrower, the proposed substitute lender, and the original lender of 
record, if still in existence.
    (b) The Agency will not pay any loss or share in any costs (e.g., 
appraisal fees and environmental assessments) with a new lender unless 
a relationship is established through a substitution of lender in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this section. This includes situations 
where a lender is acquired by another lender and situations where the 
lender has failed and been taken over by a regulatory agency such as 
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

[[Page 55346]]

and the loan is subsequently sold to another lender.
    (c) Where the lender has failed and been taken over by the FDIC and 
the loan is liquidated by the FDIC rather than being sold to another 
lender, the Agency will pay losses and share in costs as if the FDIC 
were an approved substitute lender.
    (d) In cases where there is a substitution of lender or a lender 
has been merged with or acquired by another lender, the Agency and the 
new lender must execute a new Form RD 4279-4, ``Lender's Agreement,'' 
unless a valid Lender's Agreement already exists with the new lender.


Sec.  4287.136  Lender failure.

    (a) Uninsured lender. The lender or insuring agency cannot 
arbitrarily change the Lender's Agreement and related documents on the 
guaranteed loan, and the Agency will make the successor to the failed 
institution aware of the statutory and regulatory requirements. If the 
acquiring institution is not an eligible lender as set forth in Sec.  
4279.29 of this chapter, the Loan Note Guarantee will not be 
enforceable, and the institution must promptly apply to become an 
eligible lender. The failure of the uninsured lender to become an 
eligible lender will result in the Loan Note Guarantee being 
unenforceable. A new lender approved by the Agency will be afforded the 
benefits of the Loan Note Guarantee in sharing of any loss and eligible 
expenses subject to the limits that are set forth in the regulations 
governing the program.
    (b) Insured lender. The FDIC and the Agency have entered into an 
Inter Agency Agreement and all parties are to abide by this Agreement 
or successor document(s). This document sets forth the duties and 
responsibilities of each Agency when an institution fails. The lender 
must take such action that a prudent lender would take if it did not 
have a Loan Note Guarantee to protect the lender and Agency's mutual 
interest.


Sec. Sec.  4287.137-4287.144   [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.145  Default by borrower.

    The lender's primary responsibilities in default are to act 
prudently and expeditiously, to work with the borrower to bring the 
account current or cure the default through restructuring if a 
realistic plan can be developed, or to accelerate the account and 
conduct a liquidation in a manner that will minimize any potential 
loss. The lender may initiate liquidation subject to submission and 
approval of a complete liquidation plan.
    (a) The lender must notify the Agency when a borrower is more than 
30 days past due on a payment and the delinquency cannot be cured 
within 30 days or when a borrower is otherwise in default of covenants 
in the loan agreement by promptly submitting Form RD 1980-44, 
``Guaranteed Loan Borrower Default Status,'' or processing the Default 
Status report in LINC. The lender must update the loan's status each 
month using either Form RD 1980-44 or the LINC Default Status report 
until such time as the loan is no longer in default. If a monetary 
default exceeds 60 days, the lender must meet with the Agency and, if 
practical, the borrower to discuss the situation.
    (b) In considering options, the prospects for providing a permanent 
cure without adversely affecting the risk to the Agency and the lender 
is the paramount objective.
    (1) Curative actions (subject to the rights of any holder) include, 
but are not limited to:
    (i) Deferment of principal and/or interest payments;
    (ii) An additional unguaranteed temporary loan by the lender to 
bring the account current;
    (iii) Reamortization of or rescheduling the payments on the loan;
    (iv) Transfer and assumption of the loan in accordance with Sec.  
4287.134 of this subpart;
    (v) Reorganization;
    (vi) Liquidation; and
    (vii) Changes in interest rates with the Agency's, the lender's, 
and any holder's approval. Any interest rate changes must be adjusted 
proportionately between the guaranteed and unguaranteed portion of the 
loan.
    (2) The term of any deferment, rescheduling, reamortization, or 
moratorium will be limited to the lesser of the remaining useful life 
of the collateral or remaining limits as set forth in Sec.  4279.126 of 
this chapter (excluding paragraph (c)). Balloon payments are permitted 
as a loan servicing option as long as there is a reasonable prospect 
for success and the remaining life of the collateral supports the 
action.
    (3) In the event of a loss or a repurchase, the lender cannot claim 
default or penalty interest, late payment fees, or interest on 
interest. If the restructuring includes the capitalization of interest, 
interest accrued on the capitalized interest will not be covered by the 
guarantee. Consequently, it is not eligible for repurchase from the 
holder and cannot be included in the loss claim.
    (c) Debt write-downs for an existing borrower, where the same 
principals retain control of and decisionmaking authority for the 
business, are prohibited, except as directed or ordered by the 
Bankruptcy Court.
    (d) For loans closed on or after [DATE OF FINAL RULE PUBLICATION], 
in the event of a loss, the guarantee will not cover note interest to 
the lender accruing after 90 days from the most recent delinquency 
effective date.
    (e) For loans closed on or after [DATE OF FINAL RULE PUBLICATION], 
the guarantee will not cover note interest to any holder accruing after 
90 days from the date of the first demand letter from a holder to the 
lender requesting the repurchase of the loan guarantee.
    (f) For repurchases of guaranteed loans, refer to Sec.  4279.78 of 
this chapter.


Sec. Sec.  4286.146-4287.155   [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.156  Protective advances.

    Protective advances are advances made by the lender for the purpose 
of preserving and protecting the collateral where the debtor has failed 
to, will not, or cannot meet its obligations. Lenders must exercise 
sound judgment in determining that the protective advance preserves 
collateral and recovery is actually enhanced by making the advance. 
Lenders cannot make protective advances in lieu of additional loans. A 
protective advance claim will be paid only at the time of the final 
report of loss payment.
    (a) The maximum loss to be paid by the Agency will never exceed the 
original loan amount plus accrued interest times the percentage of 
guarantee regardless of any protective advances made.
    (b) In the event of a final loss, protective advances will accrue 
interest at the note rate and will be guaranteed at the same percentage 
of guarantee as provided for in the Loan Note Guarantee. The guarantee 
will not cover interest on the protective advance accruing after 90 
days from the most recent delinquency effective date.
    (c) Protective advances must constitute an indebtedness of the 
borrower to the lender and be secured by the security instruments. 
Agency written authorization is required when the cumulative total of 
protective advances exceeds $200,000 or 10 percent of the aggregate 
outstanding balance of principal and interest, whichever is less.


Sec.  4287.157  Liquidation.

    In the event of one or more incidents of default or third party 
actions that the borrower cannot or will not cure or eliminate within a 
reasonable period of time, the lender, with Agency consent, must 
liquidate the loan. In accordance with Sec.  4287.145(d), for loans 
closed on

[[Page 55347]]

or after [DATE OF FINAL RULE PUBLICATION], in the event of a loss, the 
guarantee will not cover note interest to the lender accruing after 90 
days from the most recent delinquency effective date.
    (a) Decision to liquidate. A decision to liquidate must be made 
when the lender determines that the default cannot be cured through 
actions such as those contained in Sec.  4287.145, or it has been 
determined that it is in the best interest of the Agency and the lender 
to liquidate. The decision to liquidate or continue with the borrower 
must be made as soon as possible when one or more of the following 
exist:
    (1) A loan is 90 days behind on any scheduled payment and the 
lender and the borrower have not been able to cure the delinquency 
through actions such as those contained in Sec.  4287.145.
    (2) It is determined that delaying liquidation will jeopardize full 
recovery on the loan.
    (3) The borrower or lender is uncooperative in resolving the 
problem or the Agency or lender has reason to believe the borrower is 
not acting in good faith, and it would improve the position of the 
guarantee to liquidate immediately.
    (b) Repurchase of loan. When the decision to liquidate is made, if 
any portion of the loan has been sold or assigned under Sec.  4279.75 
of this chapter and not already repurchased, provisions will be made 
for repurchase in accordance with Sec.  4279.78 of this chapter.
    (c) Lender's liquidation plan. The lender is responsible for 
initiating actions immediately and as necessary to assure a prompt, 
orderly liquidation that will provide maximum recovery. Within 30 days 
after a decision to liquidate, the lender must submit a written, 
proposed plan of liquidation to the Agency for approval. The 
liquidation plan must be detailed and include at least the following:
    (1) Such proof as the Agency requires to establish the lender's 
ownership of the guaranteed loan promissory note and related security 
instruments and a copy of the payment ledger, if available, that 
reflects the current loan balance, accrued interest to date, and the 
method of computing the interest;
    (2) A full and complete list of all collateral, including any 
personal and corporate guarantees;
    (3) The recommended liquidation methods for making the maximum 
collection possible on the indebtedness and the justification for such 
methods, including recommended action for acquiring and disposing of 
all collateral and collecting from guarantors;
    (4) Necessary steps for preservation of the collateral;
    (5) Copies of the borrower's most recently available financial 
statements;
    (6) Copies of each guarantor's most recently available financial 
statements;
    (7) An itemized list of estimated liquidation expenses expected to 
be incurred along with justification for each expense;
    (8) A schedule to periodically report to the Agency on the progress 
of liquidation;
    (9) Estimated protective advance amounts with justification;
    (10) Proposed protective bid amounts on collateral to be sold at 
auction and a breakdown to show how the amounts were determined. A 
protective bid may be made by the lender, with prior Agency written 
approval, at a foreclosure sale to protect the lender's and the 
Agency's interest. The protective bid will not exceed the amount of the 
loan, including expenses of foreclosure, and must be based on the 
liquidation value considering estimated expenses for holding and 
reselling the property. These expenses include, but are not limited to, 
expenses for resale, interest accrual, length of time necessary for 
resale, maintenance, guard service, weatherization, and prior liens;
    (11) If a voluntary conveyance is considered, the proposed amount 
to be credited to the guaranteed debt;
    (12) Legal opinions, if needed by the lender's legal counsel; and
    (13) An estimate of fair market and potential liquidation value of 
the collateral. If the value of the collateral is $250,000 or more, the 
lender must obtain an independent appraisal report meeting the 
requirements of Sec.  4279.144 of this chapter for the collateral 
securing the loan, which reflects the fair market value and potential 
liquidation value. The liquidation appraisal of the collateral must 
evaluate the impact on market value of any release of hazardous 
substances, petroleum products, or other environmental hazards. The 
independent appraiser's fee, including the cost of the environmental 
site assessment, will be shared equally by the Agency and the lender. 
In order to assure prompt action, the liquidation plan can be submitted 
with an estimate of collateral value, and the liquidation plan may be 
approved by the Agency subject to the results of the final liquidation 
appraisal.
    (d) Approval of liquidation plan. The lender's liquidation plan 
must be approved by the Agency in writing. The lender and Agency must 
attempt to resolve any Agency concerns. If the liquidation plan is 
approved by the Agency, the lender must proceed expeditiously with 
liquidation and must take all legal action necessary to liquidate the 
loan in accordance with the approved liquidation plan. The lender must 
update or modify the liquidation plan when conditions warrant, 
including a change in value based on a liquidation appraisal. If the 
liquidation plan is not approved by the Agency, the lender must take 
such actions that a prudent lender would take without a guarantee and 
keep the Agency informed in writing. The lender must continue to 
develop a liquidation plan in accordance with this section.
    (e) Acceleration. The lender will proceed to accelerate the 
indebtedness as expeditiously as possible when acceleration is 
necessary, including giving any notices and taking any other legal 
actions required. The guaranteed loan will be considered in liquidation 
once the loan has been accelerated and a demand for payment has been 
made upon the borrower. The lender must obtain from the Agency 
concurrence prior to the acceleration of the loan if the sole basis for 
acceleration is a nonmonetary default. In the case of monetary default, 
prior approval by the Agency of the lender's acceleration is not 
required, although Agency concurrence must still be given not later 
than at the time the liquidation plan is approved. The lender will 
provide a copy of the acceleration notice or other acceleration 
document to the Agency.
    (f) Filing an estimated loss claim. When the lender owns any of the 
guaranteed portion of the loan, the lender must file an estimated loss 
claim once a decision has been made to liquidate if the liquidation is 
expected to exceed 90 days. The estimated loss payment will be based on 
the liquidation value of the collateral. For the purpose of reporting 
and loss claim computation, for loans closed on or after [FINAL RULE 
PUBLICATION DATE], the guarantee will not cover note interest to the 
lender accruing after 90 days from the most recent delinquency 
effective date. The Agency will promptly process the loss claim in 
accordance with applicable Agency regulations as set forth in Sec.  
4287.158.
    (g) Accounting and reports. The lender must account for funds 
during the period of liquidation and must, in accordance with the 
Agency-approved liquidation plan, provide the Agency with reports on 
the progress of liquidation including disposition of collateral, 
resulting costs, and additional procedures necessary for successful 
completion of the liquidation.
    (h) Transmitting payments and proceeds to the Agency. When the

[[Page 55348]]

Agency is the holder of a portion of the guaranteed loan, the lender 
must transmit to the Agency its pro rata share of any payments received 
from the borrower, liquidation, or other proceeds using Form RD 1980-
43, ``Lender's Guaranteed Loan Payment to Rural Development.''
    (i) Abandonment of collateral. When the lender adequately documents 
that the cost of liquidation would exceed the potential recovery value 
of certain collateral and receives Agency concurrence, the lender may 
abandon that collateral. When the lender makes a recommendation for 
abandonment of collateral, it must comply with 7 CFR part 1940, subpart 
G.
    (j) Personal or corporate guarantees. The lender must take action 
to maximize recovery from all personal and corporate guarantees, 
including seeking deficiency judgments when there is a reasonable 
chance of future collection.
    (k) Compromise settlement. Compromise settlements must be approved 
by the lender and the Agency. Complete current financial information on 
all parties obligated for the loan must be provided. At a minimum, the 
compromise settlement must be equivalent to the value and timeliness of 
that which would be received from attempting to collect on the 
guarantee. The guarantor cannot be released from liability until the 
full amount of the compromise settlement has been received. In weighing 
whether the compromise settlement should be accepted, among other 
things, the Agency will weigh whether the comparison is more 
financially advantageous than collecting on the guarantee.
    (l) Litigation. In all litigation proceedings involving the 
borrower, the lender is responsible for protecting the rights of the 
lender and the Agency with respect to the loan and keeping the Agency 
adequately and regularly informed, in writing, of all aspects of the 
proceedings. If the Agency determines that the lender is not adequately 
protecting the rights of the lender or the Agency with respect to the 
loan, the Agency reserves the right to take any legal action the Agency 
determines necessary to protect the rights of the lender, on behalf of 
the lender, or the Agency with respect to the loan. If the Agency 
exercises this right, the lender must cooperate with the Agency. Any 
cost to the Agency associated with such action will be assessed against 
the lender.


Sec.  4287.158  Determination of loss and payment.

    Unless the Agency anticipates a future recovery, the Agency will 
make a final settlement with the lender after the collateral is 
liquidated or after settlement and compromise of all parties has been 
completed. The Agency has the right to recover losses paid under the 
guarantee from any party that may be liable.
    (a) Report of loss form. Form RD 449-30, ``Loan Note Guarantee 
Report of Loss,'' will be used for reporting and calculating all 
estimated and final loss determinations.
    (b) Estimated loss. In accordance with the requirements of Sec.  
4287.157(f), the lender must prepare an estimated loss claim, based on 
liquidation appraisal value, and submit it to the Agency.
    (1) Interest accrual eligible for payment under the guarantee on 
the defaulted loan will be discontinued when the estimated loss is 
paid.
    (2) A protective advance claim will be paid only at the time of the 
final report of loss payment.
    (3) The estimated loss payment is a payment to the lender and is 
not to be applied as a payment on the loan for purposes of reducing the 
unpaid balance owed by the borrower or for status reporting (semi-
annual status/default status reports).
    (c) Final loss. Within 30 days after liquidation of all collateral 
is completed (except for certain unsecured personal or corporate 
guarantees as provided for in this section), the lender must prepare a 
final report of loss and submit it to the Agency. The Agency will not 
guarantee interest beyond 90 days from the date any holder makes 
demand, or, if the lender holds all or a portion of the guaranteed 
loan, no more than 90 days from the most recent delinquency effective 
date as reported by the lender. Before approval by the Agency of any 
final loss report, the lender must account for all funds during the 
period of liquidation, disposition of the collateral, all costs 
incurred, and any other information necessary for the successful 
completion of liquidation. Upon receipt of the final accounting and 
report of loss, the Agency may audit all applicable documentation to 
determine the final loss. The lender must make its records available 
and otherwise assist the Agency in making any investigation. The 
documentation accompanying the report of loss must support the amounts 
reported as losses on Form RD 449-30.
    (1) The lender must make a determination regarding the 
collectability of unsecured personal and corporate guarantees. If 
reasonably possible, the lender must promptly collect or otherwise 
dispose of such guarantees in accordance with Sec.  4287.157(j) prior 
to completion of the final loss report. However, in the event that 
collection from the guarantors appears unlikely or will require a 
prolonged period of time, the lender must file the report of loss when 
all other collateral has been liquidated. Unsecured personal or 
corporate guarantees outstanding at the time of the submission of the 
final loss claim will be treated as a future recovery with the net 
proceeds to be shared on a pro rata basis by the lender and the Agency. 
Debts owed to the Agency (Federal debt) may be collected using DCIA 
authority. The Agency may consider a compromise settlement of Federal 
debt after it has processed a final report of loss and issued a 60 day 
due process letter. Any funds collected on Federal debt will not be 
shared with the lender.
    (2) The lender must document that all of the collateral has been 
accounted for and properly liquidated and liquidation proceeds have 
been accounted for and applied correctly to the loan.
    (3) The lender must provide receipts and a breakdown of any 
protective advance amount as to the payee, purpose of the expenditure, 
date paid, and evidence that the amount expended was proper.
    (4) The lender must provide receipts and a breakdown of liquidation 
expenses as to the payee, purpose of the expenditure, date paid, and 
evidence that the amount expended was proper. Liquidation expenses are 
recoverable only from liquidation proceeds. The Agency may approve 
attorney/legal fees as liquidation expenses provided that the fees are 
reasonable, require the assistance of attorneys, and cover legal issues 
pertaining to the liquidation that could not be properly handled by the 
lender and its employees.
    (5) The lender must support accrued interest by documenting how the 
amount was accrued. If the interest rate was a variable rate, the 
lender must include documentation of changes in both the selected base 
rate and the loan rate.
    (6) The Agency will pay loss payments within 60 days after it has 
reviewed the complete final loss report and accounting of the 
collateral.
    (d) Loss limit. The amount payable by the Agency to the lender 
cannot exceed the limits set forth in the Loan Note Guarantee.
    (e) Liquidation expenses. The Agency will deduct liquidation 
expenses from the liquidation proceeds of the collateral. The lender 
cannot claim any liquidation expenses in excess of liquidation 
proceeds. Any changes to

[[Page 55349]]

the liquidation expenses that exceed 10 percent of the amount proposed 
in the liquidation plan must be approved by the Agency. Reasonable 
attorney/legal expenses will be shared by the lender and Agency 
equally, including those instances where the lender has incurred such 
expenses from a trustee conducting the liquidation of assets. The 
lender cannot claim the guarantee fee or the annual renewal fee as 
authorized liquidation expenses, and no in-house expenses of the lender 
will be allowed. In-house expenses include, but are not limited to, 
employee's salaries, staff lawyers, travel, and overhead.
    (f) Rent. The lender must apply any net rental or other income that 
it receives from the collateral to the guaranteed loan debt.
    (g) Payment. Once the Agency approves the Form RD 449-30 and 
supporting documents submitted by the lender:
    (1) If the loss is greater than any estimated loss payment, the 
Agency will pay the additional amount owed by the Agency to the lender.
    (2) If the loss is less than the estimated loss payment, the lender 
must reimburse the Agency for the overpayment plus interest at the note 
rate from the date of payment.


Sec. Sec.  4287.159-4287.168  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.169  Future recovery.

    Unless notified otherwise by the Agency, after the final loss claim 
has been paid, the lender must use reasonable efforts to attempt 
collection from any party still liable on any loan that was guaranteed. 
Any net proceeds from that effort must be split pro rata between the 
lender and the Agency based on the original amount of the loan 
guarantee. Any collection of Federal debt made by the U.S. from any 
liable party to the guaranteed loan will not be split with the lender.


Sec.  4287.170  Bankruptcy.

    (a) Lender's responsibilities. It is the lender's responsibility to 
protect the guaranteed loan and all of the collateral securing it in 
bankruptcy proceedings. These responsibilities include, but are not 
limited to the following:
    (1) Monitoring confirmed bankruptcy plans to determine borrower 
compliance, and, if the borrower fails to comply, seeking a dismissal 
of the bankruptcy plan;
    (2) Filing a proof of claim, where necessary, and all the necessary 
papers and pleadings concerning the case;
    (3) Attending and, where necessary, participating in meetings of 
the creditors and all court proceedings;
    (4) Requesting modifications of any bankruptcy plan whenever it 
appears that additional recoveries are likely; and
    (5) Keeping the Agency adequately and regularly informed in writing 
of all aspects of the proceedings.
    (6) The lender must submit a default status report when the 
borrower defaults and every 30 days until the default is resolved or a 
final loss claim is paid by the Agency. The default status report will 
be used to inform the Agency of the bankruptcy filing, the plan 
confirmation date, when the plan is complete, and when the borrower is 
not in compliance with the plan.
    (7) With written Agency consent, the lender and Agency will equally 
share the cost of any independent appraisal fee to protect the 
guaranteed loan in any bankruptcy proceedings.
    (b) Reports of loss during bankruptcy. In bankruptcy proceedings, 
payment of loss claims will be made as provided in this section. 
Attorney/legal fees and protective advances as a result of a bankruptcy 
are only recoverable from liquidation proceeds and not the guarantee on 
the loan.
    (1) Estimated loss payments. (i) If a borrower has filed for 
bankruptcy and all or a portion of the debt has been discharged, the 
lender must request an estimated loss payment of the guaranteed portion 
of the accrued interest and principal discharged by the court. Only one 
estimated loss payment is allowed during the bankruptcy. All subsequent 
claims of the lender during bankruptcy will be considered revisions to 
the initial estimated loss. A revised estimated loss payment may be 
processed by the Agency, at its option, in accordance with any court-
approved changes in the bankruptcy plan. Once the bankruptcy plan has 
been completed, the lender is responsible for submitting the 
documentation necessary for the Agency to review and adjust the 
estimated loss claim to reflect any actual discharge of principal and 
interest and to reimburse the lender for any court-ordered interest-
rate reduction under the terms of the bankruptcy plan.
    (ii) The lender must use Form RD 449-30 to request an estimated 
loss payment and to revise any estimated loss payments during the 
course of the bankruptcy plan. The estimated loss claim, as well as any 
revisions to this claim, must be accompanied by documentation to 
support the claim.
    (iii) Upon completion of a bankruptcy plan, the lender must 
complete a Form RD 1980-44 and forward this form to the Agency.
    (iv) Upon completion of the bankruptcy plan, the lender must 
provide the Agency with the documentation necessary to determine 
whether the estimated loss paid equals the actual loss sustained. If 
the actual loss sustained as a result of the bankruptcy is less than 
the estimated loss, the lender must reimburse the Agency for the 
overpayment plus interest at the note rate from the date of payment of 
the estimated loss. If the actual loss is greater than the estimated 
loss payment, the lender must submit a revised estimated loss claim in 
order to obtain payment of the additional amount owed by the Agency to 
the lender.
    (2) Bankruptcy loss payments. (i) The lender must request a 
bankruptcy loss payment of the guaranteed portion of the accrued 
interest and principal discharged by the court for all bankruptcies 
when all or a portion of the debt has been discharged. Unless the 
Bankruptcy Court approves a subsequent change to the bankruptcy plan 
that is adverse to the lender, only one bankruptcy loss payment is 
allowed during the bankruptcy. Once the Bankruptcy Court has discharged 
all or part of the guaranteed loan and any appeal period has run, the 
lender must submit the documentation necessary for the Agency to review 
and adjust the bankruptcy loss claim to reflect any actual discharge of 
principal and interest.
    (ii) The lender must use Form RD 449-30 to request a bankruptcy 
loss payment and to revise any bankruptcy loss payments during the 
course of the bankruptcy. The lender must include with the bankruptcy 
loss claim documentation to support the claim, as well as any revisions 
to this claim.
    (iii) Upon completion of a bankruptcy plan, restructure, or 
liquidation, the lender must either complete a Form RD 1980-44 and 
forward this form to the Agency or enter the data directly into LINC.
    (iv) If an estimated loss claim is paid during a bankruptcy and the 
borrower repays in full the remaining balance without an additional 
loss sustained by the lender, a final report of loss is not necessary.
    (3) Interest rate losses as a result of bankruptcy reorganization. 
(i) For guaranteed loans approved prior to [DATE OF FINAL RULE 
PUBLICATION]:
    (A) Interest losses sustained during the period of the bankruptcy 
plan will be processed in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) of this 
section;
    (B) Interest losses sustained after the bankruptcy plan is 
confirmed will be processed annually when the lender sustains a loss as 
a result of a permanent interest rate reduction that extends

[[Page 55350]]

beyond the period of the bankruptcy plan;
    (C) If a bankruptcy loss claim is paid during the operation of the 
bankruptcy plan and the borrower repays in full the remaining balance 
without an additional loss sustained by the lender, a final report of 
loss is not necessary.
    (ii) For guaranteed loans approved on or after [DATE OF FINAL RULE 
PUBLICATION], the Agency will not compensate the lender for any 
difference in the interest rate specified in the Loan Note Guarantee 
and the rate of interest specified in the bankruptcy plan.
    (4) Final bankruptcy loss payments. The Agency will process final 
bankruptcy loss payments when the loan is fully liquidated.
    (5) Application of loss claim payments. The lender must apply 
estimated loss payments first to the unsecured principal of the 
guaranteed portion of the debt and then to the unsecured interest of 
the guaranteed portion of the debt. In the event a bankruptcy court 
attempts to direct the payments to be applied in a different manner, 
the lender must immediately notify the Agency in writing.
    (6) Protective advances. If approved protective advances, as 
authorized by Sec.  4287.156 were incurred in connection with the 
initiation of liquidation action and were required to provide repairs, 
insurance, etc., to protect the collateral as result of delays in the 
case of failure of the borrower to maintain the security prior to the 
borrower having filed bankruptcy, the protective advances together with 
accrued interest, are payable under the guarantee in the final loss 
claim.
    (c) Expenses during bankruptcy proceedings. (1) Under no 
circumstances will the guarantee cover liquidation expenses in excess 
of liquidation proceeds.
    (2) Expenses, such as reasonable attorney/legal fees and the cost 
of appraisals incurred by the lender as a direct result of the 
borrower's bankruptcy filing, are considered liquidation expenses and 
will be shared equally by the lender and the Agency. Liquidation 
expenses must be deducted from collateral sale proceeds. Liquidation 
expenses are covered under the guarantee, provided they are reasonable, 
customary, and provide a demonstrated economic benefit to the lender 
and the Agency. Lender's in-house expenses, which are those expenses 
that would normally be incurred for administration of the loan, 
including in-house lawyers, are not covered by the guarantee.
    (3) When a bankruptcy proceeding results in a liquidation of the 
borrower by a bankruptcy trustee, expenses will be handled as directed 
by the court, and the lender cannot claim liquidation expenses for the 
sale of the assets.
    (4) If the property is abandoned by the bankruptcy trustee, the 
lender will conduct the liquidation in accordance with Sec.  4287.157.
    (5) Proceeds received from partial sale of collateral during 
bankruptcy may be used by the lender to pay reasonable costs, such as 
freight, labor and sales commissions, associated with the partial sale. 
Reasonable use of proceeds for this purpose must be documented with the 
final loss claim.
    (6) Reasonable and customary liquidation expenses in bankruptcy may 
be deducted from liquidation proceeds of collateral.


Sec. Sec.  4287.171-4287.179  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.180  Termination of guarantee.

    The Loan Note Guarantee will terminate under any of the following 
conditions:
    (a) Upon full payment of the guaranteed loan;
    (b) Upon full payment of any loss obligation; or
    (c) Upon written notice from the lender to the Agency that the 
guarantee will terminate 30 days after the date of notice, provided 
that the lender holds all of the guaranteed portion and the Loan Note 
Guarantee is returned to the Agency to be canceled.


Sec. Sec.  4287.181-4287.199  [Reserved]


Sec.  4287.200  OMB control number.

    The information collection requirements contained in this 
regulation have been approved by OMB and have been assigned OMB control 
number . Public reporting burden for this 
collection of information is estimated to vary from 30 minutes to 25 
hours per response, with an average of 2.5 hours per response, 
including time for reviewing the collection of information. The burden 
may increase beyond the estimate reported here, if RBS determines 
additional data will need to be collected to facilitate evaluation, 
which can enhance the operation and performance of the program.

    Dated: August 28, 2014.
Doug O'Brien,
Acting Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2014-21351 Filed 9-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P