15 U.S.C. § 636: Additional powers

The Administrator has the authority to direct, and conduct oversight for, the methods by which lenders determine whether a borrower is able to obtain credit elsewhere. No financial assistance shall be extended pursuant to this subsection if the applicant can obtain credit elsewhere. No immediate participation may be purchased unless it is shown that a deferred participation is not available; and no direct financing may be made unless it is shown that a participation is not available. On and after October 1, 2015 , the Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this subsection if the lender determines that the borrower is unable to obtain credit elsewhere solely because the liquidity of the lender depends upon the guaranteed portion of the loan being sold on the secondary market. Prior to the approval of any loan made pursuant to this subsection, or section 503 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [ 15 U.S.C. 697 ], the Administrator may verify the applicant’s criminal background, or lack thereof, through the best available means, including, if possible, use of the National Crime Information Center computer system at the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On and after October 1, 2015 , the Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this subsection if the sole purpose for requesting the guarantee is to allow the lender to exceed the legal lending limit of the lender. 75 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the loan, if such balance exceeds $150,000; or 85 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the loan, if such balance is less than or equal to $150,000. The guarantee percentage specified by subparagraph (A) for any loan under this subsection may be reduced upon the request of the participating lender. The Administration shall not use the guarantee percentage requested by a participating lender under clause (i) as a criterion for establishing priorities in approving loan guarantee requests under this subsection. The maximum interest rate for a loan guaranteed under the Preferred Lenders Program shall not exceed the maximum interest rate, as determined by the Administration, applicable to other loans guaranteed under this subsection. Any lender that is participating in the Delegated Authority Lender Program of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (or any successor to the Program) shall be eligible to participate in the Preferred Lenders Program. complete authority to make and close loans with a guarantee from the Administration without obtaining the prior specific approval of the Administration; and complete authority to service and liquidate such loans without obtaining the prior specific approval of the Administration for routine servicing and liquidation activities, but shall not take any actions creating an actual or apparent conflict of interest. In an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under the Export Working Capital Program established pursuant to paragraph (14)(A), such participation by the Administration shall be 90 percent. In an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under paragraph (16), the participation by the Administration may not exceed 90 percent. In an agreement to participate in a loan on a deferred basis under paragraph (36), the participation by the Administration shall be 100 percent. if the total amount outstanding and committed (by participation or otherwise) to the borrower from the business loan and investment fund established by this chapter would exceed $3,750,000 (or if the gross loan amount would exceed $5,000,000), except as provided in subparagraph (B); if the total amount outstanding and committed (on a deferred basis) solely for the purposes provided in paragraph (16) to the borrower from the business loan and investment fund established by this chapter would exceed $4,500,000 (or if the gross loan amount would exceed $5,000,000), of which not more than $4,000,000 may be used for working capital, supplies, or financings under paragraph (14) for export purposes; and if effected either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate basis if the amount would exceed $350,000. Notwithstanding the provisions of the constitution of any State or the laws of any State limiting the rate or amount of interest which may be charged, taken, received, or reserved, the maximum legal rate of interest on any financing made on a deferred basis pursuant to this subsection shall not exceed a rate prescribed by the Administration, and the rate of interest for the Administration’s share of any direct or immediate participation loan shall not exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum, and an additional amount as determined by the Administration, but not to exceed 1 per centum per annum: Provided , That for those loans to assist any public or private organization for the handicapped or to assist any handicapped individual as provided in paragraph (10) of this subsection, the interest rate shall be 3 per centum per annum. Any bank or other lending institution making a claim for payment on the guaranteed portion of a loan made under this subsection shall be paid the accrued interest due on the loan from the earliest date of default to the date of payment of the claim at a rate not to exceed the rate of interest on the loan on the date of default, minus one percent. If a loan described in clause (i) is sold on the secondary market, the amount of interest paid to a bank or other lending institution described in that clause from the earliest date of default to the date of payment of the claim shall be no more than the agreed upon rate, minus one percent. Clauses (i) and (ii) shall not apply to loans made on or after October 1, 2000 . the loan is for a term of not less than 15 years; the prepayment is voluntary; the amount of prepayment in any calendar year is more than 25 percent of the outstanding balance of the loan; and the prepayment is made within the first 3 years after disbursement of the loan proceeds. 5 percent of the amount of prepayment, if the borrower prepays during the first year after disbursement; 3 percent of the amount of prepayment, if the borrower prepays during the second year after disbursement; and 1 percent of the amount of prepayment, if the borrower prepays during the third year after disbursement. No such loans including renewals and extensions thereof may be made for a period or periods exceeding twenty-five years, except that such portion of a loan made for the purpose of acquiring real property or constructing, converting, or expanding facilities may have a maturity of twenty-five years plus such additional period as is estimated may be required to complete such construction, conversion, or expansion. for loans to assist any public or private organization or to assist any handicapped individual as provided in paragraph (10) of this subsection any reasonable doubt shall be resolved in favor of the applicant; recognizing that greater risk may be associated with loans for energy measures as provided in paragraph (12) of this subsection, factors in determining “sound value” shall include, but not be limited to, quality of the product or service; technical qualifications of the applicant or his employees; sales projections; and the financial status of the business concern: Provided further , That such status need not be as sound as that required for general loans under this subsection; and 1 1 So in original. The “; and” probably should be a period. Repealed. Pub. L. 97–35, title XIX, § 1910 , Aug. 13, 1981 , 95 Stat. 778 . The Administrator may defer payments on the principal and interest of such loans for a grace period and use such other methods as it deems necessary and appropriate to assure the successful establishment and operation of such concern. to provide full payment deferment relief (including payment of principal and interest) for a period of not more than 1 year; and to provide an additional deferment period if the borrower provides documentation justifying such additional deferment. Except as provided in clause (ii), if an investor declines to approve a deferral or additional deferment requested by a lender under subparagraph (B), the Administrator shall exercise the authority to purchase the loan so that the borrower may receive full payment deferment relief (including payment of principal and interest) or an additional deferment as described in subparagraph (B). If, in a fiscal year, the Administrator determines that the cost of implementing clause (i) is greater than zero, the Administrator shall not implement that clause. The Administration may make loans under this subsection to small business concerns owned and controlled by disabled veterans (as defined in section 4211(3) of title 38 ). The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to finance residential or commercial construction or rehabilitation for sale: Provided, however , That such loans shall not be used primarily for the acquisition of land. The Administration may provide guaranteed loans under this subsection to assist any public or private organization for the handicapped or to assist any handicapped individual, including service-disabled veterans, in establishing, acquiring, or operating a small business concern. The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to any small business concern, or to any qualified person seeking to establish such a concern when it determines that such loan will further the policies established in section 631(c) 2 of this title, with particular emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals or owned by low-income individuals. 2 See References in Text note below. The Administration may provide loans under this subsection to assist any small business concern, including start up, to enable such concern to design architecturally or engineer, manufacture, distribute, market, install, or service energy measures: Provided, however , That such loan proceeds shall not be used primarily for research and development. 3 The Administration may provide deferred participation loans under this subsection to finance the planning, design, or installation of pollution control facilities for the purposes set forth in section 404 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [ 3 So in original. Probably should be “(B)”. 15 U.S.C. 694–1 ]. Notwithstanding the limitation expressed in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a loan made under this paragraph may not result in a total amount outstanding and committed to a borrower from the business loan and investment fund of more than $1,000,000. The Administration may provide fi­nancings under this subsection to State and local development companies for the purposes of, and subject to the restrictions in, title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [ 15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.]. The Administrator may provide extensions of credit, standby letters of credit, revolving lines of credit for export purposes, and other financing to enable small business concerns, including small business export trading companies and small business export management companies, to develop foreign markets. A bank or participating lending institution may establish the rate of interest on such financings as may be legal and reasonable. The Administrator may not guarantee a loan under this paragraph of more than $5,000,000. For a loan under this paragraph, the Administrator shall collect the fee assessed under paragraph (23) not more frequently than once each year. The Administrator may not assess a fee on capital that is not accessed by the small business concern. When considering loan or guarantee applications, the Administration shall give weight to export-related benefits, including opening new markets for United States goods and services abroad and encouraging the involvement of small businesses, including agricultural concerns, in the export market. The Administrator shall aggressively market its export financing program to small businesses. to qualified employee trusts with respect to a small business concern for the purpose of purchasing, and for any transaction costs associated with purchasing, stock of the concern under a plan approved by the Administrator which, when carried out, results in the qualified employee trust owning at least 51 per centum of the stock of the concern; and to a small business concern under a plan approved by the Administrator, if the proceeds from the loan are only used to make a loan to a qualified employee trust, and for any transaction costs associated with making that loan, that results in the qualified employee trust owning at least 51 percent of the small business concern. not later than the date the loan guaranteed under subparagraph (A) is repaid (or as soon thereafter as is consistent with the requirements of section 401(a) of title 26 ), at least 51 per centum of the total stock of such concern shall be allocated to the accounts of at least 51 per centum of the employees of such concern who are entitled to share in such allocation, there will be periodic reviews of the role in the management of such concern of employees to whose accounts stock is allocated, there will be adequate management to assure management expertise and continuity, and a seller of the small business concern may remain involved as an officer, director, or key employee of the small business concern when a qualified employee trust or cooperative has acquired 100 percent of ownership of the small business concern; and any seller of the small business concern who remains as an owner of the small business concern, regardless of the percentage of ownership interest, shall be required to provide a personal guarantee by the Administration. In determining whether to guarantee any loan under this paragraph, the individual business experience or personal assets of employee-owners shall not be used as criteria, except inasmuch as certain employee-owners may assume managerial responsibilities, in which case business experience may be considered. For purposes of this paragraph, a corporation which is controlled by any other person shall be treated as a small business concern if such corporation would, after the plan described in subparagraph (B) is carried out, be treated as a small business concern. to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and to cooperatives; to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals; and to cooperatives; and any outreach and educational activities conducted by the Administration with respect to employee-owned business concerns. A small business concern that makes a loan to a qualified employee trust under subparagraph (A)(ii) is not required to contain the same terms and conditions as the loan made to the small business concern that is guaranteed by the Administration under such subparagraph. With respect to a loan made to a qualified employee trust under this paragraph, or to a cooperative in accordance with paragraph (35), the Administrator may, as deemed appropriate, elect to not require any mandatory equity to be provided by the qualified employee trust or cooperative to make the loan. in the financing of the acquisition, construction, renovation, modernization, improvement, or expansion of productive facilities or equipment to be used in the United States in the production of goods and services involved in international trade; in the refinancing of existing indebtedness that is not structured with reasonable terms and conditions, including any debt that qualifies for refinancing under any other provision of this subsection; or by providing working capital. Except as provided in clause (ii), each loan made under this paragraph shall be secured by a first lien position or first mortgage on the property or equipment financed by the loan or on other assets of the small business concern. A loan under this paragraph may be secured by a second lien position on the property or equipment financed by the loan or on other assets of the small business concern, if the Administrator determines the lien provides adequate assurance of the payment of the loan. For purposes of this paragraph, a small business concern is engaged in international trade if, as determined by the Administrator, the small business concern is in a position to expand existing export markets or develop new export markets. is confronting increased competition with foreign firms in the relevant market; and is injured by such competition. For purposes of subparagraph (D)(ii) the Administrator shall accept any finding of injury by the International Trade Commission or any finding of injury by the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to chapter 3 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 [ 19 U.S.C. 2341 et seq.]. this paragraph; paragraph (14); or paragraph (34). post the list published under clause (i) on the website of the Administration; and make the list published under clause (i) available, upon request, at each district office of the Administration. The Administration shall authorize lending institutions and other entities in addition to banks to make loans authorized under this subsection. A guarantee fee not to exceed 2 percent of the deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is not more than $150,000. A guarantee fee not to exceed 3 percent of the deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is more than $150,000, but not more than $700,000. A guarantee fee not to exceed 3.5 percent of the deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is more than $700,000. In addition to the fee under clause (iii), a guarantee fee equal to 0.25 percent of any portion of the deferred participation share that is more than $1,000,000. Lenders participating in the programs established under this subsection may retain not more than 25 percent of a fee collected under subparagraph (A)(i). In addition to the Preferred Lenders Program authorized by the proviso in section 634(b)(7) of this title , the Administration is authorized to establish a Certified Lenders Program for lenders who establish their knowledge of Administration laws and regulations concerning the guaranteed loan program and their proficiency in program requirements. The designation of a lender as a certified lender shall be suspended or revoked at any time that the Administration determines that the lender is not adhering to its rules and regulations or that the loss experience of the lender is excessive as compared to other lenders, but such suspension or revocation shall not affect any outstanding guarantee. In order to encourage all lending institutions and other entities making loans authorized under this subsection to provide loans of $50,000 or less in guarantees to eligible small business loan applicants, the Administration shall develop and allow participating lenders to solely utilize a uniform and simplified loan form for such loans. The Administrator may permit lenders participating in the Certified Lenders Program to liquidate loans made with a guarantee from the Administration pursuant to a liquidation plan approved by the Administrator. If the Administrator does not approve or deny a request for approval of a liquidation plan within 10 business days of the date on which the request is made (or with respect to any routine liquidation activity under such a plan, within 5 business days) such request shall be deemed to be approved. the type and amount of such assistance requested by such concern is not otherwise available on reasonable terms from other sources; with such assistance such concern has a reasonable prospect for operating soundly and profitably within a reasonable period of time; the proceeds of such assistance will be used within a reasonable time for plant construction, conversion, or expansion, including the acquisition of equipment, facilities, machinery, supplies, or material or to supply such concern with working capital to be used in the manufacture of articles, equipment, supplies, or material for defense or civilian production or as may be necessary to insure a well-balanced national economy; and such assistance is of such sound value as reasonably to assure that the terms under which it is provided will not be breached by the small business concern. No loan shall be made under this paragraph if the total amount outstanding and committed (by participation or otherwise) to the borrower would exceed $750,000. Subject to the provisions of clause (i), in agreements to participate in loans on a deferred (guaranteed) basis, participation by the Administration shall be not less than 85 per centum of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement. The rate of interest on financings made on a deferred (guaranteed) basis shall be legal and reasonable. No immediate participation may be purchased unless it is shown that a deferred participation is not available. No direct financing may be made unless it is shown that a participation is unavailable. that is subordinated by its terms to all other borrowings of the issuer; the rate of interest on which shall not exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loan and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum; the term of which is not more than twenty-five years; and the principal on which is amortized at such rate as may be deemed appropriate by the Administration, and the interest on which is payable not less often than annually. the closure (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense installation; or the termination (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense program on which such small business was a prime contractor or subcontractor (or supplier) at any tier; or to a qualified individual or a veteran seeking to establish (or acquire) and operate a small business concern. Recognizing that greater risk may be associated with a loan to a small business concern described in subparagraph (A)(i), any reasonable doubts concerning the firm’s proposed business plan for transition to nondefense-related markets shall be resolved in favor of the loan applicant when making any determination regarding the sound value of the proposed loan in accordance with paragraph (6). Loans pursuant to this paragraph shall be authorized in such amounts as provided in advance in appropriation Acts for the purposes of loans under this paragraph. a member of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty involuntarily or pursuant to a program providing bonuses or other inducements to encourage voluntary separation or early retirement; a civilian employee of the Department of Defense involuntarily separated from Federal service or retired pursuant to a program offering inducements to encourage early retirement; or an employee of a prime contractor, subcontractor, or supplier at any tier of a Department of Defense program whose employment is involuntarily terminated (or voluntarily terminated pursuant to a program offering inducements to encourage voluntary separation or early retirement) due to the termination (or substantial reduction) of a Department of Defense program. creating new jobs for individuals whose employment is involuntarily terminated due to reductions in Federal defense expenditures; or preventing the loss of jobs by employees of small business concerns described in subparagraph (A)(i); and have substantial potential for stimulating new economic activity in communities most affected by reductions in Federal defense expenditures. The Administration is authorized to permit participating lenders to impose and collect a reasonable penalty fee on late payments of loans guaranteed under this subsection in an amount not to exceed 5 percent of the monthly loan payment per month plus interest. With respect to each loan approved under this subsection, the Administration shall assess, collect, and retain a fee, not to exceed 0.55 percent per year of the outstanding balance of the deferred participation share of the loan, in an amount established once annually by the Administration in the Administration’s annual budget request to Congress, as necessary to reduce to zero the cost to the Administration of making guarantees under this subsection. As used in this paragraph, the term “cost” has the meaning given that term in section 661a of title 2 . The yearly fee assessed under subparagraph (A) shall be payable by the participating lender and shall not be charged to the borrower. the Administration shall first consider reducing fees paid by small business borrowers under clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph (18)(A), to the maximum extent possible; and fees paid by small business borrowers shall not be increased above the levels in effect on December 8, 2004 . The Administration shall notify the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 15 days before making any significant policy or administrative change affecting the operation of the loan program under this subsection. Not more than 10 percent of the total number of loans guaranteed in any fiscal year under this subsection may be awarded as part of a pilot program which is commenced by the Administrator on or after October 1, 1996 . In this paragraph, the term ‘pilot program’ means any lending program initiative, project, innovation, or other activity not specifically authorized by law. The Administrator may carry out the low documentation loan program for loans of $100,000 or less only through lenders with significant experience in making small business loans. Not later than 90 days after September 30, 1996 , the Administrator shall promulgate regulations defining the experience necessary for participation as a lender in the low documentation loan program. All fees, interest, and profits received and retained by the Administration under this subsection shall be included in the calculations made by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to offset the cost (as that term is defined in section 661a of title 2 ) to the Administration of purchasing and guaranteeing loans under this chapter. Repealed. Pub. L. 106–8, § 3(c) , Apr. 2, 1999 , 113 Stat. 16 . In addition to such other lease arrangements as may be authorized by the Administration, a borrower may permanently lease to one or more tenants not more than 20 percent of any property constructed with the proceeds of a loan guaranteed under this subsection, if the borrower permanently occupies and uses not less than 60 percent of the total business space in the property. shall be required by the Administration in connection with any such loan, if such loan is in an amount greater than the Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold; or may be required by the Administration or the lender in connection with any such loan, if such loan is in an amount equal to or less than the Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold, if such appraisal is necessary for appropriate evaluation of creditworthiness. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “Federal banking regulator appraisal threshold” means the lesser of the threshold amounts set by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for when a federally related transaction that is a commercial real estate transaction requires an appraisal prepared by a State licensed or certified appraiser. Ownership requirements to determine the eligibility of a small business concern that applies for assistance under any credit program under this chapter shall be determined without regard to any ownership interest of a spouse arising solely from the application of the community property laws of a State for purposes of determining marital interests. The term “disaster area” means the area for which the President has declared a major disaster, during the 5-year period beginning on the date of the declaration. The term “express lender” means any lender authorized by the Administration to participate in the Express Loan Program. The term “express loan” means any loan made pursuant to this paragraph in which a lender utilizes to the maximum extent practicable its own loan analyses, procedures, and documentation. The term “Express Loan Program” means the program for express loans established by the Administration under paragraph (25)(B), as in existence on April 5, 2004 , with a guarantee rate of not more than 50 percent. The authority to make an express loan shall be limited to those lenders deemed qualified to make such loans by the Administration. Designation as an express lender for purposes of making an express loan shall not prohibit such lender from taking any other action authorized by the Administration for that lender pursuant to this subsection. Any express lender shall retain such designation unless the Administration determines that the express lender has violated the law or regulations promulgated by the Administration or modifies the requirements to be an express lender and the lender no longer satisfies those requirements. The maximum loan amount under the Express Loan Program is $500,000. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Administration shall take no regulatory, policy, or administrative action, without regard to whether such action requires notification pursuant to paragraph (24), that has the effect of requiring a lender to make an express loan pursuant to subparagraph (D). agricultural crops; trees grown for energy production; wood waste and wood residues; plants (including aquatic plants and grasses); residues; fibers; animal wastes and other waste materials; and fats, oils, and greases (including recycled fats, oils, and greases); and paper that is commonly recycled; or unsegregated solid waste; the term “energy efficiency project” means the installation or upgrading of equipment that results in a significant reduction in energy usage; and a wind, solar, biomass (including biodiesel), or geothermal source; or hydrogen derived from biomass or water using an energy source described in item (aa). purchasing a renewable energy system; or carrying out an energy efficiency project for a small business concern. The Administrator may not collect a guarantee fee described in paragraph (18) in connection with a loan made under this paragraph to a veteran or spouse of a veteran on or after October 1, 2015 . a veteran, as defined in section 632(q)(4) of this title ; an individual who is eligible to participate in the Transition Assistance Program established under section 1144 of title 10 ; a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces named in section 10101 of title 10 ; the spouse of an individual described in subclause (I), (II), or (III); or the surviving spouse (as defined in section 101 of title 38 ) of an individual described in subclause (I), (II), or (III) who died while serving on active duty or as a result of a disability that is service-connected (as defined in such section). The Administrator may guarantee an express loan to a small business concern located in a disaster area in accordance with this subparagraph. the maximum loan amount is $150,000; and the guarantee rate shall be not more than 85 percent. A loan guaranteed under clause (i) shall not be counted in determining the amount of loans made to a borrower for purposes of subparagraph (D). A small business concern receiving a loan guaranteed under clause (i) shall certify that the small business concern was in operation on the date on which the applicable major disaster occurred as a condition of receiving the loan. A loan guaranteed under clause (i) may only be made to a small business concern that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Administrator, sufficient capacity to repay the loan. Not later than 90 days after the date on which a request for purchase is filed with the Administrator, the Administrator shall determine whether to pay the guaranteed portion of the loan. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unless there is a subsequent finding of fraud by a court of competent jurisdiction relating to a loan guaranteed under clause (i), on and after the date that is 6 months after the date on which the Administrator determines to pay the guaranteed portion of the loan, the Administrator may not attempt to recapture the paid guarantee. Unless the Administrator has waived the guarantee fee that would otherwise be collected by the Administrator under paragraph (18) for a loan guaranteed under clause (i), and except as provided in subclause (II), the guarantee fee for the loan shall be equal to the guarantee fee that the Administrator would collect if the guarantee rate for the loan was 50 percent. Subclause (I) shall not apply if the cost of carrying out the program under this subsection in a fiscal year is more than zero and such cost is directly attributable to the cost of guaranteeing loans under clause (i). Not later than 270 days after November 25, 2015 , the Administrator shall promulgate rules to carry out this subparagraph. the term “cost” has the meaning given that term in section 661a of title 2 ; made under this subsection; and the proceeds of which are used to purchase energy efficient designs, equipment, or fixtures, or to reduce the energy consumption of the borrower by 10 percent or more; and the term “pilot program” means the pilot program established under subparagraph (B) 4 4 So in original. The Administrator shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which the Administrator shall reduce the fees for covered energy efficiency loans. The pilot program shall terminate at the end of the second full fiscal year after the date that the Administrator establishes the pilot program. A covered energy efficiency loan shall include the maximum participation levels by the Administrator permitted for loans made under this subsection. The fee on a covered energy efficiency loan shall be equal to 50 percent of the fee otherwise applicable to that loan under paragraph (18). for the fiscal year before that fiscal year, the annual rate of default of covered energy efficiency loans exceeds that of loans made under this subsection that are not covered energy efficiency loans; the cost to the Administration of making loans under this subsection is greater than zero and such cost is directly attributable to the cost of making covered energy efficiency loans; and no additional sources of revenue authority are available to reduce the cost of making loans under this subsection to zero. shall not assess or collect fees in an amount greater than necessary to ensure that the cost of the program under this subsection is not greater than zero; and shall reinstate the fee reductions under clause (i) when the conditions in clause (ii) no longer apply. The Administrator shall not increase the fees under paragraph (18) on loans made under this subsection that are not covered energy efficiency loans as a direct result of the pilot program. Not later than 1 year after the date that the pilot program terminates, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the pilot program. the number of covered energy efficiency loans for which fees were reduced under the pilot program; a description of the energy efficiency savings with the pilot program; a description of the impact of the pilot program on the program under this subsection; an evaluation of the efficacy and potential fraud and abuse of the pilot program; and recommendations for improving the pilot program. the term “cost” has the meaning given that term in section 661a of title 2 ; the term “pilot program” means the pilot program established under subparagraph (B); and the term “veteran participation loan” means a loan made under this subsection to a small business concern owned and controlled by veterans of the Armed Forces or members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces. The Administrator shall establish and carry out a pilot program under which the Administrator shall reduce the fees for veteran participation loans. The pilot program shall terminate at the end of the second full fiscal year after the date that the Administrator establishes the pilot program. A veteran participation loan shall include the maximum participation levels by the Administrator permitted for loans made under this subsection. The fee on a veteran participation loan shall be equal to 50 percent of the fee otherwise applicable to that loan under paragraph (18). for the fiscal year before that fiscal year, the annual estimated rate of default of veteran participation loans exceeds that of loans made under this subsection that are not veteran participation loans; the cost to the Administration of making loans under this subsection is greater than zero and such cost is directly attributable to the cost of making veteran participation loans; and no additional sources of revenue authority are available to reduce the cost of making loans under this subsection to zero. shall not assess or collect fees in an amount greater than necessary to ensure that the cost of the program under this subsection is not greater than zero; and shall reinstate the fee reductions under clause (i) when the conditions in clause (ii) no longer apply. The Administrator shall not increase the fees under paragraph (18) on loans made under this subsection that are not veteran participation loans as a direct result of the pilot program. Not later than 1 year after the date that the pilot program terminates, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report on the pilot program. the number of veteran participation loans for which fees were reduced under the pilot program; a description of the impact of the pilot program on the program under this subsection; an evaluation of the efficacy and potential fraud and abuse of the pilot program; and recommendations for improving the pilot program. obtaining a standby letter of credit when required as a bid bond, performance bond, or advance payment guarantee; participation in a trade show that takes place outside the United States; translation of product brochures or catalogues for use in markets outside the United States; obtaining a general line of credit for export purposes; performing a service contract from buyers located outside the United States; obtaining transaction-specific financing associated with completing export orders; purchasing real estate or equipment to be used in the production of goods or services for export; providing term loans or other financing to enable a small business concern, including an export trading company and an export management company, to develop a market outside the United States; and acquiring, constructing, renovating, modernizing, improving, or expanding a production facility or equipment to be used in the United States in the production of goods or services for export; and the term “express loan” means a loan in which a lender uses to the maximum extent practicable the loan analyses, procedures, and documentation of the lender to provide expedited processing of the loan application. The Administrator may guarantee the timely payment of an express loan to a small business concern made for an export development activity. The maximum amount of an express loan guaranteed under this paragraph shall be $500,000. 90 percent of a loan that is not more than $350,000; and 75 percent of a loan that is more than $350,000 and not more than $500,000. In this paragraph, the term “cooperative” means an entity that is determined to be a cooperative by the Administrator, in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulation. The Administration shall guarantee loans made to a cooperative for the purpose described in paragraph (15). the terms “appropriate Federal banking agency” and “insured depository institution” have the meanings given those terms in section 1813 of title 12 ; the term “covered loan” means a loan made under this paragraph during the covered period; the term “covered period” means the period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on June 30, 2021 ; the term “eligible recipient” means an individual or entity that is eligible to receive a covered loan; the term “eligible self-employed individual” has the meaning given the term in section 7002(b) of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ( Public Law 116–127 ); the term “insured credit union” has the meaning given the term in section 1752 of title 12 ; the term “nonprofit organization” means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of title 26 and that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of title 26 ; salary, wage, commission, or similar compensation; payment of cash tip or equivalent; payment for vacation, parental, family, medical, or sick leave; allowance for dismissal or separation; payment required for the provisions of group health care or group life, disability, vision, or dental insurance benefits, including insurance premiums; payment of any retirement benefit; or payment of State or local tax assessed on the compensation of employees; and the sum of payments of any compensation to or income of a sole proprietor or independent contractor that is a wage, commission, income, net earnings from self-employment, or similar compensation and that is in an amount that is not more than $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the payments are made or the obligation to make the payments is incurred; and the compensation of an individual employee in excess of $100,000 on an annualized basis, as prorated for the period during which the compensation is paid or the obligation to pay the compensation is incurred; taxes imposed or withheld under chapters 21, 22, or 24 of title 26 during the applicable period; any compensation of an employee whose principal place of residence is outside of the United States; qualified sick leave wages for which a credit is allowed under section 7001 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ( Public Law 116–127 ); or qualified family leave wages for which a credit is allowed under section 7003 of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ( Public Law 116–127 ); the term “veterans organization” means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(19) of title 26 that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of title 26 ; the term “community development financial institution” has the meaning given the term in section 4702 of title 12 ); 5 5 So in original. The closing parenthesis probably should not appear. a community development financial institution; a minority depository institution, as defined in section 308 of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 ( 12 U.S.C. 1463 note); a development company that is certified under title V of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 ( 15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.); and an intermediary, as defined in subsection (m)(11); the term “credit union” means a State credit union or a Federal credit union, as those terms are defined, respectively, in section 1752 of title 12 ; does not operate for more than 7 months in any calendar year; or during the preceding calendar year, had gross receipts for any 6 months of that year that were not more than 33.33 percent of the gross receipts of the employer for the other 6 months of that year; the term “housing cooperative” means a cooperative housing corporation (as defined in section 216(b) of title 26 ) that employs not more than 300 employees; an organization described in section 501(c) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title; or assisting with the location of meeting and convention sites; providing travel information on area attractions, lodging accommodations, and restaurants; providing maps; and organizing group tours of local historical, recreational, and cultural attractions; or that is engaged in, and derives the majority of the operating budget of the entity from revenue attributable to, providing live events; the terms “exchange”, “issuer”, and “security” have the meanings given those terms in section 78c(a) of this title ; and means an organization described in any paragraph of section 501(c) of title 26 , other than paragraph (3), (4), (6), or (19), and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title; and does not include any entity that, if the entity were a business concern, would be described in section 120.110 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or in any successor regulation or other related guidance or rule that may be issued by the Administrator) other than a business concern described in paragraph (a) or (k) of such section. Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Administrator may guarantee covered loans under the same terms, conditions, and processes as a loan made under this subsection. Not later than 15 days after the date on which a loan is made under this paragraph, the Administration shall register the loan using the TIN (as defined in section 7701 of title 26 ) assigned to the borrower. 500 employees; or if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administration for the industry in which the business concern, nonprofit organization, housing cooperative, veterans organization, or Tribal business concern operates. During the covered period, individuals who operate under a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor and eligible self-employed individuals shall be eligible to receive a covered loan. An eligible self-employed individual, independent contractor, or sole proprietorship seeking a covered loan shall submit such documentation as determined necessary by the Administrator and the Secretary, to establish the applicant as eligible. During the covered period, any business concern that employs not more than 500 employees per physical location of the business concern and that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 72 at the time of disbursal shall be eligible to receive a covered loan. that employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for the North American Industry Classification System code applicable to the business concern, per physical location of such business concern; or any nonprofit organization or any organization otherwise subject to section 511(a)(2)(B) of title 26 that is a public broadcasting entity (as defined in section 397(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 397(11) )). the included business concern is majority owned or controlled by a business concern that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 511110 or 5151 or, with respect to a public broadcasting entity (as defined in section 397(11) of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 397(11) )), has a trade or business that falls under such a code; and the included business concern makes a good faith certification that proceeds of the loan will be used to support expenses at the component of the included business concern that produces or distributes locally focused or emergency information. a nonprofit organization shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if the nonprofit organization employs not more than 500 employees per physical location of the organization; and an additional covered nonprofit entity and an organization that, but for subclauses (I)(dd) and (II)(dd) of clause (vii), would be eligible for a covered loan under clause (vii) shall be eligible to receive a covered loan if the entity or organization employs not more than 300 employees per physical location of the entity or organization. the business concern or organization employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for that North American Industry Classification code, per physical location of the business concern or organization; and the business concern or organization makes a good faith certification that proceeds of the loan will be used to support expenses at the component of the business concern or organization that supports local or regional news. any business concern with not more than 500 employees that, as of the date on which the covered loan is disbursed, is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 72; any business concern operating as a franchise that is assigned a franchise identifier code by the Administration; any business concern that receives financial assistance from a company licensed under section 681 of this title ; any business concern (including any station which broadcasts pursuant to a license granted by the Federal Communications Commission under title III of the Communications Act of 1934 ( 47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) without regard for whether such a station is a concern as defined in section 121.105 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto) that employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for the North American Industry Classification System code applicable to the business concern, per physical location of such business concern and is majority owned or controlled by a business concern that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 511110 or 5151; or any nonprofit organization that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code beginning with 5151; and employs not more than 500 employees, or the size standard established by the Administrator for that North American Industry Classification code, per physical location of the business concern or organization; and is majority owned or controlled by a business concern or organization that is assigned a North American Industry Classification System code of 519130. For purposes of determining whether a business concern, nonprofit organization, veterans organization, or Tribal business concern described in section 657a(b)(2)(C) of this title employs not more than 500 employees under clause (i)(I), or for purposes of determining the number of employees of a housing cooperative or a business concern or organization made eligible for a loan under this paragraph under subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (iii), subclause (IV) or (V) of clause (iv), clause (vii), or clause (ix), the term “employee” includes individuals employed on a full-time, part-time, or other basis. The provisions applicable to affiliations under section 121.103 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, shall apply with respect to a nonprofit organization, a business concern or organization made eligible for a loan under this paragraph under clause (vii), a housing cooperative, and a veterans organization in the same manner as with respect to a small business concern. the organization does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from lobbying activities; the lobbying activities of the organization do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total activities of the organization; the cost of the lobbying activities of the organization did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the organization that ended prior to February 15, 2020 ; and the organization employs not more than 300 employees. the destination marketing organization does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from lobbying activities; the lobbying activities of the destination marketing organization do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total activities of the organization; the cost of the lobbying activities of the destination marketing organization did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the destination marketing organization that ended prior to February 15, 2020 ; and 6 6 So in original. The word “and” probably should not appear. the destination marketing organization employs not more than 300 employees; and is described in section 501(c) of title 26 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such title; or is a quasi-governmental entity or is a political subdivision of a State or local government, including any instrumentality of those entities. Subject to subclause (II), and notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph, on and after December 27, 2020 , an entity that is an issuer, the securities of which are listed on an exchange registered as a national securities exchange under section 78f of this title , shall be ineligible to receive a covered loan under this paragraph. With respect to a business concern or organization made eligible by subclause (II) or (IV) of clause (iii) or subclause (IV) or (V) of clause (iv) of this subparagraph, the Administrator shall not consider whether any affiliated entity, which for purposes of this subclause shall include any entity that owns or controls such business concern or organization, is an issuer. the additional covered nonprofit entity does not receive more than 15 percent of its receipts from lobbying activities; the lobbying activities of the additional covered nonprofit entity do not comprise more than 15 percent of the total activities of the organization; the cost of the lobbying activities of the additional covered nonprofit entity did not exceed $1,000,000 during the most recent tax year of the additional covered nonprofit entity that ended prior to February 15, 2020 ; and the additional covered nonprofit entity employs not more than 300 employees. the average total monthly payments by the applicant for payroll costs incurred during the 1-year period before the date on which the loan is made, except that an applicant that is a seasonal employer shall use the average total monthly payments for payroll for any 12-week period selected by the seasonal employer between February 15, 2019 , and February 15, 2020 ; by 2.5; and the outstanding amount of a loan under subsection (b)(2) that was made during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on the date on which covered loans are made available to be refinanced under the covered loan; or the average total monthly payments by the applicant for payroll costs incurred during the period beginning on January 1, 2020 and ending on February 29, 2020 ; by 2.5; and the outstanding amount of a loan under subsection (b)(2) that was made during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on the date on which covered loans are made available to be refinanced under the covered loan; or $10,000,000. payroll costs; costs related to the continuation of group health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical, or family leave, and insurance premiums; employee salaries, commissions, or similar compensations; payments of interest on any mortgage obligation (which shall not include any prepayment of or payment of principal on a mortgage obligation); rent (including rent under a lease agreement); utilities; interest on any other debt obligations that were incurred before the covered period; covered operations expenditures, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title ; covered property damage costs, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title ; covered supplier costs, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title ; and covered worker protection expenditures, as defined in section 636m(a) of this title . For purposes of making covered loans for the purposes described in clause (i), a lender approved to make loans under this subsection shall be deemed to have been delegated authority by the Administrator to make and approve covered loans, subject to the provisions of this paragraph. was in operation on February 15, 2020 ; and had employees for whom the borrower paid salaries and payroll taxes; or paid independent contractors, as reported on a Form 1099–MISC. The authority to make loans under this paragraph shall be extended to additional lenders determined by the Administrator and the Secretary of the Treasury to have the necessary qualifications to process, close, disburse and service loans made with the guarantee of the Administration. A loan made under subsection (b)(2) during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on the date on which covered loans are made available may be refinanced as part of a covered loan. Notwithstanding the waiver of the personal guarantee requirement or collateral under subparagraph (J), the Administrator shall have no recourse against any individual shareholder, member, or partner of an eligible recipient of a covered loan for nonpayment of any covered loan, except to the extent that such shareholder, member, or partner uses the covered loan proceeds for a purpose not authorized under clause (i) or (iv). lobbying activities, as defined in section 1602 of title 2 ; lobbying expenditures related to a State or local election; or expenditures designed to influence the enactment of legislation, appropriations, regulation, administrative action, or Executive order proposed or pending before Congress or any State government, State legislature, or local legislature or legislative body. that the uncertainty of current economic conditions makes necessary the loan request to support the ongoing operations of the eligible recipient; acknowledging that funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage payments, lease payments, and utility payments; that the eligible recipient does not have an application pending for a loan under this subsection for the same purpose and duplicative of amounts applied for or received under a covered loan; and during the period beginning on February 15, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2020 , that the eligible recipient has not received amounts under this subsection for the same purpose and duplicative of amounts applied for or received under a covered loan. in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (23)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee; and in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (18)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee. During the covered period, the requirement that a small business concern is unable to obtain credit elsewhere, as defined in section 632(h) of this title , shall not apply to a covered loan. no personal guarantee shall be required for the covered loan; and no collateral shall be required for the covered loan. the remaining balance shall continue to be guaranteed by the Administration under this subsection; and the covered loan shall have a minimum maturity of 5 years and a maximum maturity of 10 years from the date on which the borrower applies for loan forgiveness under that section. A covered loan shall bear an interest rate not to exceed 4 percent, calculated on a non-compounding, non-adjustable basis. is in operation on February 15, 2020 ; and has an application for a covered loan that is approved or pending approval on or after March 27, 2020 . For purposes of this subparagraph, an impacted borrower is presumed to have been adversely impacted by COVID–19. consider each eligible recipient that applies for a covered loan to be an impacted borrower; and require lenders under this subsection to provide complete payment deferment relief for impacted borrowers with covered loans, including payment of principal, interest, and fees, until the date on which the amount of forgiveness determined under section 636m of this title is remitted to the lender. With respect to a covered loan that is sold on the secondary market, if an investor declines to approve a deferral requested by a lender under clause (ii), the Administrator shall exercise the authority to purchase the loan so that the impacted borrower may receive a deferral, including payment of principal, interest, and fees, until the date on which the amount of forgiveness determined under section 636m of this title is remitted to the lender. Not later than 30 days after March 27, 2020 , the Administrator shall provide guidance to lenders under this paragraph on the deferment process described in this subparagraph. If an eligible recipient fails to apply for forgiveness of a covered loan within 10 months after the last day of the covered period defined in section 636m(a) of this title , such eligible recipient shall make payments of principal, interest, and fees on such covered loan beginning on the day that is not earlier than the date that is 10 months after the last day of such covered period. A covered loan shall be eligible to be sold in the secondary market consistent with this subsection. The Administrator may not collect any fee for any guarantee sold into the secondary market under this subparagraph. With respect to the appropriate Federal banking agencies or the National Credit Union Administration Board applying capital requirements under their respective risk-based capital requirements, a covered loan shall receive a risk weight of zero percent. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an insured depository institution or an insured credit union that modifies a covered loan in relation to COVID–19-related difficulties in a troubled debt restructuring on or after March 13, 2020 , shall not be required to comply with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 310–40 (“Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors”) for purposes of compliance with the requirements of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ( 12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.), until such time and under such circumstances as the appropriate Federal banking agency or the National Credit Union Administration Board, as applicable, determines appropriate. 5 percent for loans of not more than $350,000; 3 percent for loans of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and 1 percent for loans of not less than $2,000,000. 50 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan; or $2,500; and 5 percent for a covered loan of more than $50,000 and not more than $350,000; 3 percent for a covered loan of more than $350,000 and less than $2,000,000; and 1 percent for a covered loan of not less than $2,000,000. An agent that assists an eligible recipient to prepare an application for a covered loan may not collect a fee in excess of the limits established by the Administrator. If an eligible recipient has knowingly retained an agent, such fees shall be paid by the eligible recipient and may not be paid out of the proceeds of a covered loan. A lender shall only be responsible for paying fees to an agent for services for which the lender directly contracts with the agent. A reimbursement described in clause (i) shall be made not later than 5 days after the reported disbursement of the covered loan and may not be required to be repaid by a lender unless the lender is found guilty of an act of fraud in connection with the covered loan. It is the sense of the Senate that the Administrator should issue guidance to lenders and agents to ensure that the processing and disbursement of covered loans prioritizes small business concerns and entities in underserved and rural markets, including veterans and members of the military community, small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (as defined in section 637(d)(3)(C) of this title ), women, and businesses in operation for less than 2 years. Nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a recipient of an economic injury disaster loan made under subsection (b)(2) that is for a purpose other than paying payroll costs and other obligations described in subparagraph (F) from receiving assistance under this paragraph. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall be no prepayment penalty for any payment made on a covered loan. insured depository institutions with consolidated assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 and less than $50,000,000,000; and credit unions with consolidated assets of not less than $10,000,000,000 and less than $50,000,000,000. community financial institutions; insured depository institutions with consolidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000; and credit unions with consolidated assets of less than $10,000,000,000. A business or organization that was not in operation on February 15, 2020 shall not be eligible for a loan under this paragraph. An eligible person or entity (as defined under of 4 section 9009a of this title ) that receives a grant under such section 9009a shall not be eligible for a loan under this paragraph. operates as a sole proprietorship or as an independent contractor, or is an eligible self-employed individual; reports farm income or expenses on a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor schedule); and was in business as of February 15, 2020 . the gross income of the covered recipient in 2019, as reported on a Schedule F (or any equivalent successor schedule), that is not more than $100,000, divided by 12; and 2.5; and the outstanding amount of a loan under subsection (b)(2) that was made during the period beginning on January 31, 2020 and ending on April 3, 2020 that the borrower intends to refinance under the covered loan, not including any amount of any advance under the loan that is not required to be repaid; or $2,000,000. With respect to a covered recipient with employees, the maximum covered loan amount shall be calculated using the formula described in subparagraph (E), except that the gross income of the covered recipient described in clause (ii)(I)(aa)(AA) of this subparagraph, as divided by 12, shall be added to the sum calculated under subparagraph (E)(i)(I). recalculate the maximum loan amount applicable to that covered loan based on the formula described in clause (ii) or (iii), as applicable, if doing so would result in a larger covered loan amount; and provide the covered recipient with additional covered loan amounts based on that recalculation. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any criminal charge or civil enforcement action alleging that a borrower engaged in fraud with respect to a covered loan guaranteed under this paragraph shall be filed not later than 10 years after the offense was committed. the terms “additional covered nonprofit entity”, “eligible self-employed individual”, “housing cooperative”, “nonprofit organization”, “payroll costs”, “seasonal employer”, and “veterans organization” have the meanings given those terms in paragraph (36), except that “eligible entity” shall be substituted for “eligible recipient” each place it appears in the definitions of those terms; the term “covered loan” means a loan made under this paragraph; the terms “covered mortgage obligation”, “covered operating expenditure”, “covered property damage cost”, “covered rent obligation”, “covered supplier cost”, “covered utility payment”, and “covered worker protection expenditure” have the meanings given those terms in section 636m(a) of this title ; employs not more than 300 employees; and except as provided in subitems (BB), (CC), and (DD), had gross receipts during the first, second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021 , fourth quarter in 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the same quarter in 2019; if the entity was not in business during the first or second quarter of 2019, but was in business during the third and fourth quarter of 2019, had gross receipts during the first, second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021 , fourth quarter of 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the third or fourth quarter of 2019; if the entity was not in business during the first, second, or third quarter of 2019, but was in business during the fourth quarter of 2019, had gross receipts during the first, second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021 , fourth quarter of 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the fourth quarter of 2019; or if the entity was not in business during 2019, but was in operation on February 15, 2020 , had gross receipts during the second, third, or, only with respect to an application submitted on or after January 1, 2021 , fourth quarter of 2020 that demonstrate not less than a 25 percent reduction from the gross receipts of the entity during the first quarter of 2020; includes a business concern or organization made eligible for a loan under paragraph (36) under subclause (II), (III), or (IV) of clause (iii), subclause (IV) or (V) of clause (iv), clause (vii), or clause (ix) of subparagraph (D) of paragraph (36) and that meets the requirements described in items (aa) and (bb) of subclause (I); and any entity that is a type of business concern (or would be, if such entity were a business concern) described in section 120.110 of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations (or in any successor regulation or other related guidance or rule that may be issued by the Administrator) other than a business concern described in subsection (a) or (k) of such section; or any business concern or entity primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, which shall include any entity that is organized for research or for engaging in advocacy in areas such as public policy or political strategy or otherwise describes itself as a think tank in any public documents; for which an entity created in or organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, or that has significant operations in the People’s Republic of China or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, owns or holds, directly or indirectly, not less than 20 percent of the economic interest of the business concern or entity, including as equity shares or a capital or profit interest in a limited liability company or partnership; or that retains, as a member of the board of directors of the business concern, a person who is a resident of the People’s Republic of China; any person required to submit a registration statement under section 612 of title 22 ; or an eligible person or entity (as defined under section 9009a of this title ) that receives a grant under such section 9009a; and the term “Tribal business concern” means a Tribal business concern described in section 657a(b)(2)(C) of this title . Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, the Administrator may guarantee covered loans to eligible entities under the same terms, conditions, and processes as a loan made under paragraph (36). the 1-year period before the date on which the loan is made; or calendar year 2019; by 2.5; or $2,000,000. at the election of the eligible entity, the average total monthly payments for payroll costs incurred or paid by the eligible entity for any 12-week period between February 15, 2019 and February 15, 2020 ; by 2.5; or $2,000,000. the sum of the total monthly payments by the eligible entity for payroll costs paid or incurred by the eligible entity as of the date on which the eligible entity applies for the covered loan; by the number of months in which those payroll costs were paid or incurred; by 2.5; or $2,000,000. the 1-year period before the date on which the loan is made; or calendar year 2019; by 3.5; or $2,000,000. For a business concern with more than 1 physical location, the business concern shall be an eligible entity if the business concern would be eligible for a loan under paragraph (36) pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (D) of such paragraph, as applied in accordance with clause (ii) of this subparagraph, and meets the revenue reduction requirements described in item (bb) of subparagraph (A)(iv)(I). For purposes of applying clause (i), the Administrator shall substitute “not more than 300 employees” for “not more than 500 employees” in paragraph (36)(D)(iii). The waiver described in paragraph (36)(D)(iv) shall apply for purposes of determining eligibility under this paragraph. For purposes of applying clause (i), the Administrator shall substitute “not more than 300 employees” for “not more than 500 employees” in subclause (I) and (IV) of paragraph (36)(D)(iv). An eligible entity may only receive 1 covered loan. An eligible entity applying for a covered loan shall not be required to make the certification described in clause (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (36)(G). in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (23)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee; and in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under paragraph (18)(A), the Administrator shall collect no fee. may submit a certification attesting that the eligible entity meets the applicable revenue loss requirement under subparagraph (A)(iv)(I)(bb); and if the eligible entity submits a certification under subclause (I), shall, on or before the date on which the eligible entity submits an application for forgiveness under subparagraph (J), produce adequate documentation that the eligible entity met such revenue loss standard. For purposes of calculating gross receipts under subparagraph (A)(iv)(I)(bb) for an eligible entity that is a nonprofit organization, a veterans organization, or an organization described in subparagraph (A)(iv)(II), gross receipts means gross receipts within the meaning of section 6033 of title 26 . In this subparagraph, the term “covered period” has the meaning given that term in section 636m(a) of this title . Except as otherwise provided in this subparagraph, an eligible entity shall be eligible for forgiveness of indebtedness on a covered loan in the same manner as an eligible recipient with respect to a loan made under paragraph (36) of this section, as described in section 636m of this title . qualified wages, as defined in subsection (c)(3) of section 2301 of the CARES Act ( 26 U.S.C. 3111 note), taken into account in determining the credit allowed under such section; qualified wages taken into account in determining the credit allowed under subsection (a) or (d) of section 303 of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act of 2020; or premiums taken into account in determining the credit allowed under section 6432 of title 26 . Any payment of interest on any covered mortgage obligation (which shall not include any prepayment of or payment of principal on a covered mortgage obligation). Any covered operations expenditure. Any covered property damage cost. Any payment on any covered rent obligation. Any covered utility payment. Any covered supplier cost. Any covered worker protection expenditure. the amount described in clause (ii); and the amount of the covered loan used for payroll costs during the covered period; and 0.60. For purposes of applying subsection ( l )(1) of section 636m of this title to a covered loan of not more than $150,000 under this paragraph, an eligible entity may be required to provide, at the time of the application for forgiveness, documentation required to substantiate revenue loss in accordance with subparagraph (I). Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, a lender approved to make loans under paragraph (36) may make covered loans under the same terms and conditions as in paragraph (36). 50 percent of the balance of the financing outstanding at the time of disbursement of the covered loan; or $2,500; 5 percent for a covered loan of more than $50,000 and not more than $350,000; and 3 percent for a covered loan of more than $350,000. Not later than 10 days after December 27, 2020 , the Administrator shall issue guidance addressing barriers to accessing capital for minority, underserved, veteran, and women-owned business concerns for the purpose of ensuring equitable access to covered loans. The Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, allow a lender approved to make covered loans to use existing program guidance and standard operating procedures for loans made under this subsection. has received a loan under paragraph (36); and on or before the expected date on which the covered loan under this paragraph is disbursed to the eligible entity, has used, or will use, the full amount of the loan received under paragraph (36). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any criminal charge or civil enforcement action alleging that a borrower engaged in fraud with respect to a covered loan guaranteed under this paragraph shall be filed not later than 10 years after the offense was committed. construction of retaining walls and sea walls; grading and contouring land; and relocating utilities and modifying structures, including construction of a safe room or similar storm shelter designed to protect property and occupants from tornadoes or other natural disasters, if such safe room or similar storm shelter is constructed in accordance with applicable standards issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; to refinance any mortgage or other lien against a totally destroyed or substantially damaged home or business concern: Provided , That no loan or guarantee shall be extended unless the Administration finds that (i) the applicant is not able to obtain credit elsewhere; (ii) such property is to be repaired, rehabilitated, or replaced; (iii) the amount refinanced shall not exceed the amount of physical loss sustained; and (iv) such amounts shall be reduced to the extent such mortgage or lien is satisfied by insurance or otherwise; and during fiscal years 2000 through 2004, to establish a predisaster mitigation program to make such loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred (guaranteed) basis), as the Administrator may determine to be necessary or appropriate, to enable small businesses to use mitigation techniques in support of a formal mitigation program established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, except that no loan or guarantee may be extended to a small business under this subparagraph unless the Administration finds that the small business is otherwise unable to obtain credit for the purposes described in this subparagraph; a major disaster, as determined by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.); a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture pursuant to section 1961 of title 7 , in which case, assistance under this paragraph may be provided to farm-related and nonfarm-related small business concerns, subject to the other applicable requirements of this paragraph; a disaster, as determined by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; an emergency involving Federal primary responsibility determined to exist by the President under the section 5191(b) of title 42 ; or if no disaster or emergency declaration has been issued pursuant to subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D), the Governor of a State in which a disaster or emergency has occurred may certify to the Small Business Administration that small business concerns, private nonprofit organizations, or small agricultural cooperatives (1) have suffered economic injury as a result of such disaster or emergency, and (2) are in need of financial assistance which is not available on reasonable terms in the disaster- or emergency-stricken area. Not later than 30 days after the date of receipt of such certification by a Governor of a State, the Administration shall respond in writing to that Governor on its determination and the reasons therefore, 10 and may then make such loans as would have been available under this paragraph if a disaster or emergency declaration had been issued. 10 So in original. Probably should be “therefor,”. the term “active service” has the meaning given that term in section 101(d)(3) of title 10 ; the term “essential employee” means an individual who is employed by a small business concern and whose managerial or technical expertise is critical to the successful day-to-day operations of that small business concern; and to meet its obligations as they mature; to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses; or to market, produce, or provide a product or service ordinarily marketed, produced, or provided by the business concern. The Administration may make such disaster loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) to assist a small business concern that has suffered or that is likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of an essential employee of such small business concern being ordered to perform active service for a period of more than 30 consecutive days. A small business concern described in subparagraph (B) shall be eligible to apply for assistance under this paragraph during the period beginning on the date on which the essential employee is ordered to active service and ending on the date that is 1 year after the date on which such essential employee is discharged or released from active service. The Administrator may, when appropriate (as determined by the Administrator), extend the ending date specified in the preceding sentence by not more than 1 year. Any loan or guarantee extended pursuant to this paragraph shall be made at the same interest rate as economic injury loans under paragraph (2). No loan may be made under this paragraph, either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis, if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower under this subsection would exceed $1,500,000, unless such applicant constitutes, or have 11 become due to changed economic circumstances, a major source of employment in its surrounding area, as determined by the Administration, in which case the Administration, in its discretion, may waive the $1,500,000 limitation. 11 So in original. Probably should be “has”. For purposes of assistance under this paragraph, no declaration of a disaster area shall be required. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may make a loan under this paragraph of not more than $50,000 without collateral. the 1-year period beginning on the date of the initial disbursement of the loan; and the period during which the relevant essential employee is on active service. The Administrator shall give priority to any application for a loan under this paragraph and shall process and make a determination regarding such applications prior to processing or making a determination on other loan applications under this subsection, on a rolling basis. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for any disaster declared under this subsection or major disaster (including any major disaster relating to which the Administrator declares eligibility for additional disaster assistance under paragraph (9)), the Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that all application periods for disaster relief under this chapter correspond with application deadlines established under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), or as extended by the President. the deadline for submitting applications for assistance under this chapter relating to that major disaster; information regarding the number of loan applications and disbursements processed by the Administrator relating to that major disaster for each day during the period beginning on the date on which that major disaster was declared and ending on the date of that report; and an estimate of the number of potential applicants that have not submitted an application relating to that major disaster. the date of such declaration; cities and towns within the area of such declaration; loan application deadlines related to such disaster; all relevant contact information for victim services available through the Administration (including links to small business development center websites); links to relevant Federal and State disaster assistance websites, including links to websites providing information regarding assistance available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency; information on eligibility criteria for Administration loan programs, including where such applications can be found; and application materials that clearly state the function of the Administration as the Federal source of disaster loans for homeowners and renters. The Administrator may enter into an agreement with a qualified private contractor, as determined by the Administrator, to process loans under this subsection in the event of a major disaster (including any major disaster relating to which the Administrator declares eligibility for additional disaster assistance under paragraph (9)), under which the Administrator shall pay the contractor a fee for each loan processed. The Administrator may enter into an agreement with a qualified lender or loss verification professional, as determined by the Administrator, to verify losses for loans under this subsection in the event of a major disaster (including any major disaster relating to which the Administrator declares eligibility for additional disaster assistance under paragraph (9)), under which the Administrator shall pay the lender or verification professional a fee for each loan for which such lender or verification professional verifies losses. in the Office of the Disaster Assistance is not fewer than 800; and in the Disaster Cadre of the Administration is not fewer than 1,000. detailing staffing levels on that date; requesting, if practicable and determined appropriate by the Administrator, additional funds for additional employees; and containing such additional information, as determined appropriate by the Administrator. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, the aggregate loan amount outstanding and committed to a borrower under this subsection may not exceed $2,000,000. The Administrator may, at the discretion of the Administrator, increase the aggregate loan amount under subparagraph (A) for loans relating to a disaster to a level established by the Administrator, based on appropriate economic indicators for the region in which that disaster occurred. If the President declares a major disaster, the Administrator may declare eligibility for additional disaster assistance in accordance with this paragraph. have resulted in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, or government functions in an area; be comparable to the description of a catastrophic incident in the National Response Plan of the Administration, or any successor thereto, unless there is no successor to such plan, in which case this clause shall have no force or effect; and the disaster assistance programs under the other paragraphs under this subsection are incapable of providing adequate and timely assistance to individuals or business concerns located within the disaster area; or a significant number of business concerns outside the disaster area have suffered disaster-related substantial economic injury as a result of the incident. If the Administrator declares eligibility for additional disaster assistance under this paragraph, the Administrator may make such loans under this subparagraph (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) as the Administrator determines appropriate to eligible small business concerns located anywhere in the United States. If the Administrator determines that the average processing time for applications for disaster loans under this subparagraph relating to a specific major disaster is more than 15 days, the Administrator shall give priority to the processing of such applications submitted by eligible small business concerns located inside the disaster area, until the Administrator determines that the average processing time for such applications is not more than 15 days. If the Administrator determines that the average processing time for applications for disaster loans under this subparagraph relating to a specific major disaster is more than 30 days, the Administrator shall suspend the processing of such applications submitted by eligible small business concerns located outside the disaster area, until the Administrator determines that the average processing time for such applications is not more than 15 days. A loan under this subparagraph shall be made on the same terms as a loan under paragraph (2). the term “disaster area” means the area for which the applicable major disaster was declared; meet its obligations as it matures; meet its ordinary and necessary operating expenses; or market, produce, or provide a product or service ordinarily marketed, produced, or provided by the business concern because the business concern relies on materials from the disaster area or sells or markets in the disaster area; and that has suffered disaster-related substantial economic injury as a result of the applicable major disaster; and for which not less than 25 percent of the market share of that small business concern is from business transacted in the disaster area; for which not less than 25 percent of an input into a production process of that small business concern is from the disaster area; or that relies on a provider located in the disaster area for a service that is not readily available elsewhere. The Administrator shall provide a clear and concise notification on all application materials for loans made under this subsection and on relevant websites notifying an applicant that the applicant may submit all documentation necessary for the approval of the loan at the time of application and that failure to submit all documentation could delay the approval and disbursement of the loan. The Administrator shall establish and implement clear, written policies and procedures for analyzing the ability of a loan applicant to repay a loan made under this subsection. The Administration may provide financial assistance to a small business development center, a women’s business center described in section 656 of this title , the Service Corps of Retired Executives, or any proposed consortium of such individuals or entities to spur disaster recovery and growth of small business concerns located in an area for which the President has declared a major disaster. Financial assistance provided under this paragraph shall be in the form of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement. Matching funds shall not be required for any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph. A recipient of financial assistance under this paragraph shall provide counseling, training, and other related services, such as promoting long-term resiliency, to small business concerns and entrepreneurs impacted by a major disaster. The Administrator, in cooperation with the recipients of financial assistance under this paragraph, shall establish metrics and goals for performance of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements under this paragraph, which shall include recovery of sales, recovery of employment, reestablishment of business premises, and establishment of new small business concerns. The Administrator shall base the goals and metrics for performance established under clause (i), in part, on the estimates of disaster impact prepared by the Office of Disaster Assistance for purposes of estimating loan-making requirements. The term of any grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall be for not more than 2 years. The Administrator may make 1 extension of a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement under this paragraph for a period of not more than 1 year, upon a showing of good cause and need for the extension. Financial assistance provided under this paragraph is in addition to, and wholly separate from, any other form of assistance provided by the Administrator under this chapter. The Administration shall award financial assistance under this paragraph on a competitive basis. If a contractor or other person engages in malfeasance in connection with repairs to, rehabilitation of, or replacement of real or personal property relating to which a loan was made under this subsection and the malfeasance results in substantial economic damage to the recipient of the loan or substantial risks to health or safety, upon receiving documentation of the substantial economic damage or the substantial risk to health and safety from an independent loss verifier, and subject to subparagraph (B), the Administrator may increase the amount of the loan under this subsection, as necessary for the cost of repairs, rehabilitation, or replacement needed to address the cause of the economic damage or health or safety risk. The Administrator may only increase the amount of a loan under subparagraph (A) upon receiving an appropriate certification from the borrower and person performing the mitigation attesting to the reasonableness of the mitigation costs and an assignment of any proceeds received from the person engaging in the malfeasance. The assignment of proceeds recovered from the person engaging in the malfeasance shall be equal to the amount of the loan under this section. Any mitigation activities shall be subject to audit and independent verification of completeness and cost reasonableness. The Administrator, acting through the district offices of the Administration, shall identify locations that may be used as recovery centers by the Administration in the event of a disaster declared under this subsection or a major disaster. identify a location described in subparagraph (A) in each county, parish, or similar unit of general local government in the area served by the district office; and ensure that the locations identified under subparagraph (A) may be used as a recovery center without cost to the Government, to the extent practicable. scheduled site visits to ensure borrower eligibility and compliance with requirements established by the Administrator; and reviews of the use of the loan proceeds by an entity described in paragraph (2) to ensure compliance with requirements established by the Administrator. the term “rural area” means any county or other political subdivision of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States that is designated as a rural area by the Bureau of the Census; and the term “significant damage” means, with respect to property, uninsured losses of not less than 40 percent of the estimated fair replacement value or pre-disaster fair market value of the damaged property, whichever is lower. the Governor of the State or the Chief Executive of the Indian tribal government in which the rural area is located requests such a declaration; and any home, small business concern, private nonprofit organization, or small agricultural cooperative has incurred significant damage in the rural area. any economic injury that resulted from a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ) in a rural area; each request for assistance made by the Governor of a State or the Chief Executive of an Indian tribal government under subparagraph (B)(i) and the response of the Administrator, including the timeline for each response; and any regulatory changes that will impact the ability of communities in rural areas to obtain disaster assistance under this subsection. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any criminal charge or civil enforcement action alleging that a borrower engaged in fraud with respect to a loan made under this subsection in response to COVID–19 during the covered period (as defined in section 9009(a) of this title ) shall be filed not later than 10 years after the offense was committed. may make any loan for repair, rehabilitation, or replacement of property damaged or destroyed without regard to whether the required financial assistance is otherwise available from private sources; may, in the case of the total destruction or substantial property damage of a home or business concern, refinance any mortgage or other liens outstanding against the destroyed or damaged property if such property is to be repaired, rehabilitated, or replaced, except that (1) in the case of a business concern, the amount refinanced shall not exceed the amount of the physical loss sustained, and (2) in the case of a home, the amount of each monthly payment of principal and interest on the loan after refinancing under this clause shall not be less than the amount of each such payment made prior to such refinancing; may, in the case of a loan made under clause (A) or a mortgage or other lien refinanced under clause (B) in connection with the destruction of, or substantial damage to, property owned and used as a residence by an individual who by reason of retirement, disability, or other similar circumstances relies for support on survivor, disability, or retirement benefits under a pension, insurance, or other programs, consent to the suspension of the payments of the principal of that loan, mortgage, or lien during the lifetime of that individual and his spouse for so long as the Administration determines that making such payments would constitute a substantial hardship; with respect to a loan made in connection with a disaster occurring on or after January 1, 1971 but prior to January 1, 1972 , the total amount so canceled shall not exceed $2,500, and the interest on the balance of the loan shall be at a rate of 3 per centum per annum; and with respect to a loan made in connection with a disaster occurring on or after January 1, 1972 but prior to July 1, 1973 , the total amount so canceled shall not exceed $5,000 and the interest on the balance of the loan shall be at a rate of 1 percentum per annum. 13 A State grant made on or prior to 13 See 1980 Amendment note below. July 1, 1979 , shall not be considered compensation for the purpose of applying the provisions of section 312(a) of the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [ 42 U.S.C. 5155(a) ] to a disaster loan under paragraph (1) (2) 14 of this subsection. 14 So in original. Probably should be “or (2)”. make such change in the interest rate on the balance of such loan as is required under that clause effective as of August 16, 1972 ; and in applying the limitation set forth in that clause with respect to the total amount of such loan which may be canceled, consider as part of the amount so canceled any part of such loan which was previously canceled pursuant to section 231 of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970 [ 15 U.S.C. 636a ]. the term “disaster area” means any area for which the President declared a major disaster relating to which the Administrator declares eligibility for additional disaster assistance under subsection (b)(9), during the period of that major disaster declaration; the term “eligible individual” means an individual who is eligible for disaster assistance under subsection (b)(1) relating to a major disaster relating to which the Administrator declares eligibility for additional disaster assistance under subsection (b)(9); a small business concern, as defined under this chapter; or a small business concern, as defined in section 103 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [ 15 U.S.C. 662 ]; the term “preferred lender” means a lender participating in the Preferred Lender Program; the term “Preferred Lender Program” has the meaning given that term in subsection (a)(2)(C)(ii); and is not a preferred lender; and the Administrator determines meets the criteria established under paragraph (10). The Administrator shall carry out a program, to be known as the Private Disaster Assistance program, under which the Administration may guarantee timely payment of principal and interest, as scheduled, on any loan made to an eligible small business concern located in a disaster area and to an eligible individual. A loan guaranteed by the Administrator under this subsection may be used for any purpose authorized under subsection (b). The Administrator may establish, directly or through an agreement with another entity, an online application process for loans guaranteed under this subsection. The Administrator may coordinate with the head of any other appropriate Federal agency so that any application submitted through an online application process established under this paragraph may be considered for any other Federal assistance program for disaster relief. In establishing an online application process under this paragraph, the Administrator shall consult with appropriate persons from the public and private sectors, including private lenders. The Administrator may guarantee not more than 85 percent of a loan under this subsection. The maximum amount of a loan guaranteed under this subsection shall be $2,000,000. A loan guaranteed under this subsection shall be made under the same terms and conditions as a loan under subsection (b). a qualified individual may be made by a preferred lender; and a qualified small business concern may be made by a qualified private lender or by a preferred lender that also makes loans to qualified individuals. Exclude the preferred lender from participating in the program under this subsection. Exclude the preferred lender from participating in the Preferred Lender Program for a period of not more than 5 years. The Administrator may not collect a guarantee fee under this subsection. The Administrator may pay a qualified private lender or preferred lender an origination fee for a loan guaranteed under this subsection in an amount agreed upon in advance between the qualified private lender or preferred lender and the Administrator. A qualified private lender or preferred lender may use its own loan documentation for a loan guaranteed by the Administrator under this subsection, to the extent authorized by the Administrator. The ability of a lender to use its own loan documentation for a loan guaranteed under this subsection shall not be considered part of the criteria for becoming a qualified private lender under the regulations promulgated under paragraph (10). Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008, the Administrator shall issue final regulations establishing permanent criteria for qualified private lenders. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of the Small Business Disaster Response and Loan Improvements Act of 2008, the Administrator shall submit a report on the progress of the regulations required by subparagraph (A) to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives. Amounts necessary to carry out this subsection shall be made available from amounts appropriated to the Administration to carry out subsection (b). Funds appropriated to the Administration to carry out this subsection, 9 may be used by the Administrator to meet the loan terms and conditions specified in paragraph (6). The Administrator may enter into an agreement with a qualified private lender or preferred lender to purchase any loan guaranteed under this subsection. The Administration may further extend the maturity of or renew any loan made pursuant to this section, or any loan transferred to the Administration pursuant to Reorganization Plan Numbered 2 of 1954, or Reorganization Plan Numbered 1 of 1957, for additional periods not to exceed ten years beyond the period stated therein, if such extension or renewal will aid in the orderly liquidation of such loan. During any period in which principal and interest charges are suspended on the Federal share of any loan, as provided in subsection (b), the Administrator shall, upon the request of any person, firm, or corporation having a participation in such loan, purchase such participation, or assume the obligation of the borrower, for the balance of such period, to make principal and interest payments on the non-Federal share of such loan: Provided , That no such payments shall be made by the Administrator in behalf of any borrower unless (i) the Administrator determines that such action is necessary in order to avoid a default, and (ii) the borrower agrees to make payments to the Administration in an aggregate amount equal to the amount paid in its behalf by the Administrator, in such manner and at such times (during or after the term of the loan) as the Administrator shall determine having due regard to the purposes sought to be achieved by this paragraph. if the loan proceeds are to repair or replace a primary residence and/or repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, the interest rate shall be 3 percent on the first $55,000 of such loan; if the loan proceeds are to repair or replace property damaged or destroyed and if the applicant is a business concern which is unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, the interest rate shall be as determined by the Administration, but not in excess of 5 percent per annum; and if the loan proceeds are to repair or replace property damaged or destroyed and if the applicant is a business concern which is able to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere, the interest rate shall not exceed the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 percent, and an additional amount as determined by the Administration, but not to exceed 1 percent: Provided , That three years after such loan is fully disbursed and every two years thereafter for the term of the loan, if the Administration determines that the borrower is able to obtain a loan from non-Federal sources at reasonable rates and terms for loans of similar purposes and periods of time, the borrower shall, upon request by the Administration, apply for and accept such a loan in sufficient amount to repay the Administration: Provided further , That no loan under subsection (b)(1) shall be made, either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis, if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower under such subsection would exceed $500,000 for each disaster, unless an applicant constitutes a major source of employment in an area suffering a disaster, in which case the Administration, in its discretion, may waive the $500,000 limitation. in the case of a homeowner unable to secure credit elsewhere, the rate prescribed by the Administration but not more than one-half the rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans plus an additional charge of not to exceed 1 per centum per annum as determined by the Administrator, and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum but not to exceed 8 per centum per annum; in the case of a homeowner able to secure credit elsewhere, the rate prescribed by the Administration but not more than the rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans plus an additional charge of not to exceed 1 per centum per annum as determined by the Administrator, and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum; in the case of a business concern unable to obtain credit elsewhere, not to exceed 8 per centum per annum; in the case of a business concern able to obtain credit elsewhere, the rate prescribed by the Administration but not in excess of the rate prevailing in private market for similar loans and not more than the rate prescribed by the Administration as the maximum interest rate for deferred participation (guaranteed) loans under subsection (a). Loans under this subparagraph shall be limited to a maximum term of three years. in the case of a homeowner unable to secure credit elsewhere, the rate prescribed by the Administration but not more than one-half the rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loan plus an additional charge of not to exceed 1 per centum per annum as determined by the Administrator, and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum, but not to exceed 4 per centum per annum; in the case of a homeowner able to secure credit elsewhere, the rate prescribed by the Administration but not more than the rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury taking into consideration the current average market yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with remaining periods to maturity comparable to the average maturities of such loans plus an additional charge of not to exceed 1 per centum per annum as determined by the Administrator, and adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 per centum, but not to exceed 8 per centum per annum; in the case of a business, private nonprofit organization, or other concern, including agricultural cooperatives, unable to obtain credit elsewhere, not to exceed 4 per centum per annum; in the case of a business concern able to obtain credit elsewhere, the rate prescribed by the Administration but not in excess of the lowest of (i) the rate prevailing in the private market for similar loans, (ii) the rate prescribed by the Administration as the maximum interest rate for deferred participation (guaranteed) loans under subsection (a), or (iii) 8 per centum per annum. Loans under this subparagraph shall be limited to a maximum term of 7 years. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, such loans, subject to the reductions required by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), shall be in amounts equal to 100 per centum of loss. The interest rates for loans made under subsection (b)(1) and (2), as determined pursuant to paragraph (5), shall be the rate of interest which is in effect on the date of the disaster commenced: Provided , That no loan under subsection (b)(1) and (2) shall be made, either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred (guaranteed) basis, if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower under subsection (b) would exceed $500,000 for each disaster unless an applicant constitutes a major source of employment in an area suffering a disaster, in which case the Administration, in its discretion, may waive the $500,000 limitation: Provided further , That the Administration, subject to the reductions required by subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1), shall not reduce the amount of eligibility for any homeowner on account of loss of real estate to less than $100,000 for each disaster nor for any homeowner or lessee on account of loss of personal property to less than $20,000 for each disaster, such sums being in addition to any eligible refinancing: Provided further , That the Administration shall not require collateral for loans of $14,000 or less (or such higher amount as the Administrator determines appropriate in the event of a major disaster) which are made under paragraph (1) of subsection (b): Provided further , That the Administrator, in obtaining the best available collateral for a loan of not more than $200,000 under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) relating to damage to or destruction of the property of, or economic injury to, a small business concern, shall not require the owner of the small business concern to use the primary residence of the owner as collateral if the Administrator determines that the owner has other assets of equal quality and with a value equal to or greater than the amount of the loan that could be used as collateral for the loan: Provided further , That nothing in the preceding proviso may be construed to reduce the amount of collateral required by the Administrator in connection with a loan described in the preceding proviso or to modify the standards used to evaluate the quality (rather than the type) of such collateral. Employees of concerns sharing a common business premises shall be aggregated in determining “major source of employment” status for nonprofit applicants owning such premises. With respect to any loan which is outstanding on April 18, 1984 , and which was made on account of a disaster commencing on or after October 1, 1982 , the Administrator shall make such change in the interest rate on the balance of such loan as is required herein effective as of April 18, 1984 . The Administration shall not withhold disaster assistance pursuant to this paragraph to nurseries who are victims of drought disasters. As used in subsection (b)(2) the term “an area affected by a disaster” includes any county, or county contiguous thereto, determined to be a disaster by the President, the Secretary of Agriculture or the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. for a loan to repair, rehabilitate, or replace property damaged or destroyed by reason of Superstorm Sandy; or if such a small business concern has suffered substantial economic injury by reason of Superstorm Sandy, for a loan to assist such a small business concern. The Administrator shall select loan recipients and make available loans for a period of not less than 1 year after the date on which the Administrator carries out this authority. Not later than 6 months after the date on which the Administrator begins carrying out this authority, the Inspector General of the Administration shall initiate a review of the controls for ensuring applicant eligibility for loans made under this paragraph. The Administration shall not fund any Small Business Development Center or any variation thereof, except as authorized in section 648 of this title . In making loans under subsection (b), the Administrator may provide, to the person receiving the loan, an option to defer repayment on the loan. The period of a deferment under subparagraph (A) may not exceed 4 years. In making loans under subsection (b), the Administrator shall not require the borrower to pay any non-amortized amount for the first five years after repayment begins. which is organized under the laws of the United States or of any State, operated in the interest of handicapped individuals, the net income of which does not inure in whole or in part to the benefit of any shareholder or other individual; which complies with any applicable occupational health and safety standard prescribed by the Secretary of Labor; and which, in the production of commodities and in the provision of services during any fiscal year in which it receives financial assistance under this subsection, employs handicapped individuals for not less than 75 per centum of the man-hours required for the production or provision of the commodities or services; or to assist any handicapped individual in establishing, acquiring, or operating a small business concern. The Administration’s share of any loan made under this subsection shall not exceed $350,000, nor may any such loan be made if the total amount outstanding and committed (by participation or otherwise) to the borrower from the business loan and investment fund established by section 633(c)(1)(B) of this title would exceed $350,000. In agreements to participate in loans on a deferred basis under this subsection, the Administration’s participation may total 100 per centum of the balance of the loan at the time of disbursement. The Administration’s share of any loan made under this subsection shall bear interest at the rate of 3 per centum per annum. The maximum term of any such loan, including extensions and renewals thereof, may not exceed fifteen years. All loans made under this subsection shall be of such sound value or so secured as reasonably to assure repayment: Provided, however , That any reasonable doubt shall be resolved in favor of the applicant. For purposes of this subsection, the term “handicapped individual” means a person who has a physical, mental, or emotional impairment, defect, ailment, disease, or disability of a permanent nature which in any way limits the selection of any type of employment for which the person would otherwise be qualified or qual­ifiable. The Administration also is empowered to make, participate (on an immediate basis) in, or guarantee loans, repayable in not more than fifteen years, to any small business concern, or to any qualified person seeking to establish such a concern, when it determines that such loans will further the policies established in section 631(b) 2 of this title, with particular emphasis on the preservation or establishment of small business concerns located in urban or rural areas with high proportions of unemployed or low-income individuals, or owned by low-income individuals: Provided, however , That no such loans shall be made, participated in, or guaranteed if the total of such Federal assistance to a single borrower outstanding at any one time would exceed $100,000. The Administration may defer payments on the principal of such loans for a grace period and use such other methods as it deems necessary and appropriate to assure the successful establishment and operation of such concern. The Administration may, in its discretion, as a condition of such financial assistance, require that the borrower take steps to improve his management skills by participating in a management training program approved by the Administration: Provided, however , That any management training program so approved must be of sufficient scope and duration to provide reasonable opportunity for the individuals served to develop entrepreneurial and managerial self-sufficiency. The Administration shall encourage, as far as possible, the participation of the private business community in the program of assistance to such concerns, and shall seek to stimulate new private lending activities to such concerns through the use of the loan guarantees, participations in loans, and pooling arrangements authorized by this subsection. To insure an equitable distribution between urban and rural areas for loans between $3,500 and $100,000 made under this subsection, the Administration is authorized to use the agencies and agreements and delegations developed under title III of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended [ 42 U.S.C. 2841 et seq.], as it shall determine necessary. The Administration shall provide for the continuing evaluation of programs under this subsection, including full information on the location, income characteristics, and types of businesses and individuals assisted, and on new private lending activity stimulated, and the results of such evaluation together with recommendations shall be included in the report required by section 639(a) of this title . there is reasonable assurance of repayment of the loan; the financial assistance is not otherwise available on reasonable terms from private sources or other Federal, State, or local programs; the amount of the loan, together with other funds available, is adequate to assure completion of the project or achievement of the purposes for which the loan is made; the loan bears interest at a rate not less than (i) a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the average market yield on outstanding Treasury obligations of comparable maturity, plus (ii) such additional charge, if any, toward covering other costs of the program as the Administration may determine to be consistent with its purposes: Provided, however , That the rate of interest charged on loans made in redevelopment areas designated under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 [ 42 U.S.C. 3121 et seq.] shall not exceed the rate currently applicable to new loans made under section 201 of that Act [ 42 U.S.C. 3141 ]; and fees not in excess of amounts necessary to cover administrative expenses and probable losses may be required on loan guarantees. The Administration shall take such steps as may be necessary to insure that, in any fiscal year, at least 50 per centum of the amounts loaned or guaranteed pursuant to this subsection are allotted to small business concerns located in urban areas identified by the Administration as having high concentrations of unemployed or low-income individuals or to small business concerns owned by low-income individuals. The Administration shall define the meaning of low income as it applies to owners of small business concerns eligible to be assisted under this subsection. No financial assistance shall be extended pursuant to this subsection where the Administration determines that the assistance will be used in relocating establishments from one area to another if such relocation would result in an increase in unemployment in the area of original location. The Administration shall provide financial assistance to public or private organizations to pay all or part of the cost of projects designed to provide technical or management assistance to individuals or enterprises eligible for assistance under subsection (i), paragraph (10) of this subsection; and section 637(a) of this title , with special attention to small businesses located in areas of high concentration of unemployed or low-income individuals, to small businesses eligible to receive contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . planning and research, including feasibility studies and market research; the identification and development of new business opportunities; the furnishing of centralized services with regard to public services and Federal Government programs including programs authorized under subsection (i); paragraph (10) of this subsection, and section 637(a) of this title ; the establishment and strengthening of business service agencies, including trade associations and cooperatives; and the furnishing of business counseling, management training, and legal and other related services, with special emphasis on the development of management training programs using the resources of the business community, including the development of management training opportunities in existing business, and with emphasis in all cases upon providing management training of sufficient scope and duration to develop entrepreneurial and managerial self-sufficiency on the part of the individuals served. The Administration shall encourage the placement of subcontracts by businesses with small business concerns located in areas of high concentration of unemployed or low-income individuals, with small businesses owned by low-income individuals, and with small businesses eligible to receive contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . The Administration may provide incentives and assistance to such businesses that will aid in the training and upgrading of potential subcontractors or other small business concerns eligible for assistance under subsections (i) and (j), and section 637(a) of this title . The Administration shall give preference to projects which promote the ownership, participation in ownership, or management of small businesses owned by low-income individuals and small businesses eligible to receive contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . The financial assistance authorized for projects under this subsection includes assistance advanced by grant, agreement, or contract. The Administration is authorized to make payments under grants and contracts entered into under this subsection in lump sum or installments, and in advance or by way of reimbursement, and in the case of grants, with necessary adjustments on account of overpayments or underpayments. To the extent feasible, services under this subsection shall be provided in a location which is easily accessible to the individuals and small business concerns served. Repealed. Pub. L. 101–574, title II, § 242(2) , Nov. 15, 1990 , 104 Stat. 2827 . The Administration shall take such steps as may be necessary and appropriate, in coordination and cooperation with the heads of other Federal departments and agencies, to insure that contracts, subcontracts, and deposits made by the Federal Government or with programs aided with Federal funds are placed in such way as to further the purposes of subsections (i) and (j) and section 637(a) of this title . assist small business concerns participating in the Program (either through public or private organizations) to develop and maintain comprehensive business plans which set forth the Program Participant’s specific business targets, objectives, and goals developed and maintained in conformity with subparagraph (D). 17 17 So in original. The period probably should be a semicolon. provide for such other nonfinancial services as deemed necessary for the establishment, preservation, and growth of small business concerns participating in the Program, including but not limited to (I) loan packaging, (II) financial counseling, (III) accounting and bookkeeping assistance, (IV) marketing assistance, and (V) management assistance; assist small business concerns participating in the Program to obtain equity and debt financing; establish regular performance monitoring and reporting systems for small business concerns participating in the Program to assure compliance with their business plans; analyze and report the causes of success and failure of small business concerns participating in the Program; and provide assistance necessary to help small business concerns participating in the Program to procure surety bonds, with such assistance including, but not limited to, (I) the preparation of application forms required to receive a surety bond, (II) special management and technical assistance designed to meet the specific needs of small business concerns participating in the Program and which have received or are applying to receive a surety bond, and (III) preparation of all forms necessary to receive a surety bond guarantee from the Administration pursuant to title IV, part B of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 [ 15 U.S.C. 694a et seq.]. Small business concerns eligible to receive contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title shall participate in the Program. 9 years less the number of years since the award of its first contract pursuant to section 637(a) of this title ; or its original fixed program participation term (plus any extension thereof) assigned prior to November 15, 1988 , plus eighteen months. Nothing contained in this subparagraph shall be deemed to prevent the Administration from instituting a termination or graduation pursuant to subparagraph (F) or (H) for issues unrelated to the expiration of any time period limitation. Promptly after certification under paragraph (11) a Program Participant shall submit a business plan (hereinafter referred to as the “plan”) as described in clause (ii) of this subparagraph for review by the Business Opportunity Specialist assigned to assist such Program Participant. The plan may be a revision of a preliminary business plan submitted by the Program Participant or required by the Administration as a part of the application for certification under this section and shall be designed to result in the Program Participant eliminating the conditions or circumstances upon which the Administration determined eligibility pursuant to section 637(a)(6) of this title . Such plan, and subsequent modifications submitted under clause (iii) of this subparagraph, shall be approved by the business opportunity specialist prior to the Program Participant being eligible for award of a contract pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . An analysis of market potential, competitive environment, and other business analyses estimating the Program Participant’s prospects for profitable operations during the term of program participation and after graduation. An analysis of the Program Participant’s strengths and weaknesses with particular attention to correcting any financial, managerial, technical, or personnel conditions which are likely to impede the small business concern from receiving contracts other than those awarded under section 637(a) of this title . Specific targets, objectives, and goals, for the business development of the Program Participant during the next and succeeding years utilizing the results of the analyses conducted pursuant to subclauses (I) and (II). A transition management plan outlining specific steps to assure profitable business operations after graduation (to be incorporated into the Program Participant’s plan during the first year of the transitional stage of Program participation). Estimates of contract awards pursuant to section 637(a) of this title and from other sources, which the Program Participant will require to meet the specific targets, objectives, and goals for the years covered by its plan. The estimates established shall be consistent with the provisions of subparagraph (I) and section 637(a) of this title . Each Program Participant shall annually review its currently approved plan with its Business Opportunity Specialist and modify such plan as may be appropriate. Any modified plan shall be submitted to the Administration for approval. The currently approved plan shall be considered valid until such time as a modified plan is approved by the Business Opportunity Specialist. Annual reviews pertaining to years in the transitional stage of program participation shall require, as appropriate, a written verification that such Program Participant has complied with the requirements of subparagraph (I) relating to attaining business activity from sources other than contracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . the aggregate dollar value of contract support to be sought on a noncompetitive basis under section 637(a) of this title , reflecting compliance with the requirements of subparagraph (I) relating to attaining business activity from sources other than contracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title , the types of contract opportunities being sought, identified by Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code or otherwise, an estimate of the dollar value of contract support to be sought on a competitive basis, and such other information as may be requested by the Business Opportunity Specialist to provide effective business development assistance to the Program Participant. voluntarily elects not to continue participation; completes the period of Program participation as prescribed by paragraph (15); is terminated pursuant to a termination proceeding conducted in accordance with section 637(a)(9) of this title ; or is graduated pursuant to a graduation proceeding conducted in accordance with section 637(a)(9) of this title . the failure by such concern to maintain its eligibility for Program participation; the failure of the concern to engage in business practices that will promote its competitiveness within a reasonable period of time as evidenced by, among other indicators, a pattern of unjustified delinquent performance or terminations for default with respect to contracts awarded under the authority of section 637(a) of this title ; a demonstrated pattern of failing to make required submissions or responses to the Administration in a timely manner; the willful violation of any rule or regulation of the Administration pertaining to material issues; the debarment of the concern or its disadvantaged owners by any agency pursuant to subpart 9.4 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation); or the conviction of the disadvantaged owner or an officer of the concern for any offense indicating a lack of business integrity including any conviction for embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or violation of section 645 of this title . For purposes of this clause, no termination action shall be taken with respect to a disadvantaged owner solely because of the conviction of an officer of the concern (who is other than a disadvantaged owner) unless such owner conspired with, abetted, or otherwise knowingly acquiesced in the activity or omission that was the basis of such officer’s conviction. The Director of the Division may initiate a termination proceeding by recommending such action to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development. Whenever the Associate Administrator, or a designee of such officer, determines such termination is appropriate, within 15 days after making such a determination the Program Participant shall be provided a written notice of intent to terminate, specifying the reasons for such action. No Program Participant shall be terminated from the Program pursuant to subparagraph (F) without first being afforded an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with section 637(a)(9) of this title . For the purposes of this subsection and section 637(a) of this title the term “graduated” or “graduation” means that the Program Participant is recognized as successfully completing the program by substantially achieving the targets, objectives, and goals contained in the concern’s business plan thereby demonstrating its ability to compete in the marketplace without assistance under this section or section 637(a) of this title . During the developmental stage of its participation in the Program, a Program Participant shall take all reasonable efforts within its control to attain the targets contained in its business plan for contracts awarded other than pursuant to section 637(a) of this title (hereinafter referred to as “business activity targets.”). Such efforts shall be made a part of the business plan and shall be sufficient in scope and duration to satisfy the Administration that the Program Participant will engage a reasonable marketing strategy that will maximize its potential to achieve its business activity targets. During the transitional stage of the Program a Program Participant shall be subject to regulations regarding business activity targets that are promulgated by the Administration pursuant to clause (iii); establish business activity targets applicable to Program Participants during the fifth year and each succeeding year of Program Participation; such targets, for such period of time, shall reflect a reasonably consistent increase in contracts awarded other than pursuant to section 637(a) of this title , expressed as a percentage of total sales; when promulgating business activity targets the Administration may establish modified targets for Program Participants that have participated in the Program for a period of longer than four years on June 1, 1989 ; require a Program Participant to attain its business activity targets; provide that, before the receipt of any contract to be awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title , the Program Participant (if it is in the transitional stage) must certify that it has complied with the regulations promulgated pursuant to subclause (II), or that it is in compliance with such remedial measures as may have been ordered pursuant to regulations issued under subclause (V); require the Administration to review each Program Participant’s performance regarding attainment of business activity targets during periodic reviews of such Participant’s business plan; and authorize the Administration to take appropriate remedial measures with respect to a Program Participant that has failed to attain a required business activity target for the purpose of reducing such Participant’s dependence on contracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title ; such remedial actions may include, but are not limited to assisting the Program Participant to expand the dollar volume of its competitive business activity or limiting the dollar volume of contracts awarded to the Program Participant pursuant to section 637(a) of this title ; except for actions that would constitute a termination, remedial measures taken pursuant to this subclause shall not be reviewable pursuant to section 637(a)(9) of this title . The Administration shall conduct an evaluation of a Program Participant’s eligibility for continued participation in the Program whenever it receives specific and credible information alleging that such Program Participant no longer meets the requirements for Program eligibility. Upon making a finding that a Program Participant is no longer eligible, the Administration shall initiate a termination proceeding in accordance with subparagraph (F). A Program Participant’s eligibility for award of any contract under the authority of section 637(a) of this title may be suspended pursuant to subpart 9.4 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations (or any successor regulation). Except as authorized by subclauses (II) or (III), no award shall be made pursuant to section 637(a) of this title to a concern other than a small business concern. In determining the size of a small business concern owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged Indian tribe (or a wholly owned business entity of such tribe), each firm’s size shall be independently determined without regard to its affiliation with the tribe, any entity of the tribal government, or any other business enterprise owned by the tribe, unless the Administrator determines that one or more such tribally owned business concerns have obtained, or are likely to obtain, a substantial unfair competitive advantage within an industry category. Any joint venture established under the authority of section 602(b) of Public Law 100–656 , the “Business Opportunity Development Reform Act of 1988”, shall be eligible for award of a contract pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . The Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development shall be responsible for coordinating and formulating policies relating to Federal assistance to small business concerns eligible for assistance under subsection (i) and small business concerns eligible to receive contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . Except as provided in clause (iii), no individual who was determined pursuant to section 637(a) of this title to be socially and economically disadvantaged before August 15, 1989 , shall be permitted to assert such disadvantage with respect to any other concern making application for certification after August 15, 1989 . Except as provided in clause (iii), any individual upon whom eligibility is based pursuant to section 637(a)(4) of this title shall be permitted to assert such eligibility for only one small business concern. the Indian tribe does not own another firm in the same industry which has been determined to be eligible to receive contracts under this program, and the individuals responsible for the management and daily operations of the concern do not manage more than two Program Participants. No concern, previously eligible for the award of contracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title , shall be subsequently recertified for program participation if its prior participation in the program was concluded for any of the reasons described in paragraph (10)(E). A concern eligible for the award of contracts pursuant to this subsection shall remain eligible for such contracts if there is a transfer of ownership and control (as defined pursuant to section 637(a)(4) of this title ) to individuals who are determined to be socially and economically disadvantaged pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . In the event of such a transfer, the concern, if not terminated or graduated, shall be eligible for a period of continued participation in the program not to exceed the time limitations prescribed in paragraph (15). There is established a Division of Program Certification and Eligibility (hereinafter referred to in this paragraph as the “Division”) that shall be made part of the Office of Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development. The Division shall be headed by a Director who shall report directly to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development. The Division shall establish field offices within such regional offices of the Administration as may be necessary to perform efficiently its functions and responsibilities. receive, review and evaluate applications for certification pursuant to paragraphs (4), (5), (6) and (7) of section 637(a) of this title ; advise each program applicant within 15 days after the receipt of an application as to whether such application is complete and suitable for evaluation and, if not, what matters must be rectified; render recommendations on such applications to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development; review and evaluate financial statements and other submissions from concerns participating in the program established by paragraph (10) to ascertain continued eligibility to receive subcontracts pursuant to section 637(a) of this title ; make a request for the initiation of termination or graduation proceedings, as appropriate, to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development; make recommendations to the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development concerning protests from applicants that have been denied program admission; decide protests regarding the status of a concern as a disadvantaged concern for purposes of any program or activity conducted under the authority of subsection (d) of section 637 of this title , or any other provision of Federal law that references such subsection for a definition of program eligibility; and implement such policy directives as may be issued by the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development pursuant to subparagraph (I) regarding, among other things, the geographic distribution of concerns to be admitted to the program and the industrial make-up of such concerns. the Government has not previously procured and is unlikely to procure the types of products or services offered by the concern; or the purchases of such products or services by the Federal Government will not be in quantities sufficient to support the developmental needs of the applicant and other Program Participants providing the same or similar items or services. Not later than 90 days after receipt of a completed application for Program certification, the Associate Administrator for Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development shall certify a small business concern as a Program Participant or shall deny such application. establish priorities for the solicitation of program applications from underrepresented regions and industry categories; assign staffing levels and allocate other program resources as necessary to meet program needs; and establish priorities in the processing and admission of new Program Participants as may be necessary to achieve an equitable geographic distribution of concerns and a distribution of concerns across all industry categories in proportions needed to increase significantly contract awards to small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. When considering such increase the Administration shall give due consideration to those industrial categories where Federal purchases have been substantial but where the participation rate of such concerns has been limited. The Administration shall segment the Capital Ownership Development Program into two stages: a developmental stage; and a transitional stage. The developmental stage of program participation shall be designed to assist the concern in its effort to overcome its economic disadvantage by providing such assistance as may be necessary and appropriate to access its markets and to strengthen its financial and managerial skills. The transitional stage of program participation shall be designed to overcome, insofar as practicable, the remaining elements of economic disadvantage and to prepare such concern for graduation from the program. Contract support pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . Financial assistance pursuant to subsection (a)(20). A maximum of two exemptions from the requirements of section 35(a) 2 of title 41, which exemptions shall apply only to contracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title and shall only be used to allow for contingent agreements by a small business concern to acquire the machinery, equipment, facilities, or labor needed to perform such contracts. No exemption shall be made pursuant to this subparagraph if the contract to which it pertains has an anticipated value in excess of $10,000,000. This subparagraph shall cease to be effective on October 1, 1992 . the Administration finds that such concern is unable to obtain the requisite bond or bonds from a surety and that no surety is willing to issue a bond subject to the guarantee provision of title IV of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 ( 15 U.S.C. 692 et seq.); the Administration and the agency providing the contracting opportunity have provided for the protection of persons furnishing materials or labor to the Program Participant by arranging for the direct disbursement of funds due to such persons by the procuring agency or through any bank the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and the contract to which it pertains does not exceed $3,000,000 in amount. This subparagraph shall cease to be effective on October 1, 1994 . such concern has documented that it has first explored the use of existing cost-free or cost-subsidized training programs offered by public and private sector agencies working with programs of employment and training and economic development; no more than five employees or potential employees of such concern are recipients of any benefits under this subparagraph at any one time; no more than $2,500 shall be made available for any one employee or potential employee; the length of training or upgrading financed by this subparagraph shall be no less than one month nor more than six months; such concern has given adequate assurance it will employ the trainee or upgraded employee for at least six months after the training or upgrading financed by this subparagraph has been completed and each trainee or upgraded employee has provided a similar assurance to remain within the employ of such concern for such period; if such concern, trainee, or upgraded employee breaches this agreement, the Administration shall be entitled to and shall make diligent efforts to obtain from the violating party the repayment of all funds expended on behalf of the violating party, such repayment shall be made to the Administration together with such interest and costs of collection as may be reasonable; the violating party shall be barred from receiving any further assistance under this subparagraph; the training to be financed may take place either at such concern’s facilities or at those of the training provider; and such concern will maintain such records as the Administration deems appropriate to ensure that the provisions of this paragraph and any other applicable law have not been violated. The transfer of technology or surplus property owned by the United States to such a concern. Activities designed to effect such transfer shall be developed in cooperation with the heads of Federal agencies and shall include the transfer by grant, license, or sale of such technology or property to such a concern. Such property may be transferred to Program Participants on a priority basis. Technology or property transferred under this subparagraph shall be used by the concern during the normal conduct of its business operation and shall not be sold or transferred to any other party (other than the Government) during such concern’s term of participation in the Program and for one year thereafter. the term “covered period” means the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the President declared the applicable major disaster; and the term “disaster area” means the area for which the President has declared a major disaster, during the covered period. the small business concern meets the requirements for such a transfer, without regard to whether the small business concern is a Program Participant; and for a small business concern that is a Program Participant, on and after the date on which the President declared the applicable major disaster, the small business concern has not received property under this subparagraph on the basis of the status of the small business concern as a Program Participant. For any transfer of property under this clause to a small business concern, the terms and conditions shall be the same as a transfer to a Program Participant, except that the small business concern shall agree not to sell or transfer the property to any party other than the Federal Government during the covered period. A small business concern that receives a transfer of property under this clause may not receive a transfer of property under clause (i) during the covered period. If a small business concern sells or transfers property in violation of the agreement described in subclause (III), the Administrator may initiate proceedings to prohibit the small business concern from receiving a transfer of property under this clause or clause (i), in addition to any other remedy available to the Administrator. in the case of a Puerto Rico business, the period beginning on August 13, 2018 , and ending on the date on which the Oversight Board established under section 2121 of title 48 terminates; and in the case of a covered territory business, the period beginning on January 1, 2021 , and ending on the date that is 4 years after such date. The Administrator may transfer technology or surplus property under clause (i) to a Puerto Rico business or a covered territory business if either such business meets the requirements for such a transfer, without regard to whether either such business is a Program Participant. Training assistance whereby the Administration shall conduct training sessions to assist individuals and enterprises eligible to receive contracts under section 637(a) of this title in the development of business principles and strategies to enhance their ability to successfully compete for contracts in the marketplace. Joint ventures, leader-follower arrangements, and teaming agreements between the Program Participant and other Program Participants and other business concerns with respect to contracting opportunities for the research, development, full-scale engineering or production of major systems. Such activities shall be undertaken on the basis of programs developed by the agency responsible for the procurement of the major system, with the assistance of the Administration. Transitional management business planning training and technical assistance. Program Participants in the developmental stage of Program participation shall be eligible for the assistance provided by subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), and (G). Program Participants in the transitional stage of Program participation shall be eligible for the assistance provided by subparagraphs (A), (B), (F), (G), (H), and (I) of paragraph (13). no more than four years may be spent in the developmental stage of Program Participation; and no more than five years may be spent in the transitional stage of Program Participation. The Administrator shall develop and implement a process for the systematic collection of data on the operations of the Program established pursuant to paragraph (10). The average personal net worth of individuals who own and control concerns that were initially certified for participation in the Program during the immediately preceding fiscal year. The Administrator shall also indicate the dollar distribution of net worths, at $50,000 increments, of all such individuals found to be socially and economically disadvantaged. For the first report required pursuant to this paragraph the Administrator shall also provide the data specified in the preceding sentence for all eligible individuals in the Program as of November 15, 1988 . A description and estimate of the benefits and costs that have accrued to the economy and the Government in the immediately preceding fiscal year due to the operations of those business concerns that were performing contracts awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . A compilation and evaluation of those business concerns that have exited the Program during the immediately preceding three fiscal years. Such compilation and evaluation shall detail the number of concerns actively engaged in business operations, those that have ceased or substantially curtailed such operations, including the reasons for such actions, and those concerns that have been acquired by other firms or organizations owned and controlled by other than socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. For those businesses that have continued operations after they exited from the Program, the Administrator shall also separately detail the benefits and costs that have accrued to the economy during the immediately preceding fiscal year due to the operations of such concerns. A listing of all participants in the Program during the preceding fiscal year identifying, by State and by Region, for each firm: the name of the concern, the race or ethnicity, and gender of the disadvantaged owners, the dollar value of all contracts received in the preceding year, the dollar amount of advance payments received by each concern pursuant to contracts awarded under section 637(a) of this title , and a description including (if appropriate) an estimate of the dollar value of all benefits received pursuant to paragraphs (13) and (14) and subsection (a)(20) during such year. The total dollar value of contracts and options awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to section 637(a) of this title and such amount expressed as a percentage of total sales of (I) all firms participating in the Program during such year; and (II) of firms in each of the nine years of program participation. A description of such additional resources or program authorities as may be required to provide the types of services needed over the next two-year period to service the expected portfolio of firms certified pursuant to section 637(a) of this title . The total dollar value of contracts and options awarded pursuant to section 637(a) of this title , at such dollar increments as the Administrator deems appropriate, for each four digit standard industrial classification code under which such contracts and options were classified. The first report required by subparagraph (B) shall pertain to fiscal year 1990. to utilize, with their consent, the services and facilities of Federal agencies without reimbursement, and, with the consent of any State or political subdivision of a State, accept and utilize the services and facilities of such State or subdivision without reimbursement; to accept, in the name of the Administration, and employ or dispose of in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, any money or property, real, personal, or mixed, tangible, or intangible, received by gift, devise, bequest, or otherwise; to accept voluntary and uncompensated services, notwithstanding the provisions of section 1342 of title 31 ; and to employ experts and consultants or organizations thereof as authorized by section 3109 of title 5 , except that no individual may be employed under the authority of this subsection for more than one hundred days in any fiscal year; to compensate individuals so employed at rates not in excess of the daily equivalent of the highest rate payable under section 5332 of title 5 , including traveltime; and to allow them, while away from their homes or regular places of business, travel expenses (including per diem in lieu of subsistence) as authorized by section 5703 of title 5 for persons in the Government service employed intermittently, while so employed: Provided, however , That contracts for such employment may be renewed annually. seeks or has been awarded a loan from the Administrator to make loans to small business concerns under this subsection; and has not less than 1 year of experience making loans to startup, newly established, or growing small business concerns; and a private, nonprofit community development corporation; a consortium of private, nonprofit organizations or nonprofit community development corporations; and an agency of or nonprofit entity established by a Native American Tribal Government; and the term “Program” means the small business intermediary lending pilot program established under paragraph (2). There is established a 3-year small business intermediary lending pilot program, under which the Administrator may make direct loans to eligible intermediaries, for the purpose of making loans to startup, newly established, and growing small business concerns. to assist small business concerns in areas suffering from a lack of credit due to poor economic conditions or changes in the financial market; and to establish a loan program under which the Administrator may provide loans to eligible intermediaries to enable the eligible intermediaries to provide loans to startup, newly established, and growing small business concerns for working capital, real estate, or the acquisition of materials, supplies, or equipment. the type of small business concerns to be assisted; the size and range of loans to be made; the interest rate and terms of loans to be made; the geographic area to be served and the economic, poverty, and unemployment characteristics of the area; the status of small business concerns in the area to be served and an analysis of the availability of credit; and the qualifications of the applicant to carry out this subsection. No loan may be made to an eligible intermediary under this subsection if the total amount outstanding and committed to the eligible intermediary by the Administrator would, as a result of such loan, exceed $1,000,000 during the participation of the eligible intermediary in the Program. Loans made by the Administrator under this subsection shall be for a term of 20 years. Loans made by the Administrator to an eligible intermediary under the Program shall bear an annual interest rate equal to 1.00 percent. The Administrator may not charge any fees or require collateral with respect to any loan made to an eligible intermediary under this subsection. The Administrator shall not require the repayment of principal or interest on a loan made to an eligible intermediary under the Program during the 2-year period beginning on the date of the initial disbursement of funds under that loan. to not more than 20 eligible intermediaries; and in a total amount of not more than $20,000,000. The Administrator, through an eligible intermediary, shall make loans to startup, newly established, and growing small business concerns for working capital, real estate, and the acquisition of materials, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. An eligible intermediary may not make a loan under this subsection of more than $200,000 to any 1 small business concern. A loan made by an eligible intermediary to a small business concern under this subsection, may have a fixed or a variable interest rate, and shall bear an interest rate specified by the eligible intermediary in the application of the eligible intermediary for a loan under this subsection. The Administrator may not review individual loans made by an eligible intermediary to a small business concern before approval of the loan by the eligible intermediary. The authority of the Administrator to make loans under the Program shall terminate 3 years after September 27, 2010 . to assist women, low-income, veteran (within the meaning of such term under section 632(q) of this title ), and minority entrepreneurs and business owners and other such individuals possessing the capability to operate successful business concerns; to assist small business concerns in those areas suffering from a lack of credit due to economic downturns; to make loans to eligible intermediaries to enable such intermediaries to provide small-scale loans, particularly loans in amounts averaging not more than $10,000, to startup, newly established, or growing small business concerns for working capital or the acquisition of materials, supplies, or equipment; to make grants to eligible intermediaries that, together with non-Federal matching funds, will enable such intermediaries to provide intensive marketing, management, and technical assistance to microloan borrowers; to make grants to eligible nonprofit entities that, together with non-Federal matching funds, will enable such entities to provide intensive marketing, management, and technical assistance to assist low-income entrepreneurs and other low-income individuals obtain private sector financing for their businesses, with or without loan guarantees; and to report to the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the effectiveness of the microloan program and the advisability and feasibility of implementing such a program nationwide; and establishing small businesses; and eliminating their dependence on that assistance. make direct loans to eligible intermediaries, as provided under paragraph (3), for the purpose of making short-term, fixed interest rate microloans to startup, newly established, and growing small business concerns under paragraph (6); in conjunction with such loans and subject to the requirements of paragraph (4), make grants to such intermediaries for the purpose of providing intensive marketing, management, and technical assistance to small business concerns that are borrowers under this subsection; and subject to the requirements of paragraph (5), make grants to nonprofit entities for the purpose of providing marketing, management, and technical assistance to low-income individuals seeking to start or enlarge their own businesses, if such assistance includes working with the grant recipient to secure loans in amounts not to exceed $50,000 from private sector lending institutions, with or without a loan guarantee from the nonprofit entity. meets the definition in paragraph (10); 2 and has at least 1 year of experience making microloans to startup, newly established, or growing small business concerns and providing, as an integral part of its microloan program, intensive marketing, management, and technical assistance to its borrowers. the type of businesses to be assisted; the size and range of loans to be made; the geographic area to be served and its economic, poverty, and unemployment characteristics; the status of small business concerns in the area to be served and an analysis of their credit and technical assistance needs; any marketing, management, and technical assistance to be provided in connection with a loan made under this subsection; the local economic credit markets, including the costs associated with obtaining credit locally; the qualifications of the applicant to carry out the purpose of this subsection; and any plan to involve other technical assistance providers (such as counselors from the Service Corps of Retired Executives or small business development centers) or private sector lenders in assisting selected business concerns. In selecting intermediaries to participate in the program established under this subsection, the Administration shall give priority to those applicants that provide loans in amounts averaging not more than $10,000. As a condition of any loan made to an intermediary under subparagraph (B)(i) of paragraph (1), the Administrator shall require the intermediary to contribute not less than 15 percent of the loan amount in cash from non-Federal sources. Notwithstanding subsection (a)(3), no loan shall be made under this subsection if the total amount outstanding and committed to one intermediary (excluding outstanding grants) from the business loan and investment fund established by this chapter would, as a result of such loan, exceed $750,000 in the first year of such intermediary’s participation in the program, $7,000,000 (in the aggregate) in the remaining years of the intermediary’s participation in the program, and $3,000,000 in any of those remaining years. The Administrator shall, by regulation, require each intermediary to establish a loan loss reserve fund, and to maintain such reserve fund until all obligations owed to the Administration under this subsection are repaid. Subject to subclause (III), the Administrator shall require the loan loss reserve fund of an intermediary to be maintained at a level equal to 15 percent of the outstanding balance of the notes receivable owed to the intermediary. After the initial 5 years of an intermediary’s participation in the program authorized by this subsection, the Administrator shall, at the request of the intermediary, conduct a review of the annual loss rate of the intermediary. Any intermediary in operation under this subsection prior to October 1, 1994 , that requests a reduction in its loan loss reserve shall be reviewed based on the most recent 5-year period preceding the request. Subject to the requirements of clause IV, 19 the Administrator may reduce the annual loan loss reserve requirement of an intermediary to reflect the actual average loan loss rate for the intermediary during the preceding 5-year period, except that in no case shall the loan loss reserve be reduced to less than 10 percent of the outstanding balance of the notes receivable owed to the intermediary. 19 So in original. Probably should be “subclause (IV),”. the average annual loss rate for the intermediary during the preceding 5-year period is less than 15 percent; and that 20 no other factors exist that may impair the ability of the intermediary to repay all obligations owed to the Administration under this subsection. 20 So in original. The word “that” probably should not appear. An intermediary may make a loan under this subsection of more than $20,000 to a small business concern only if such small business concern demonstrates that it is unable to obtain credit elsewhere at comparable interest rates and that it has good prospects for success. In no case shall an intermediary make a loan under this subsection of more than $50,000, or have outstanding or committed to any 1 borrower more than $50,000. Loans made by the Administration under this subsection shall be for a term of 10 years. Except as provided in clause (iii), loans made by the Administration under this subsection to an intermediary shall bear an interest rate equal to 1.25 percentage points below the rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for obligations of the United States with a period of maturity of 5 years, adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 percent. Loans made by the Administration to an intermediary that makes loans to small business concerns and entrepreneurs averaging not more than $7,500, shall bear an interest rate that is 2 percentage points below the rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury for obligations of the United States with a period of maturity of 5 years, adjusted to the nearest one-eighth of 1 percent. The interest rate prescribed in clause (ii) or (iii) shall apply to each separate loan-making site or office of 1 intermediary only if such site or office meets the requirements of that clause. be applied retroactively for the first year of an intermediary’s participation in the program, based upon the actual lending practices of the intermediary as determined by the Administration prior to the end of such year; and be based in the second and subsequent years of an intermediary’s participation in the program, upon the actual lending practices of the intermediary during the term of the intermediary’s participation in the program. The interest rates prescribed in this subparagraph shall apply to all loans made to intermediaries under this subsection on or after October 28, 1991 . The Administration shall not require repayment of interest or principal of a loan made to an intermediary under this subsection during the first year of the loan. Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (D), the Administration shall not charge any fees or require collateral other than an assignment of the notes receivable of the microloans with respect to any loan made to an intermediary under this subsection. Except as otherwise provided in subparagraphs (C) and (G) and subject to subparagraph (B), each intermediary that receives a loan under subparagraph (B)(i) of paragraph (1) shall be eligible to receive a grant to provide marketing, management, and technical assistance to small business concerns that are borrowers under this subsection. Except as provided in subparagraphs (C) and (G), each intermediary meeting the requirements of subparagraph (B) may receive a grant of not more than 25 percent of the total outstanding balance of loans made to it under this subsection. As a condition of a grant made under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall require the intermediary to contribute an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the grant, obtained solely from non-Federal sources. In addition to cash or other direct funding, the contribution may include indirect costs or in-kind contributions paid for under non-Federal programs. the intermediary provides not less than 25 percent of its loans to small business concerns located in or owned by 1 or more residents of an economically distressed area; or that averages not more than $10,000 during the period of the intermediary’s participation in the program; or of which not less than 25 percent is serving rural areas during the period of the intermediary’s participation in the program. A grant awarded under clause (i) may be used to provide marketing, management, and technical assistance to small business concerns that are borrowers under this subsection. The contribution requirements in subparagraph (B) do not apply to grants made under this subparagraph. The eligibility for a grant described in subparagraph (A), 9 or (C) shall be determined separately for each loan-making site or office of 1 intermediary. Each intermediary may expend an amount not to exceed 50 percent of the grant funds received under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) to provide information and technical assistance to small business concerns that are prospective borrowers under this subsection. An intermediary may expend not more than 50 percent of the funds received under paragraph (1)(B)(ii) to enter into third party contracts for the provision of technical assistance. The Administration may accept any funds transferred to the Administration from other departments or agencies of the Federal Government to make grants in accordance with this subparagraph and section 202(b) of the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 1997 to participating intermediaries and technical assistance providers under paragraph (5), for use in accordance with clause (iii) to provide additional technical assistance and related services to recipients of assistance under a State program described in paragraph (1)(A)(iv) at the time they initially apply for assistance under this subparagraph. In making grants under this subparagraph, the Administration may select, from among participating intermediaries and technical assistance providers described in clause (i), not more than 20 grantees in fiscal year 1998, not more than 25 grantees in fiscal year 1999, and not more than 30 grantees in fiscal year 2000, each of whom may receive a grant under this subparagraph in an amount not to exceed $200,000 per year. are in addition to other grants provided under this subsection and shall not require the contribution of matching amounts as a condition of eligibility; and to pay or reimburse a portion of child care and transportation costs of recipients of assistance described in clause (i), to the extent such costs are not otherwise paid by State block grants under the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 9858 2 et seq.) or under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); and for marketing, management, and technical assistance to recipients of assistance described in clause (i). specify the terms and conditions of the grants under this subparagraph; and provide for appropriate monitoring of expenditures by each grantee under this subparagraph and each recipient of assistance described in clause (i) who receives assistance from a grantee under this subparagraph, in order to ensure compliance with this subparagraph by those grantees and recipients of assistance. In any fiscal year in which the amount appropriated to make grants under subparagraph (A) is sufficient to provide to each intermediary that receives a loan under paragraph (1)(B)(i) a grant of not less than 25 percent of the total outstanding balance of loans made to the intermediary under this subsection, the Administration shall make a grant under subparagraph (A) to each intermediary of not less than 25 percent and not more than 30 percent of that total outstanding balance for the intermediary. Subject to the requirements of subparagraph (B), the Administration may make not more than 55 grants annually, each in amounts not to exceed $200,000 for the purposes specified in subparagraph (B)(iii) of paragraph (1). As a condition of any grant made under subparagraph (A), the Administration shall require the grant recipient to contribute an amount equal to 20 percent of the amount of the grant, obtained solely from non-Federal sources. In addition to cash or other direct funding, the contribution may include indirect costs or in-kind contributions paid for under non-Federal programs. An eligible intermediary shall make short-term, fixed rate loans to startup, newly established, and growing small business concerns from the funds made available to it under subparagraph (B)(i) of paragraph (1) for working capital and the acquisition of materials, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. To the extent practicable, each intermediary that operates a microloan program under this subsection shall maintain a microloan portfolio with an average loan size of not more than $15,000. in the case of a loan of more than $7,500 made by the intermediary to a small business concern or entrepreneur by more than 7.75 percentage points; and in the case of a loan of not more than $7,500 made by the intermediary to a small business concern or entrepreneur by more than 8.5 percentage points. The Administration shall not review individual microloans made by intermediaries prior to approval. In addition to other eligible small businesses concerns, borrowers under any program under this subsection may include individuals who will use the loan proceeds to establish for-profit or nonprofit child care establishments or businesses providing for-profit transportation services. Under the program authorized by this subsection, the Administration may fund, on a competitive basis, not more than 300 intermediaries. $800,000; or 1 ⁄ 55 of the total amount of new loan funds made available for award under this subsection for that fiscal year; and any additional amount, as determined by the Administration. If, at the beginning of the third quarter of a fiscal year, the Administration determines that any portion of the amount made available to carry out this subsection is unlikely to be made available under clause (i) during that fiscal year, the Administration may make that portion available for award in any one or more States (including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) without regard to clause (i). In approving microloan program applicants and providing funding to intermediaries under this subsection, the Administration shall select and provide funding to such intermediaries as will ensure appropriate availability of loans for small businesses in all industries located throughout each State, particularly those located in urban and in rural areas. The Administration may procure technical assistance for intermediaries participating in the Microloan Program to ensure that such intermediaries have the knowledge, skills, and understanding of microlending practices necessary to operate successful microloan programs. The Administration shall transfer 7 percent of its annual appropriation for loans and loan guarantees under this subsection to the Administration’s Salaries and Expense Account for the specific purpose of providing 1 or more technical assistance grants to experienced microlending organizations and national and regional nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated experience in providing training support for microenterprise development and financing. 22 to achieve the purpose set forth in subparagraph (A). 22 So in original. The period probably should not appear. Of amounts made available to carry out the welfare-to-work microloan initiative under paragraph (1)(A)(iv) in any fiscal year, the Administration may use not more than 5 percent to provide technical assistance, either directly or through contractors, to welfare-to-work microloan initiative grantees, to ensure that, as grantees, they have the knowledge, skills, and understanding of microlending and welfare-to-work transition, and other related issues, to operate a successful welfare-to-work microloan initiative. the numbers and locations of the intermediaries funded to conduct microloan programs; the amounts of each loan and each grant to intermediaries; a description of the matching contributions of each intermediary; the numbers and amounts of microloans made by the intermediaries to small business concern borrowers; the repayment history of each intermediary; a description of the loan portfolio of each intermediary including the extent to which it provides microloans to small business concerns in rural areas; and any recommendations for legislative changes that would improve program operations. a private, nonprofit entity; a private, nonprofit community development corporation; a consortium of private, nonprofit organizations or nonprofit community development corporations; no application is received from an eligible nonprofit organization; or the Administration determines that the needs of a region or geographic area are not adequately served by an existing, eligible nonprofit organization that has submitted an application; or an agency of or nonprofit entity established by a Native American Tribal Government, the term “microloan” means a short-term, fixed rate loan of not more than $50,000, made by an intermediary to a startup, newly established, or growing small business concern; in a nonmetropolitan county (as defined by the Secretary of Agriculture) or its equivalent thereof; or in a metropolitan county or its equivalent that has a resident population of less than 20,000 if the Small Business Administration has determined such political subdivision or area to be rural; and the term “economically distressed area”, as used in paragraph (4), means a county or equivalent division of local government of a State in which the small business concern is located, in which, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce, not less than 40 percent of residents have an annual income that is at or below the poverty level. In carrying out this paragraph, the Administration shall not participate in providing financing on a deferred basis to more than 10 intermediaries in urban areas or more than 10 intermediaries in rural areas. The term of each loan shall be 10 years. During the first year of the loan, the intermediary shall not be required to repay any interest or principal. During the second through fifth years of the loan, the intermediary shall be required to pay interest only. During the sixth through tenth years of the loan, the intermediary shall be required to make interest payments and fully amortize the principal. The interest rate on each loan shall be the rate specified by paragraph (3)(F) for direct loans. On January 31, 1999 , and annually thereafter, the Administration shall submit to the Committees on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on any monies distributed pursuant to paragraph (4)(F). The term “active service” has the meaning given that term in section 101(d)(3) of title 10 . The term “eligible reservist” means a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces ordered to perform active service for a period of more than 30 consecutive days. The term “essential employee” means an individual who is employed by a small business concern and whose managerial or technical expertise is critical to the successful day-to-day operations of that small business concern. an individual who is an eligible reservist and who received a direct loan under subsection (a) or (b) before being ordered to active service; or a small business concern that received a direct loan under subsection (a) or (b) before an eligible reservist, who is an essential employee, was ordered to active service. The Administration shall, upon written request, defer repayment of principal and interest due on a direct loan made under subsection (a) or (b), if such loan was incurred by a qualified borrower. The period of deferral for repayment under this paragraph shall begin on the date on which the eligible reservist is ordered to active service and shall terminate on the date that is 180 days after the date such eligible reservist is discharged or released from active service. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, during the period of deferral described in subparagraph (B), the Administration may, in its discretion, reduce the interest rate on any loan qualifying for a deferral under this paragraph. encourage intermediaries participating in the program under subsection (m) to defer repayment of a loan made with proceeds made available under that subsection, if such loan was incurred by a small business concern that is eligible to apply for assistance under subsection (b)(3); and encourage lenders and other intermediaries to defer repayment of, or provide other relief relating to, loan guarantees under subsection (a) and financings under section 697a of this title that were incurred by small business concerns that are eligible to apply for assistance under subsection (b)(3), and loan guarantees provided under subsection (m) if the intermediary provides relief to a small business concern under this paragraph; and implement a program to provide for the deferral of repayment or other relief to any intermediary providing relief to a small business borrower under this paragraph. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [transferring section 9005 of this title to section 636m of this title and amending this section and sections 636m and 9008 of this title] shall be effective as if included in the CARES Act ( Public Law 116–136 ; 134 Stat. 281 ) and shall apply to any loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], including forgiveness of such a loan. The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to a loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) for which the borrower received forgiveness before the date of enactment of this Act under section 1106 of the CARES Act [ 15 U.S.C. 9005 ], as in effect on the day before such date of enactment.” Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be effective as if included in the CARES Act ( Public Law 116–136 ; 134 Stat. 281 ) and shall apply to any loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], including forgiveness of such a loan. The amendments made by subsection (a) shall not apply to a loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) for which the borrower received forgiveness before the date of enactment of this Act under section 1106 of the CARES Act [ 15 U.S.C. 9005 ], as in effect on the day before such date of enactment.” Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be effective as if included in the CARES Act ( Public Law 116–136 ; 134 Stat. 281 ) and shall apply to any loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], including forgiveness of such a loan. The amendment made by subsection (a) shall not apply to a loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) for which the borrower received forgiveness before the date of enactment of this Act under section 1106 of the CARES Act [ 15 U.S.C. 9005 ], as in effect on the day before such date of enactment.” In this section [amending this section and enacting this note], the terms ‘covered loan’ and ‘eligible recipient’ have the meanings given the terms in section 7(a)(36)(A) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A) ). The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] may apply with respect to a covered loan made before the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], upon the agreement of the lender and the eligible recipient with respect to the covered loan.” Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this section [ Aug. 17, 1999 ]. The amendments made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply to economic injury suffered or likely to be suffered as the result of a period of military conflict occurring or ending on or after March 24, 1999 .” within 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Nov. 15, 1988 ] conduct meetings of present and potential participants in the program established by section 7(j)(10) of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636(j)(10) ], as amended by this Act, to ascertain and consider public comment on the nature and extent of regulations needed to implement this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note set out under section 631 of this title ]; within one hundred and twenty days after the date of enactment of this Act, publish in the Federal Register proposed rules and regulations implementing this Act; and within 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, publish in the Federal Register final rules and regulations implementing this Act.” no amount shall be included in the gross income of an eligible entity (within the meaning of subparagraph (J) of section 7(a)(37) of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(37) ]) by reason of forgiveness of indebtedness described in clause (ii) of such subparagraph, no deduction shall be denied, no tax attribute shall be reduced, and no basis increase shall be denied, by reason of the exclusion from gross income provided by paragraph (1), and any amount excluded from income by reason of paragraph (1) shall be treated as tax exempt income for purposes of sections 705 and 1366 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [ 26 U.S.C. 705 , 1366], and except as provided by the Secretary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate), any increase in the adjusted basis of a partner’s interest in a partnership under section 705 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to any amount described in subparagraph (A) shall equal the partner’s distributive share of deductions resulting from costs giving rise to the forgiveness of indebtedness referred to in paragraph (1).” It is the sense of Congress that the interim final rule of the [Small Business] Administration entitled ‘Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program’ (85 Fed. Reg. 20817 ( April 15, 2020 )) properly clarified the eligibility of churches and religious organizations for loans made under paragraph (36) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ). The prohibition on eligibility established by section 120.110(k) of title 13, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, shall not apply to a loan under paragraph (36) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ).” the terms ‘covered loan’ and ‘eligible recipient’ have the meanings given those terms in 7(a)(36)(A) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36)(A) ); and the term ‘included covered loan’ means a covered loan for which, as of the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], the borrower had not received forgiveness under section 1106 of the CARES Act [ 15 U.S.C. 9005 ], as in effect on the day before such date of enactment. in the case of an eligible recipient that returned all or part of an included covered loan, the eligible recipient may reapply for a covered loan for an amount equal to the difference between the amount retained and the maximum amount applicable; and in the case of an eligible recipient that did not accept the full amount of an included covered loan, the eligible recipient may request a modification to increase the amount of the covered loan to the maximum amount applicable, subject to the requirements of section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ). the initial covered loan amount has been fully disbursed; or the lender of the initial covered loan has submitted to the [Small Business] Administration a Form 1502 report related to the covered loan.” means an institution of the Farm Credit System chartered under the Farm Credit Act of 1971 ( 12 U.S.C. 2001 et seq.); and does not include the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. Solely with respect to loans under paragraphs (36) and (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ), Farm Credit Administration regulations and guidance issued as of July 14, 2020 , and compliance with such regulations and guidance, shall be deemed functionally equivalent to requirements referenced in section 3(a)(iii)(II) of the interim final rule of the [Small Business] Administration entitled ‘Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program’ (85 Fed. Reg. 20811 ( April 15, 2020 )) or any similar requirement referenced in that interim final rule in implementing such paragraph (37). For purposes of making loans under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ) or forgiving those loans in accordance with section 7A of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636m ], as redesignated and transferred by section 304 of this Act, and subparagraph (J) of such paragraph (37), sections 4.13, 4.14, and 4.14A of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 ( 12 U.S.C. 2199 , 2202, 2202a) (including regulations issued under those sections) shall not apply. shall receive a risk weight of zero percent; and shall not be included in the calculation of any applicable leverage ratio or other applicable capital ratio or calculation. a loan made by a Farm Credit Bank described in section 1.2(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 ( 12 U.S.C. 2002(a) ) to a Federal Land Bank Association, a Production Credit Association, or an agricultural credit association described in that section to make loans under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ) or forgive those loans in accordance with section 7A of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636m ], as redesignated and transferred by section 304 of this Act, and subparagraph (J) of such paragraph (37); or a loan made by a Federal Land Bank Association, a Production Credit Association, an agricultural credit association, or the bank for cooperatives described in section 1.2(a) of the Farm Credit Act of 1971 ( 12 U.S.C. 2002(a) ) under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ). This section shall be effective as if included in the CARES Act ( Public Law 116–136 ; 134 Stat. 281 ) and shall apply to any loan made pursuant to section 7(a)(36) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(36) ) before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], including forgiveness of such a loan.” The term ‘controlling interest’ means owning, controlling, or holding not less than 20 percent, by vote or value, of the outstanding amount of any class of equity interest in an entity. The term ‘covered entity’ means an entity in which a covered individual directly or indirectly holds a controlling interest. For the purpose of determining whether an entity is a covered entity, the securities owned, controlled, or held by 2 or more individuals who are related as described in paragraph (3)(B) shall be aggregated. the President, the Vice President, the head of an Executive department, or a Member of Congress; and the spouse, as determined under applicable common law, of an individual described in subparagraph (A). The term ‘Executive department’ has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 5 , United States Code. The term ‘Member of Congress’ means a Member of the Senate or House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. transferable; or classified as stock or anything similar; a capital or profit interest in a limited liability company or partnership; or a warrant or right, other than a right to convert, to purchase, sell, or subscribe to a share or interest described in subparagraph (A) or (B), respectively. if, before the date of enactment of this Act, the covered entity submitted an application for forgiveness under section 1106 of the CARES Act ( 15 U.S.C. 9005 ) (as such section was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act) with respect to such loan, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the principal executive officer, or individual performing a similar function, of the covered entity shall disclose to the Administrator that the entity is a covered entity; and if, on or after the date of enactment of this Act, the covered entity submits an application for forgiveness under section 7A of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636m ], as redesignated and transferred by section 304 of this Act, with respect to such loan, not later than 30 days after submitting the application, the principal executive officer, or individual performing a similar function, of the covered entity shall disclose to the Administrator [of the Small Business Administration] that the entity is a covered entity. On and after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 27, 2020 ], a loan under paragraph (36) or (37) of section 7(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a) ), as added and amended by this Act, may not be made to a covered entity.” in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under section 7(a)(23)(A) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(23)(A) ), collect no fee or reduce fees to the maximum extent possible; and in lieu of the fee otherwise applicable under section 7(a)(18)(A) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(18)(A) ), collect no fee or reduce fees to the maximum extent possible. first use any amounts provided to eliminate or reduce fees paid by small business borrowers under clauses (i) through (iii) of section 7(a)(18)(A) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(18)(A) ), to the maximum extent possible; and then use any amounts provided to eliminate or reduce fees under 7(a)(23)(A) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(a)(23)(A) ).” the requirement to contribute non-Federal funds under section 7(m)(4)(B) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(m)(4)(B) ); and the limitation on amounts allowed to be expended to provide information and technical assistance under clause (i) of section 7(m)(4)(E) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(m)(4)(E) ) and enter into third party contracts for the provision of technical assistance under clause (ii) of such section 7(m)(4)(E).” to an existing borrower may be extended to not more than 8 years; and to a new borrower may be not more than 8 years. On and after October 1, 2021 , the duration of a loan made by an eligible intermediary to a borrower under section 7(m) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(m) ) shall be 7 years or such other amount established by the Administrator [of the Small Business Administration].” In 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused substantial physical and economic damage to the United States, and New York in particular. For businesses and homeowners, the primary means of obtaining long-term Federal financial assistance in the wake of disasters such as Superstorm Sandy is through the Small Business Administration’s Disaster Loan Program. With regard to the Small Business Administration’s operation of the Disaster Loan Program after Superstorm Sandy, the Government Accountability Office found that the Administration did not meet its timeliness goals for processing business loan applications. According to the Government Accountability Office, the Small Business Administration stated that it was challenged by an unexpectedly high volume of loan applications that it received early in its response to Superstorm Sandy. As a result, many businesses and homeowners affected by Superstorm Sandy were unable to apply for financing from the Small Business Administration.” encourages a proactive approach to the disaster relief efforts of the Administration; makes clear the services provided by the Administration, including contact information, application information, and timelines for submitting applications, the review of applications, and the disbursement of funds; describes the different disaster loan programs of the Administration, including how they are made available and the eligibility requirements for each loan program; provides for regional marketing, focusing on disasters occurring in each region before the date of enactment of this Act [ June 18, 2008 ], and likely scenarios for disasters in each such region; and ensures that the marketing plan is made available at small business development centers and on the website of the Administration.” the term ‘activated’ means receiving an order placing a Reservist on active duty; the term ‘active duty’ has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10 , United States Code; the terms ‘Administration’ and ‘Administrator’ mean the Small Business Administration and the Administrator thereof, respectively; the term ‘Reservist’ means a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces, as described in section 10101 of title 10 , United States Code; the term ‘Service Corps of Retired Executives’ means the Service Corps of Retired Executives authorized by section 8(b)(1) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(b)(1) ); the terms ‘service-disabled veteran’ and ‘small business concern’ have the meaning as in section 3 of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 632 ); the term ‘small business development center’ means a small business development center described in section 21 of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 648 ); and the term ‘women’s business center’ means a women’s business center described in section 29 of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 656 ).” has not been ordered to active duty; expects to be ordered to active duty during a period of military conflict; and can reasonably demonstrate that the small business concern for which that Reservist is a key employee will suffer economic injury in the absence of that Reservist. may collect all relevant materials necessary for processing a loan to a small business concern under section 7(b)(3) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(b)(3) ) before an eligible Reservist employed by that small business concern is activated; and shall distribute funds for any loan approved under subparagraph (A) if that eligible Reservist is activated. market the loans available under section 7(b)(3) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(b)(3) ) to Reservists, and family members of Reservists, that are on active duty and that are not on active duty; and provide technical assistance to a small business concern applying for a loan under that section. incorporate appropriate websites maintained by the Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Defense; and the district offices and resource partners of the Administration, including small business development centers, women’s business centers, and the Service Corps of Retired Executives; and other Federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter until the date that is 30 months after such date of enactment, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the status of the program. the number of loans approved under section 7(b)(3) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(b)(3) ); the number of loans disbursed under that section; and the total amount disbursed under that section; and recommendations, if any, to make the program more effective in serving small business concerns that employ Reservists.” The Administrator and the Secretary of Defense shall develop a joint website and printed materials providing information regarding any program for small business concerns that is available to veterans or Reservists. to advertise and promote the program under section 7(b)(3) of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636(b)(3) ] jointly with the Secretary of Defense and veterans’ service organizations; and to advertise and promote participation by lenders in such program jointly with trade associations for banks or other lending institutions.” the failure of many computer programs to recognize the Year 2000 may have extreme negative financial consequences in the Year 2000, and in subsequent years for both large and small businesses; small businesses are well behind larger businesses in implementing corrective changes to their automated systems; many small businesses do not have access to capital to fix mission critical automated systems, which could result in severe financial distress or failure for small businesses; and the failure of a large number of small businesses due to the Year 2000 computer problem would have a highly detrimental effect on the economy in the Year 2000 and in subsequent years.” No funds are authorized to be appropriated or otherwise provided to carry out the grant program under section 7(m)(4)(F) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(m)(4)(F) ) (as added by this section), except by transfer from another department or agency of the Federal Government to the Administration in accordance with this subsection. $3,000,000 for fiscal year 1998; $4,000,000 for fiscal year 1999; and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2000.” The Administrator may administer the Defense Loan and Technical Assistance program in accordance with the authority and requirements of this section. The authority of the Administrator to carry out the DELTA program under paragraph (1) shall terminate when the funds referred to in subsection (g)(1) have been expended. In this section, the terms ‘Defense Loan and Technical Assistance program’ and ‘DELTA program’ mean the Defense Loan and Technical Assistance program that has been established by a memorandum of understanding entered into by the Administrator and the Secretary of Defense on June 26, 1995 . Under the DELTA program, the Administrator may assist small business concerns that are economically dependent on defense expenditures to acquire dual-use capabilities. Loan guarantees under the terms and conditions specified under this section and other applicable law. Other forms of assistance that are not financial. process applications for DELTA program loan guarantees; guarantee repayment of the resulting loans in accordance with this section; and take such other actions as are necessary to administer the program. The selection criteria and eligibility requirements set forth in this subsection shall be applied in the selection of small business concerns to receive loan guarantees under the DELTA program. The selection criteria established under the memorandum of understanding referred to in subsection (a)(3). The extent to which the loans to be guaranteed would support the retention of defense workers whose employment would otherwise be permanently or temporarily terminated as a result of reductions in expenditures by the United States for defense, the termination or cancellation of a defense contract, the failure to proceed with an approved major weapon system, the merger or consolidation of the operations of a defense contractor, or the closure or realignment of a military installation. The extent to which the loans to be guaranteed would stimulate job creation and new economic activities in communities most adversely affected by reductions in expenditures by the United States for defense, the termination or cancellation of a defense contract, the failure to proceed with an approved major weapon system, the merger or consolidation of the operations of a defense contractor, or the closure or realignment of a military installation. The extent to which the loans to be guaranteed would be used to acquire (or permit the use of other funds to acquire) capital equipment to modernize or expand the facilities of the borrower to enable the borrower to remain in the national technology and industrial base available to the Department of Defense. contracts with the Department of Defense or the defense-related activities of the Department of Energy; or subcontracts in support of defense-related prime contracts. With respect to each borrower, the maximum amount of loan principal for which the Administrator may provide a guarantee under this section during a fiscal year may not exceed $1,250,000. The maximum allowable guarantee percentage for loans guaranteed under this section may not exceed 80 percent. The funds that have been made available for loan guarantees under the DELTA program and have been transferred from the Department of Defense to the Small Business Administration before the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 2, 1997 ] shall be used for carrying out the DELTA program under this section. to cover the costs (as defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 ( 2 U.S.C. 661a(5) )) of loan guarantees issued under this section; and to cover the reasonable costs of the administration of the loan guarantees.” Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administration shall conduct a demonstration program, within the parameters described in paragraph (2), to evaluate the comparative costs and benefits of having the Administration’s portfolio of disaster loans serviced under contract rather than directly by employees of the Administration. All costs of the demonstration program shall be paid from amounts made available for the Salaries and Expenses Account of the Administration. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Sept. 30, 1996 ], the Administration shall issue a request for proposals for the program parameters described in paragraph (2). The sample of loans for the demonstration program shall be randomly drawn from the Administration’s portfolio of loans made pursuant to section 7(b) of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 636(b) ] and shall include a representative group of not less than 30 percent of all loans for residential properties, including 30 percent of all loans made during the demonstration program after the date of enactment of this Act, which loans shall be selected by the Administration on the basis of geographic distribution and such other factors as the Administration determines to be appropriate. The Administration shall solicit and competitively award one or more contracts to service the loans included in the sample of loans described in subparagraph (A) for a term of not less than one year, with 3 one-year contract renewal options, each of which shall be exercised by the Administration unless the Administration terminates the contractor or contractors for good cause. The demonstration program shall commence not later than October 1, 1997 . Not later than 120 days before the expiration of the initial 4-year contract performance period, the Administrator shall submit to the Committees on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Senate [Committee on Small Business of Senate now Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate] an interim report on the conduct of the demonstration program. The contractor shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to attach comments to each such report. Not later than 120 days after the termination of the demonstration program, the Administrator shall submit to the Committees on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Senate [Committee on Small Business of Senate now Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate] a final report on the performance of the demonstration program, together with the recommendations of the Administrator for continuation, termination, or modification of the demonstration program.” nationwide, there are many individuals who possess skills that, with certain short-term assistance, could enable them to become successfully self-employed; many talented and skilled individuals who are employed in low-wage occupations could, with sufficient opportunity, start their own small business concerns, which could provide them with an improved standard of living; most such individuals have little or no savings, a nonexistent or poor credit history, and no access to credit or capital with which to start a business venture; women, minorities, and individuals residing in areas of high unemployment and high levels of poverty have particular difficulty obtaining access to credit or capital; providing such individuals with small-scale, short-term financial assistance in the form of microloans, together with intensive marketing, management, and technical assistance, could enable them to start or maintain small businesses, to become self-sufficient, and to raise their standard of living; banking institutions are reluctant to provide such assistance because of the administrative costs associated with processing and servicing the loans and because they lack experience in providing the type of marketing, management, and technical assistance needed by such borrowers; many organizations that have had successful experiences in providing microloans and marketing, management, and technical assistance to such borrowers exist throughout the Nation; and loans from the Federal Government to intermediaries for the purpose of relending to start-up, newly established and growing small business concerns are an important catalyst to attract private sector participation in microlending.” be made available to the protestor, the protested party, the contracting officer (if not the protestor), and all other parties to the proceeding, and published in full text; and include findings of fact and conclusions of law, with specific reasons supporting such findings or conclusions, upon each material issue of fact and law of decisional significance regarding the disposition of the protest. A decision issued under section 7(j)(11)(F)(vii) of the Small Business Act that is issued prior to the date of enactment of this Act [ Sept. 4, 1992 ] shall not have value as precedent in deciding any subsequent protest until such time as the decision is published in full text.” the term ‘Administration’ means the Small Business Administration; the term ‘Administrator’ means the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, unless otherwise indicated; the term ‘Business Opportunity Specialist’ means the Administration employee responsible for providing business development assistance to Program Participants pursuant to sections 7(j) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(j) , 637(a)); the term ‘disadvantaged owners’ means those individuals upon whom eligibility is based for participation in the Program and the award of subcontracts pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(a) ); the term ‘minority owned businesses’ means business concerns that are at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who belong to those groups described or identified pursuant to section 2(e)(1)(C) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 631(e)(1)(C) ); the term ‘Program’ means the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program established by section 7(j)(10) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(j)(10) ), unless otherwise indicated; the term ‘Program Participant’ means a small business concern participating in the Program; and the term ‘Program Participation Term’ means the fixed period of time assigned to a Program Participant pursuant to section 7(j)(10)(A)(i) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(j)(10)(A)(i) ) prior to the date of enactment of this Act [ Nov. 15, 1988 ].” the Capital Ownership Development Program administered by the Small Business Administration and the award of contracts pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 637(a) ] remain a primary tool for improving opportunities for small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the Federal procurement process and bringing such concerns into the nation’s economic mainstream; although some progress has resulted from the Program, it has generally failed to meet its objectives, which remain as valid now as when the Program was initiated; too few concerns that have exited the Program have been prepared to compete successfully in the open marketplace on competitive procurements, and many concerns have developed an unhealthy dependency on sole-source contracts by the time they are required to leave the Program; the application and certification process for admitting new participants to the Program is inordinately lengthy and burdensome; the Administration has often not efficiently and equitably administered and managed the Program in a manner that provided clear lines of responsibility for implementing and monitoring many of the administrative duties under the Program; the Administration and some program participants have given insufficient attention and support to the business development goals of the Program and instead have focused almost entirely on the size of contract awards or the number of firms certified to participate in the Program; many Federal procuring agencies have failed to identify and offer the necessary amount of contract support in order to allow for diversification and growth of disadvantaged businesses participating in the Program; contract support as well as business development expenses have been misused both by the Administration and Program participants and have not been equitably distributed pursuant to objective criteria; the widespread perception of undue political influence in the operation and administration of the Program has significantly contributed to the Program’s poor image and has deterred utilization of the Program by socially and economically disadvantaged concerns and by Federal procuring agencies; and it is imperative that increased competition and other substantial reforms be accomplished in the Program in order to promote the Congressionally mandated business development objectives and purposes. affirm that the Capital Ownership Development Program and the section 8(a) [ 15 U.S.C. 637(a) ] authority shall be used exclusively for business development purposes to help small businesses owned and controlled by the socially and economically disadvantaged to compete on an equal basis in the mainstream of the American economy; affirm that the measure of success of the Capital Ownership Development Program, and the section 8(a) authority, shall be the number of competitive firms that exit the Program without being unreasonably reliant on section 8(a) contracts and that are able to compete on an equal basis in the mainstream of the American economy; ensure that program benefits accrue to individuals who are both socially and economically disadvantaged; increase the number of small businesses owned and controlled by such individuals from which the United States may purchase products and services (including construction work); and ensure integrity, competence, and efficiency in the administration of business development services and the Federal contracting opportunities made available to eligible small businesses.” In each Small Business Administration field office responsible for assisting one or more Program Participants there shall be a position designated as a Business Opportunity Specialist. To the maximum extent practicable the Administration shall assure that an adequate number of Business Opportunity Specialists are assigned to each district office to carry out the responsibilities of sections 7(j) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(j) , 637(a)) and to assist Program Participants. The Administration shall take such actions as may be appropriate to ensure that any person employed as a Business Opportunity Specialist receives adequate periodic training to assure such employee is capable of assisting Program Participants to fully utilize the Program and to meet the requirements of the Small Business Act [ 15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.], as amended by this Act. Within 180 days after the effective date of this subsection [ Nov. 15, 1988 ] the Administrator shall designate three regions of the Administration to conduct a pilot program pursuant to the provisions of this subsection. The designated regions shall contain approximately 30 per centum of the total number of Program Participants as of the time of designation. conduct contract negotiations on behalf of the Administration for contracts awarded pursuant to section 8(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(a) ) when performance will be rendered by one or more firms in such Specialist’s assigned portfolio; facilitate and otherwise assist such firms in negotiating for the receipt of contracts to be let pursuant to such section. The Administration shall take such actions as may be appropriate to train and qualify such Specialists to perform the negotiations required pursuant to paragraph (2). To the extent practicable, the Administrator shall ensure that the performance appraisal system applicable to a Business Opportunity Specialist employed in a region designated pursuant to paragraph (1) affords substantial recognition to how well such Specialist’s assigned portfolio of concerns participating in the program established by section 7(j)(10) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(j)(10) ) are achieving competitiveness and furthering the business development purposes of the program. The Administration shall establish personnel positions for Business Opportunity Specialists employed in the regions designated pursuant to paragraph (1) that are classified at a grade level of the General Schedule that are sufficient, in the opinion of the Administrator, to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Within 120 days after the termination of the pilot program conducted pursuant to subsection (b), the Administration shall issue a report to the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and of the House of Representatives [Committee on Small Business of Senate now Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate] on the effectiveness of the pilot. Such report shall contain such recommendations for administrative or legislative change as may be appropriate. The pilot program conducted pursuant to subsection (b) shall be terminated three years after the date on which the Committees on Small Business of the Senate and of the House of Representatives [Committee on Small Business of Senate now Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of Senate] receive written notification from the Administrator that the pilot is in full operation in each of the three designated pilot regions.” Any new credit authority or authority to enter into contracts provided for in this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note set out under section 631 of this title ] is to be effective for any fiscal year only to such extent or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts. No funds are authorized to be appropriated in subsequent appropriation Acts to the Administration for the purpose of making grants of financial assistance under the so called ‘Business Development Expense’ program to any firm participating in the programs authorized by section 7(j)(10) or section 8(a) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 636(j)(10) and 637(a)).” employee ownership of firms provides a means for preserving jobs and business activity; employee ownership of firms provides a means for keeping a small business small when it might otherwise be sold to a conglomerate or other large enterprise; employee ownership of firms provides a means for creating a new small business from the sale of a subsidiary of a large enterprise; unemployment insurance programs, welfare payments, and job creation programs are less desirable and more costly for both the Government and program beneficiaries than loan guarantee programs to maintain employment in firms that would otherwise be closed, liquidated, or relocated; and by guaranteeing loans to qualified employee trusts and similar employee organizations, the Small Business Administration can provide feasible and desirable methods for the transfer of all or part of the ownership of a small business concern to its employees. to provide that a qualified employee trust shall be eligible for loan guarantees under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (a) of this section] with respect to a small business concern, regardless of the percentage of stock of the concern held by the trust, and a small business concern, or a corporation which is controlled by another person if, after the plan for the purchase of such corporation is carried out, such corporation would be a small business concern. Nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit the Small Business Administration from making loan guarantees under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (a) of this section] to qualified employee trusts which own less than 51 percent of the stock of a continuing business.” Within sixty days after the enactment of this Act [ Aug. 21, 1958 ], each Federal Reserve bank shall pay to the United States the aggregate amount which the Secretary of the Treasury has heretofore paid to such bank under the provisions of section 13b of the Federal Reserve Act [ 12 U.S.C. 352a ]; and such payment shall constitute a full discharge of any obligation or liability of the Federal Reserve bank to the United States or to the Secretary of the Treasury arising out of subsection (e) of said section 13b [ 12 U.S.C. 352a(e) ] or out of any agreement thereunder. The amounts repaid to the United States pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall be covered into a special fund in the Treasury which shall be available for grants under section 7(d) of the Small Business Act [subsec. (d) of this section]. Any remaining balance of funds set aside in the Treasury for payments under section 13b of the Federal Reserve Act [ 12 U.S.C. 352a ] shall be covered into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.”