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Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

Chapter 14A — Aid to Small Business

§ 657a. HUBZone program

Statutory text

(a)

In general

There is established within the Administration a program (to be known as the HUBZone program) to be carried out by the Administrator to provide for Federal contracting assistance, including promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 636(m)(11)),1 to qualified HUBZone small business concerns in accordance with this section.

(b)

Definitions relating to HUBZones

In this section:

(1)

Historically underutilized business zone

The terms “historically underutilized business zone” or “HUBZone” mean any area located within 1 or more—

(A)

qualified census tracts;

(B)

qualified nonmetropolitan counties;

(C)

lands within the external boundaries of an Indian reservation;

(D)

redesignated areas;

(E)

base closure areas;

(F)

qualified disaster areas; or

(G)

a Governor-designated covered area.

(2)

HUBZone small business concern

The term “HUBZone small business concern” means—

(A)

a small business concern that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by United States citizens;

(B)

a small business concern that is—

(i)

an Alaska Native Corporation owned and controlled by Natives (as determined pursuant to section 1626(e)(1) of title 43); or

(ii)

a direct or indirect subsidiary corporation, joint venture, or partnership of an Alaska Native Corporation qualifying pursuant to section 1626(e)(1) of title 43, if that subsidiary, joint venture, or partnership is owned and controlled by Natives (as determined pursuant to section 1626(e)(2) of title 43);

(C)

a small business concern—

(i)

that is wholly owned by one or more Indian tribal governments, or by a corporation that is wholly owned by one or more Indian tribal governments; or

(ii)

that is owned in part by one or more Indian tribal governments, or by a corporation that is wholly owned by one or more Indian tribal governments, if all other owners are either United States citizens or small business concerns;

(D)

a small business concern—

(i)

that is wholly owned by one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations (as defined in section 637(a)(15) of this title), or by a corporation that is wholly owned by one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations; or

(ii)

that is owned in part by one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations, or by a corporation that is wholly owned by one or more Native Hawaiian Organizations, if all other owners are either United States citizens or small business concerns;

(E)

a small business concern that is—

(i)

wholly owned by a community development corporation that has received financial assistance under part 1 of subchapter A of the Community Economic Development Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 9805 et seq.); or

(ii)

owned in part by one or more community development corporations, if all other owners are either United States citizens or small business concerns; or

(F)

a small business concern that is—

(i)

a small agricultural cooperative organized or incorporated in the United States;

(ii)

wholly owned by 1 or more small agricultural cooperatives organized or incorporated in the United States; or

(iii)

owned in part by 1 or more small agricultural cooperatives organized or incorporated in the United States, if all owners are small business concerns or United States citizens.

(3)

Qualified areas

(A)

Qualified census tract

(i)

In general

The term “qualified census tract” means a census tract that is covered by the definition of “qualified census tract” in section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26 and that is reflected in an online tool prepared by the Administrator described under subsection (d)(7).

(ii)

Exception

For any metropolitan statistical area in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the term “qualified census tract” has the meaning given that term in section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26 as applied without regard to subclause (II) of such section and that is reflected in the online tool described under clause (i), except that this clause shall only apply—

(I)

10 years after the date that the Administrator implements this clause, or

(II)

the date on which the Financial Oversight and Management Board for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico created by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act ceases to exist,

 whichever event occurs first.

(B)

Qualified nonmetropolitan county

The term “qualified nonmetropolitan county” means any county that is reflected in the online tool described under subparagraph (A)(i) and—

(i)

that was not located in a metropolitan statistical area (as defined in section 143(k)(2)(B) of title 26) at the time of the most recent census taken for purposes of selecting qualified census tracts under section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26; and

(ii)

in which—

(I)

the median household income is less than 80 percent of the State median household income, based on a 5-year average of the available data from the Bureau of the Census of the Department of Commerce;

(II)

the unemployment rate is not less than 140 percent of the average unemployment rate for the United States or for the State in which such county is located, whichever is less, based on a 5-year average of the available data from the Secretary of Labor; or

(III)

there is located a difficult development area, as designated by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in accordance with section 42(d)(5)(B)(iii) of title 26, within Alaska, Hawaii, or any territory or possession of the United States outside the 48 contiguous States.

(C)

Redesignated area

The term “redesignated area” means any census tract that ceases to be qualified under subparagraph (A) and any nonmetropolitan county that ceases to be qualified under subparagraph (B) for a period of 3 years after the date on which the census tract or nonmetropolitan county ceased to be so qualified.

(D)

Base closure area

(i)

In general

Subject to clause (ii), the term “base closure area” means—

(I)

lands within the external boundaries of a military installation that were closed through a privatization process under the authority of—

(aa)

the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of division B of Public Law 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note);

(bb)

title II of the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and Realignment Act (Public Law 100–526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note);

(cc)

section 2687 of title 10; or

(dd)

any other provision of law authorizing or directing the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department to dispose of real property at the military installation for purposes relating to base closures of redevelopment, while retaining the authority to enter into a leaseback of all or a portion of the property for military use;

(II)

the census tract or nonmetropolitan county in which the lands described in subclause (I) are wholly contained;

(III)

a census tract or nonmetropolitan county the boundaries of which intersect the area described in subclause (I); and

(IV)

a census tract or nonmetropolitan county the boundaries of which are contiguous to the area described in subclause (II) or subclause (III).

(ii)

Limitation

A census tract or nonmetropolitan county described in clause (i) shall be considered to be a base closure area for a period beginning on the date on which the Administrator designates such census tract or nonmetropolitan county as a base closure area and ending on the date on which the base closure area ceases to be a qualified census tract under subparagraph (A) or a qualified nonmetropolitan county under subparagraph (B) in accordance with the online tool prepared by the Administrator described under subsection (d)(7), except that such period may not be less than 8 years.

(iii)

Definitions

In this subparagraph:

(I)

Census tract

The term “census tract” means a census tract delineated by the United States Bureau of the Census in the most recent decennial census that is not located in a nonmetropolitan county and does not otherwise qualify as a qualified census tract.

(II)

Nonmetropolitan county

The term “nonmetropolitan county” means a county that was not located in a metropolitan statistical area (as defined in section 143(k)(2)(B) of title 26) at the time of the most recent census taken for purposes of selecting qualified census tracts and does not otherwise qualify as a qualified nonmetropolitan county.

(E)

Qualified disaster area

(i)

In general

Subject to clause (ii), the term “qualified disaster area” means any census tract or nonmetropolitan county located in an area where a major disaster has occurred or an area in which a catastrophic incident has occurred if such census tract or nonmetropolitan county ceased to be qualified under subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable, during the period beginning 5 years before the date on which the President declared the major disaster or the catastrophic incident occurred.

(ii)

Duration

A census tract or nonmetropolitan county shall be considered to be a qualified disaster area under clause (i) only for the period of time ending on the date the area ceases to be a qualified census tract under subparagraph (A) or a qualified nonmetropolitan county under subparagraph (B), in accordance with the online tool prepared by the Administrator described under subsection (d)(7) and beginning—

(I)

in the case of a major disaster, on the date on which the President declared the major disaster for the area in which the census tract or nonmetropolitan county, as applicable, is located; or

(II)

in the case of a catastrophic incident, on the date on which the catastrophic incident occurred in the area in which the census tract or nonmetropolitan county, as applicable, is located.

(iii)

Definitions

In this subparagraph:

(I)

Major disaster

The term “major disaster” means a major disaster declared by the President under section 5170 of title 42.

(II)

Other definitions

The terms “census tract” and “nonmetropolitan county” have the meanings given such terms in subparagraph (D)(iii).

(F)

Governor-designated covered area

(i)

In general

A “Governor-designated covered area” means a covered area that the Administrator has designated by approving a petition described under clause (ii).

(ii)

Petition

For a covered area to receive a designation as a Governor-designated covered area, the Governor of the State in which the covered area is wholly contained shall include such covered area in a petition to the Administrator requesting such a designation. In reviewing a request for designation included in such a petition, the Administrator may consider—

(I)

the potential for job creation and investment in the covered area;

(II)

the demonstrated interest of small business concerns in the covered area to be designated as a Governor-designated covered area;

(III)

how State and local government officials have incorporated the covered area into an economic development strategy; and

(IV)

if the covered area was a HUBZone before becoming the subject of the petition, the impact on the covered area if the Administrator did not approve the petition.

(iii)

Limitations

Each calendar year, a Governor may submit not more than 1 petition described under clause (ii). Such petition shall include all covered areas in a State for which the Governor seeks designation as a Governor-designated covered area, except that the total number of covered areas included in such petition may not exceed 10 percent of the total number of covered areas in the State.

(iv)

Certification

If the Administrator grants a petition described under clause (ii), the Governor of the Governor-designated covered area shall, not less frequently than annually, submit data to the Administrator certifying that each Governor-designated covered area continues to meet the requirements of clause (v)(I).

(v)

Definitions

In this subparagraph:

(I)

Covered area

The term “covered area” means an area in a State—

(aa)

that is located outside of an urbanized area, as determined by the Bureau of the Census;

(bb)

with a population of not more than 50,000; and

(cc)

for which the average unemployment rate is not less than 120 percent of the average unemployment rate of the United States or of the State in which the covered area is located, whichever is less, based on the most recent data available from the American Community Survey conducted by the Bureau of the Census.

(II)

Governor

The term “Governor” means the chief executive of a State.

(III)

State

The term “State” means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

(4)

Qualified HUBZone small business concern

The term “qualified HUBZone small business concern” means a HUBZone small business concern that has been certified by the Administrator in accordance with the procedures described in this section.

(5)

Native American small business concerns

(A)

Alaska Native Corporation

The term “Alaska Native Corporation” has the same meaning as the term “Native Corporation” in section 1602 of title 43.

(B)

Alaska Native Village

The term “Alaska Native Village” has the same meaning as the term “Native village” in section 1602 of title 43.

(C)

Indian reservation

The term “Indian reservation”—

(i)

has the same meaning as the term “Indian country” in section 1151 of title 18, except that such term does not include—

(I)

any lands that are located within a State in which a tribe did not exercise governmental jurisdiction on , unless that tribe is recognized after , by either an Act of Congress or pursuant to regulations of the Secretary of the Interior for the administrative recognition that an Indian group exists as an Indian tribe (part 83 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations); and

(II)

lands taken into trust or acquired by an Indian tribe after , if such lands are not located within the external boundaries of an Indian reservation or former reservation or are not contiguous to the lands held in trust or restricted status on ; and

(ii)

in the State of Oklahoma, means lands that—

(I)

are within the jurisdictional areas of an Oklahoma Indian tribe (as determined by the Secretary of the Interior); and

(II)

are recognized by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for trust land status under part 151 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on ).

(6)

Agricultural commodity

The term “agricultural commodity” has the same meaning as in section 5602 of title 7.

(c)

Eligible contracts

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection—

(A)

the term “contracting officer” has the meaning given that term in section 2101(1) of title 41; and

(B)

the term “full and open competition” has the meaning given that term in section 107 of title 41.

(2)

Authority of contracting officer

(A)

Sole source contracts

A contracting officer may award sole source contracts under this section to any qualified HUBZone small business concern, if—

(i)

the qualified HUBZone small business concern is determined to be a responsible contractor with respect to performance of such contract opportunity, and the contracting officer does not have a reasonable expectation that 2 or more qualified HUBZone small business concerns will submit offers for the contracting opportunity;

(ii)

the anticipated award price of the contract (including options) will not exceed—

(I)

$7,000,000, in the case of a contract opportunity assigned a standard industrial classification code for manufacturing; or

(II)

$3,000,000, in the case of all other contract opportunities; and

(iii)

in the estimation of the contracting officer, the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price.

(B)

Restricted competition

A contract opportunity may be awarded pursuant to this section on the basis of competition restricted to qualified HUBZone small business concerns if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that not less than 2 qualified HUBZone small business concerns will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price.

(C)

Appeals

Not later than 5 days from the date the Administration is notified of a procurement officer’s decision not to award a contract opportunity under this section to a qualified HUBZone small business concern, the Administrator may notify the contracting officer of the intent to appeal the contracting officer’s decision, and within 15 days of such date the Administrator may file a written request for reconsideration of the contracting officer’s decision with the Secretary of the department or agency head.

(3)

Price evaluation preference in full and open competitions

(A)

In general

Subject to subparagraph (B), in any case in which a contract is to be awarded on the basis of full and open competition, the price offered by a qualified HUBZone small business concern shall be deemed as being lower than the price offered by another offeror (other than another small business concern), if the price offered by the qualified HUBZone small business concern is not more than 10 percent higher than the price offered by the otherwise lowest, responsive, and responsible offeror.

(B)

Procurement of commodities

For purchases by the Secretary of Agriculture of agricultural commodities, the price evaluation preference shall be—

(i)

10 percent, for the portion of a contract to be awarded that is not greater than 25 percent of the total volume being procured for each commodity in a single invitation;

(ii)

5 percent, for the portion of a contract to be awarded that is greater than 25 percent, but not greater than 40 percent, of the total volume being procured for each commodity in a single invitation; and

(iii)

zero, for the portion of a contract to be awarded that is greater than 40 percent of the total volume being procured for each commodity in a single invitation.

(C)

Procurement of commodities for international food aid export operations

The price evaluation preference for purchases of agricultural commodities by the Secretary of Agriculture for export operations through international food aid programs administered by the Farm Service Agency shall be 5 percent on the first portion of a contract to be awarded that is not greater than 20 percent of the total volume of each commodity being procured in a single invitation.

(D)

Treatment of preference

A contract awarded to a HUBZone small business concern under a preference described in subparagraph (B) shall not be counted toward the fulfillment of any requirement partially set aside for competition restricted to small business concerns.

(4)

Relationship to other contracting preferences

A procurement may not be made from a source on the basis of a preference provided in paragraph (2) or (3), if the procurement would otherwise be made from a different source under section 4124 or 4125 of title 18 or chapter 85 of title 41.

(d)

Eligibility requirements; enforcement

(1)

Certification

In order to be eligible for certification by the Administrator as a qualified HUBZone small business concern, a HUBZone small business concern shall submit documentation to the Administrator stating that—

(A)

at the time of certification and at each examination conducted pursuant to paragraph (4), the principal office of the concern is located in a HUBZone and not fewer than 35 percent of its employees reside in a HUBZone;

(B)

the concern will attempt to maintain the applicable employment percentage under subparagraph (A) during the performance of any contract awarded to such concern on the basis of a preference provided under subsection (c); and

(C)

the concern will ensure that the requirements of section 657s of this title are satisfied with respect to any subcontract entered into by such concern pursuant to a contract awarded under this section.

(2)

Verification

In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall establish procedures relating to—

(A)

the filing, investigation, and disposition by the Administration of any challenge to the eligibility of a HUBZone small business concern to receive assistance under this section (including a challenge, filed by an interested party, relating to the veracity of documentation provided to the Administration by such a concern under paragraph (1)); and

(B)

verification by the Administrator of the accuracy of any documentation provided by a HUBZone small business concern under paragraph (1).

(3)

Timing

The Administrator shall verify the eligibility of a HUBZone small business concern using the procedures described in paragraph (2) within a reasonable time and not later than 60 days after the date on which the Administrator receives sufficient and complete documentation from a HUBZone small business concern under paragraph (1).

(4)

Recertification

Not later than 3 years after the date that such HUBZone small business concern was certified as a qualified HUBZone small business concern, and every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall verify the accuracy of any documentation provided by a HUBZone small business concern under paragraph (1) to determine if such HUBZone small business concern remains a qualified HUBZone small business concern.

(5)

Examinations

The Administrator shall conduct program examinations of qualified HUBZone small business concerns, using a risk-based analysis to select which concerns are examined, to ensure that any concern examined meets the requirements of paragraph (1).

(6)

Loss of certification

A HUBZone small business concern that, based on the results of an examination conducted pursuant to paragraph (5) no longer meets the requirements of paragraph (1), shall have 30 days to submit documentation to the Administrator to be eligible to be certified as a qualified HUBZone small business concern. During the 30-day period, such concern may not compete for or be awarded a contract under this section. If such concern fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) by the last day of the 30-day period, the Administrator shall not certify such concern as a qualified HUBZone small business concern.

(7)

HUBZone online tool

(A)

In general

The Administrator shall develop a publicly accessible online tool that depicts HUBZones. Such online tool shall be updated—

(i)

with respect to HUBZones described under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(3), beginning on , and every 5 years thereafter;

(ii)

with respect to a HUBZone described under subsection (b)(3)(C), immediately after the area becomes, or ceases to be, a redesignated area; and

(iii)

with respect to HUBZones described under subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) of subsection (b)(3), immediately after an area is designated as a base closure area, qualified disaster area, or Governor-designated covered area, respectively.

(B)

Data

The online tool required under subparagraph (A) shall clearly and conspicuously provide access to the data used by the Administrator to determine whether or not an area is a HUBZone in the year in which the online tool was prepared.

(C)

Notification of update

The Administrator shall include in the online tool a notification of the date on which the online tool, and the data used to create the online tool, will be updated.

(8)

List of qualified HUBZone small business concerns

The Administrator shall establish and publicly maintain on the internet a list of qualified HUBZone small business concerns that shall—

(A)

to the extent practicable, include the name, address, and type of business with respect to such concern;

(B)

be updated by the Administrator not less than annually; and

(C)

be provided upon request to any Federal agency or other entity.

(9)

Provision of data

Upon the request of the Administrator, the Secretary of Labor, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of the Interior (or the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs), shall promptly provide to the Administrator such information as the Administrator determines to be necessary to carry out this subsection.

(10)

Penalties

In addition to the penalties described in section 645(d) of this title, any small business concern that is determined by the Administrator to have misrepresented the status of that concern as a “qualified HUBZone small business concern” for purposes of this section shall be subject to liability for fraud, including section 1001 of title 18 and sections 3729 through 3733 of title 31.

(e)

Performance metrics

(1)

In general

Not later than 1 year after , the Administrator shall publish performance metrics designed to measure the success of the HUBZone program established under this section in meeting the program’s objective of promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 636(m)(11) of this title).

(2)

Collecting and managing HUBZone data

The Administrator shall develop processes to incentivize each regional office of the Administration to collect and manage data on HUBZones within the geographic area served by such regional office.

(3)

Report

Not later than 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report analyzing the data from the performance metrics established under this subsection and including—

(A)

the number of HUBZone small business concerns that lost certification as a qualified HUBZone small business concern because of the results of an examination performed under subsection (d)(5); and

(B)

the number of those concerns that did not submit documentation to be recertified under subsection (d)(6).

(f)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program established by this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2025.

Footnotes

  1. 1 See References in Text note below.

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

  1. Pub. L. 85–536 § 2(s31) · 72 Stat. 384

    Enacted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a

    Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[31], as added Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(b)(1)(B), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2629

    Source evidence

    Code source credit
    Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[31], as added Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(b)(1)(B), Dec. 2, 1997, 111 Stat. 2629

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    Sec. 2. The Small Business Act is amended to read as follows: “Sec. 1. This Act may be cited as the ‘Small Business Act’. “Sec. 2. (a) The essence of the American economic system of private enterprise is free competition. Only through full and free competition can free markets, free entry into business, and opportunities for the expression and growth of personal initiative and individual judgment be assured. The preservation and expansion of such competition is basic not only to the economic well-being but to the security of this Nation. Such security and well-being cannot be realized unless the actual and potential capacity of small business is encouraged and developed. It is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government should aid, counsel, assist, and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small-business concerns in order to preserve free competitive enterprise, to insure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts for property and services for the Government (including but not limited to contracts for maintenance, repair, and construction) be placed with small-business enterprises, to insure that a fair proportion of the total sales of Government property be made to such enterprises, and to maintain and strengthen the over-all economy of the Nation. “(b) Further, it is the declared policy of the Congress that the Government should aid and assist victims of floods and other catastrophes. “Sec. 3. For the purposes of this Act, a small-business concern shall be deemed to be one which is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its field of operation. In addition to the foregoing criteria the Administrator, in making a detailed definition, may use these criteria, among others: Number of employees and dollar volume of business. Where the number of employees is used as one of the criteria in making such definition for any of the purposes of this Act, the maximum number of employees which a small-business concern may have under the definition shall vary from industry to industry to the extent necessary to reflect differing characteristics of such industries and to take proper account of other relevant factors. “Sec. 4. (a) In order to carry out the policies of this Act there is hereby created an agency under the name ‘Small Business Administration’ (herein referred to as the Administration), which Administration snail be under the general direction and supervision of the President and shall not be affiliated with or be within any other agency or department of the Federal Government. The principal office of the Administration shall be located in the District of Columbia. The Administration may establish such branch and regional offices in other places in the United States as may be determined by the Administrator “United States”. of the Administration. As used in this Act, the term ‘United States’ includes the several States, the Territories and possessions of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. “(b) The management of the Administration shall be vested in an Administrator who shall be appointed from civilian life by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and who shall be a person of outstanding qualifications known to be familiar and sympathetic with small-business needs and problems. The Administrator shall not engage in any other business, vocation, or employment than that of serving as Administrator. The Administrator is authorized to appoint three Deputy Administrators to assist in the execution of the functions vested in the Administration. “(c) The Administration is authorized to obtain money from the Appropriations. Revolving fund. Treasury of the United States for use in the performance of the powers and duties granted to or imposed upon it by law, not to exceed a total of $650,000,000 outstanding at any one time. For this purpose appropriations not to exceed $650,000,000 are hereby authorized to be made to a revolving fund in the Treasury. Advances shall be made to the Administration from the revolving fund when requested by the Administration. This revolving fund shall be used for the purposes enumerated subsequently in sections 7 (a),7 (b),and8 (a). Not to exceed an aggregate of $500,000,000 shall be outstanding at any one time for the purposes enumerated in section 7 (a). Not to exceed an aggregate of $125,000,000 shall be outstanding at any one time for the purposes enumerated in section 7 (b). Not to exceed an aggregate of $25,000,000 shall be outstanding at any one time for the purposes enumerated in section 8 (a). The Administration shall pay into miscellaneous receipts of the Treasury, at the close of each fiscal year, interest on the net amount of the cash disbursements from such advances at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into consideration the current average rate on outstanding interest-bearing marketable public debt obligations of the United States of comparable maturities. “(d) There is hereby created the Loan Policy Board of the Small Loan Policy Board. Business Administration, which shall consist of the following members, all ex officio: The Administrator, as Chairman, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Commerce. Either of the said Secretaries may designate an officer of his Department, who has been appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to act in his stead as a member of the Loan Policy Board with respect to any matter or matters. The Loan Policy Board shall establish general policies (particularly with reference to the public interest involved in the granting and denial of applications for financial assistance by the Administration and with reference to the coordination of the functions of the Administration with other activities and policies of the Government), which shall govern the granting and denial of applications for financial assistance by the Administration. “Sec. 5. (a) The Administration shall have power to adopt, alter, Seal, employees, etc. and use a seal, which shall be judicially noticed. The Administrator is authorized, subject to the civil-service and classification laws, to select, employ, appoint, and fix the compensation of such officers, employees, attorneys, and agents as shall be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act; to define their authority and duties; to provide bonds for them in such amounts as the Administrator shall determine; and to pay the costs of qualification of certain of them as notaries public. The Administration, with the consent of any board, commission, independent establishment, or executive department of the Government, may avail itself on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis of the use of information, services, facilities (including any field service thereof), officers, and employees thereof, in carrying out the provisions of this Act. Subject to the standards and procedures under section 505 of the Classification Act of 1949, as amended, not 69 Stat. 179; Ante, p. 213. 5 USC 1105. Supergrade positions. to exceed fifteen positions in the Administration may be placed in grades 16,17, and 18 of the General Schedule established by that Act, and any such positions shall be additional to the number authorized by such section. “(b) In the performance of, and with respect to, the functions, powers, and duties vested in him by this Act the Administrator may— “(1) sue and be sued in any court of record of a State having general jurisdiction, or in any United States district court, and jurisdiction is conferred upon such district court to determine such controversies without regard to the amount in controversy; but no attachment, injunction, garnishment, or other similar process, mesne or final, shall be issued against the Administrator or his property; “(2) under regulations prescribed by him, assign or sell at public or private sale, or otherwise dispose of for cash or credit, in his discretion and upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Administrator shall determine to be reasonable, any evidence of debt, contract, claim, personal property, or security assigned to or held by him in connection with the payment of loans granted under this Act, and to collect or compromise all obligations assigned to or held by him and all legal or equitable rights accruing to him in connection with the payment of such loans until such time as such obligations may be referred to the Attorney General for suit or collection; “(3) deal with, complete, renovate, improve, modernize, insure, or rent, or sell for cash or credit upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the Administrator shall determine to be reasonable, any real property conveyed to or otherwise acquired by him in connection with the payment of loans granted under this Act; “(4) pursue to final collection, by way of compromise or otherwise, all claims against third parties assigned to the Administrator in connection with loans made by him. This shall include authority to obtain deficiency judgments or otherwise in the case of mortgages assigned to the Administrator. Section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (41 U. S. C., sec. 5), shall not be construed to apply to any contract of hazard insurance or to any purchase or contract for services or supplies on account of property obtained by the Administrator as a result of loans made under this Act if the premium therefor or the amount thereof does not exceed $1,000. The power to convey and to execute in the name of the Administrator deeds of conveyance, deeds of release, assignments and satisfactions of mortgages, and any other written instrument relating to real property or any interest therein acquired by the Administrator pursuant to the provisions of this Act may be exercised by the Administrator or by any officer or agent appointed by him without the execution of any express delegation of power or power of attorney. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Administrator from delegating such power by order or by power of attorney, in his discretion, to any officer or agent he may appoint; “(5) acquire, in any lawful manner, any property (real, personal, or mixed, tangible or intangible), whenever deemed necessary or appropriate to the conduct of the activities authorized in sections 7 (a) and 7 (b); “(6) make such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out the authority vested in him by or pursuant to this Act; “(7) in addition to any powers, functions, privileges, and immunities otherwise vested in him, take any and all actions, including the procurement of the services of attorneys by contract, determined by him to be necessary or desirable in making, servicing, compromising, modifying, liquidating, or otherwise dealing with or realizing on loans made under the provisions of this Act; but no attorneys’ services shall be procured by contract in any office where an attorney or attorneys are or can be economically employed full time to render such services; “(8) pay the transportation expenses and per diem in lieu of Disaster service. Expenses. 63 Stat. 166. 5 USC 835 note. subsistence expenses, m accordance with the Travel Expense Act of 1949, for travel of any person employed by the Administration to render temporary services not in excess of six months in connection with any disaster referred to in section 7 (b) from place of appointment to, and while at, the disaster area and any other temporary posts of duty and return upon completion of the assignment; and “(9) accept the services and facilities of Federal, State, and local agencies and groups, both public and private, and utilize such gratuitous services and facilities as may, from time to time, be necessary, to further the objectives of section 7 (b). “(c) To such extent as he finds necessary to carry out the provisions Temporary experts or consultants. of this Act, the Administrator is authorized to procure the temporary (not in excess of one year) or intermittent services of experts or consultants or organizations thereof, including stenographic reporting services, by contract or appointment, and in such cases such services shall be without regard to the civil-service and classification laws and, except in the case of stenographic reporting services by organizations, without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes, as amended (41 U. S. C., sec. 5). Any individual so employed may be compensated at a rate not in excess of $50 per diem, and, while such individual is away from his home or regular place of business, he may be allowed transportation and not to exceed $15 per diem in lieu of subsistence and other expenses. “Sec. 6. (a) All moneys of the Administration not otherwise employed Fiscal provisions. may be deposited with the Treasury of the United States subject to check by authority of the Administration. The Federal Reserve banks are authorized and directed to act as depositaries, custodians, and fiscal agents for the Administration in the general performance of its powers conferred by this Act. Any banks insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, when designated by the Secretary of the Treasury, shall act as custodians and financial agents for the Administration. Each Federal Reserve bank, when designated by the Administrator as fiscal agent for the Administration, shall be entitled to be reimbursed for all expenses incurred as such fiscal agent. “(b) The Administrator shall contribute to the employees’ compensation Employees’ compensation fund. fund, on the basis of annual billings as determined by the Secretary of Labor, for the benefit payments made from such fund on account of employees engaged in carrying out functions financed by the revolving fund established by section 4 (c) of this Act. The annual billings shall also include a statement of the fair portion of the cost of the administration of such fund, which shall be paid by the Administrator into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts. “Sec. 7. (a) The Administration is empowered to make loans to Loans. enable small-business concerns to finance plant construction, conversion, or expansion, including the acquisition of land; or to finance the acquisition of equipment, facilities, machinery, supplies, or materials; or to supply such concerns with working capital to be used in the manufacture of articles, equipment, supplies, or materials for war, defense, or civilian production or as may be necessary to insure a well-balanced national economy; and such loans may be made or effected either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or Restrictions and limitations. deferred basis. The foregoing powers shall be subject, however, to the following restrictions and limitations: “(1) No financial assistance shall be extended pursuant to this subsection unless the financial assistance applied for is not otherwise available on reasonable terms. “(2) No immediate participation may be purchased unless it is shown that a deferred participation is not available; and no loan may be made unless it is shown that a participation is not available. “(3) In agreements to participate in loans on a deferred basis under this subsection, such participation by the Administration shall not be in excess of 90 per centum of the balance of the loan outstanding at the time of disbursement. “(4) Except as provided in paragraph (5), (A) no loan under this subsection shall be made if the total amount outstanding and committed (by participation or otherwise) to the borrower from the revolving fund established by this Act would exceed $350,000; (B) the rate of interest for the Administration’s share of any such loan shall be no more than 5½ per centum per annum; and (C) no such loan, including renewals or extensions thereof, may be made for a period or periods exceeding ten years except that a loan made for the purpose of constructing facilities may have a maturity of ten years plus such additional period as is estimated may be required to complete such construction. “(5) In the case of any loan made under this subsection to a corporation formed and capitalized by a group of small-business concerns with resources provided by them for the purpose of obtaining for the use of such concerns raw materials, equipment, inventories, supplies or the benefits of research and development, or for establishing facilities for such purpose, (A) the limitation of $350,000 prescribed in paragraph (4) shall not apply, but the limit of such loan shall be $250,000 multiplied by the number of separate small businesses which formed and capitalized such corporation; (B) the rate of interest for the Administration’s share of such loan shall be no less than 3 nor more than 5 per centum per annum; and (C) such loan, including renewals and extensions thereof, may not be made for a period or periods exceeding ten years except that if such loan is made for the purpose of constructing facilities it may have a maturity of twenty years plus such additional time as is required to complete such construction. “(6) The Administrator is authorized to consult with representatives of small-business concerns with a view to encouraging the formation by such concerns of the corporation referred to in paragraph (5). No act or omission to act, if requested by the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph, and if found and approved by the Administration as contributing to the needs of small business, shall be construed to be within the prohibitions of 38 Stat. 717. 15 USC 58. the antitrust laws or the Federal Trade Commission Act of the United States. A copy of the statement of any such finding and approval intended to be within the coverage of this section, and any modification or withdrawal thereof, shall be furnished to the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission Publication in F.R. when made, and it shall be published in the Federal Register. The authority granted in this paragraph shall be exercised only (A) by the Administrator, (B) upon the condition that the Administrator consult with the Attorney General and with the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and (C) upon the condition that the Administrator obtain the approval of the Attorney General before exercising such authority. Upon withdrawal of any request or finding hereunder or upon withdrawal by the Attorney General of his approval granted under the preceding sentence, the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any subsequent act or omission to act by reason of such finding or request. “(7) All loans made under this subsection shall be of such sound value or so secured as reasonably to assure repayment. “(b) The Administration also is empowered— Disaster Loans “(1) to make such loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) as the Administration may determine to be necessary or appropriate because of floods or other catastrophes; and “(2) to make such loans (either directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate or deferred basis) as the Administration may determine to be necessary or appropriate to any small-business concern located in an area affected by a drought or excessive rainfall, if the Administration determines that the small-business concern has suffered a substantial economic injury as a result of such drought or excessive rainfall and the President has determined under the Act entitled ‘An Act to authorize Federal assistance to States and local governments in major disasters, and for other purposes’, approved September 30, 1950, as amended (42 U. S. C., secs. 1855–1855g), that such drought or 64 Stat. 1109–1111. excessive rainfall is a major disaster, or the Secretary of Agriculture has found under the Act entitled ‘An Act to abolish the Regional Agricultural Credit Corporation of Washington, District of Columbia, and transfer its functions to the Secretary of Agriculture, to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make disaster loans, and for other purposes’, approved April 6, 1949, as amended (12 U. S. C., secs. 1148a–1–1148a–3), that such 63 Stat. 43, 44. drought or excessive rainfall constitutes a production or economic disaster in such area. No loan under this subsection, including renewals and extensions Limitation. thereof, may be made for a period or periods exceeding twenty years. The interest rate on the Administration’s share of any loan made Interest. under this subsection shall not exceed 3 per centum per annum. In agreements to participate in loans on a deferred basis under this subsection, such participation by the Administration shall not be in excess of 90 per centum of the balance of the loan outstanding at the time of disbursement. “(c) The Administration may further extend the maturity of or RFC Loans. Extension. 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 68 Stat. 1280; 71 Stat. 647. 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. “Sec. 8. (a) It shall be the duty of the Administration and it is Procurement contracts. hereby empowered, whenever it determines such action is necessary— “(1) to enter into contracts with the United States Government and any department, agency, or officer thereof having procurement powers obligating the Administration to furnish articles, equipment, supplies, or materials to the Government. In any case m which the Administration certifies to any officer of the Government having procurement powers that the Administration is competent to perform any specific Government procurement contract to be let by any such officer, such officer shall be authorized in his discretion to let such procurement contract to the Adminis-tration upon such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon between the Administration and the procurement officer; and “(2) to arrange for the performance of such contracts by negotiating or otherwise letting subcontracts to small-business concerns or others for the manufacture, supply, or assembly of such articles, equipment, supplies, or materials, or parts thereof, or servicing or processing in connection therewith, or such management services as may be necessary to enable the Administration to perform such contracts. “(b) It shall also be the duty of the Administration and it is hereby empowered, whenever it determines such action is necessary— “(1) to provide technical and managerial aids to small-business concerns, by advising and counseling on matters in connection with Government procurement and property disposal and on policies, principles, and practices of good management, including but not limited to cost accounting, methods of financing, business insurance, accident control, wage incentives, and methods engineering, by cooperating and advising with voluntary business, professional, educational, and other nonprofit organizations, associations, and institutions and with other Federal and State agencies, by maintaining a clearinghouse for information concerning the managing, financing, and operation of small-business enterprises, by disseminating such information, and by such other activities as are deemed appropriate by the Administration; “(2) to make a complete inventory of all productive facilities of small-business concerns or to arrange for such inventory to be made by any other governmental agency which has the facilities. In making any such inventory, the appropriate agencies in the several States may be requested to furnish an inventory of the productive facilities of small-business concerns in each respective State if such an inventory is available or in prospect; “(3) to coordinate and to ascertain the means by which the productive capacity of small-business concerns can be most effectively utilized; “(4) to consult and cooperate with officers of the Government having procurement or property disposal powers, in order to utilize the potential productive capacity of plants operated by small-business concerns; “(5) to obtain information as to methods and practices which Government prime contractors utilize in letting subcontracts and to take action to encourage the letting of subcontracts by prime contractors to small-business concerns at prices and on conditions and terms which are fair and equitable; “(6) to determine within any industry the concerns, firms, persons, corporations, partnerships, cooperatives, or other business enterprises which are to be designated ‘small-business concerns’ for the purpose of effectuating the provisions of this Act. To carry out this purpose the Administrator, when requested to do so, shall issue in response to each such request an appropriate certificate certifying an individual concern as a ‘small-business concern’ in accordance with the criteria expressed in this Act. Any such certificate shall be subject to revocation when the concern covered thereby ceases to be. a ‘small-business concern’. Offices of the Government having procurement or lending powers, or engaging in the disposal of Federal property or allocating materials or supplies, or promulgating regulations affecting the distribution of materials or supplies, shall accept as conclusive the Administration’s determination as to which enterprises are to be designated ‘small-business concerns’, as authorized and directed under this paragraph; “(7) to certify to Government procurement officers, and officers Certification engaged in the sale and disposal of Federal property, with respect to the competency, as to capacity and credit, of any small-business concern or group of such concerns to perform a specific Government contract. In any case in which a small-business concern or group of such concerns has been certified by or under the authority of the Administration to be a competent Government contractor with respect to capacity and credit as to a specific Government contract, the officers of the Government having procurement or property disposal powers are directed to accept such certification as conclusive, and are authorized to let such Government contract to such concern or group of concerns without requiring it to meet any other requirement with respect to capacity and credit; “(8) to obtain from any Federal department, establishment, Federal contract information. or agency engaged in procurement or in the financing of procurement or production such reports concerning the letting of contracts and subcontracts and the making of loans to business concerns as it may deem pertinent in carrying out its functions under this Act: “(9) to obtain from any Federal department, establishment, or agency engaged in the disposal of Federal property such reports concerning the solicitation of bids, time of sale, or otherwise as it may deem pertinent in carrying put its functions under this Act; “(10) to obtain from suppliers of materials information pertaining to the method of filling orders and the bases for allocating their supply, whenever it appears that any small business is unable to obtain materials from its normal sources; “(11) to make studies and recommendations to the appropriate Studies and recommendations. Federal agencies to insure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts for property and services for the Government be placed with small-business enterprises, to insure that a fair proportion of Government contracts for research and development be placed with small-business concerns, to insure that a fair proportion of the total sales of Government property be made to small-business concerns, and to insure a fair and equitable share of materials, supplies, and equipment to small-business concerns; “(12) to consult and cooperate with all Government agencies for the purpose of insuring that small-business concerns shall receive fair and reasonable treatment from such agencies; and “(13) to establish such small business advisory boards and Advisory boards. committees truly representative of small business as may be necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act. “(c) The Administration shall from time to time make studies of matters materially affecting the competitive strength of small business, and of the effect on small business of Federal laws, programs, and regulations, and shall make recommendations to the appropriate Federal agency or agencies for the adjustment of such programs and regulations to the needs of small business. “Sec. 9. (a) Research and development are major factors in the Research and development. growth and progress of industry and the national economy. The expense of carrying on research and development programs is beyond the means of many small-business concerns, and such concerns are handicapped in obtaining the benefits of research and development programs conducted at Government expense. These small-business concerns are thereby placed at a competitive disadvantage. This weakens the competitive free enterprise system and prevents the orderly development of the national economy. It is the policy of the Congress that assistance be given to small-business concerns to enable them to undertake and to obtain the benefits of research and development in order to maintain and strengthen the competitive free enterprise system and the national economy. “(b) It shall be the duty of the Administration, and it is hereby empowered— “(1) to assist small-business concerns to obtain Government contracts for research and development; “(2) to assist small-business concerns to obtain the benefits of research and development performed under Government contracts or at Government expense; and “(3) to provide technical assistance to small-business concerns to accomplish the purposes of this section. “(c) The Administration is authorized to consult and cooperate with all Government agencies and to make studies and recommendations to such agencies, and such agencies are authorized and directed to cooperate with the Administration in order to carry out and to accomplish the purposes of this section. “(d) (1) The Administrator is authorized to consult with representatives of small-business concerns with a view to assisting and encouraging such firms to undertake joint programs for research and development carried out through such corporate or other mechanism as may be most appropriate for the purpose. Such joint programs may, among other things, include the following purposes: “(A) to construct, acquire, or establish laboratories and other facilities for the conduct of research: “(B) to undertake and utilize applied research; “(C) to collect research information related to a particular industry and disseminate it to participating members; “(D) to conduct applied research on a protected, proprietary, and contractual basis with member or nonmember firms, Government agencies, and others; “(E) to prosecute applications for patents and render patent services for participating members; and “(F) to negotiate and grant licenses under patents held under the joint program, and to establish corporations designed to exploit particular patents obtained by it. “(2) The Administrator may, after consultation with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and with the prior written approval of the Attorney General, approve any agreement between small-business firms providing for a joint program of research and development, if the Administrator finds that the joint program proposed will maintain and strengthen the free Withdrawal. enterprise system and the economy of the Nation. The Administrator or the Attorney General may at any time withdraw his approval of the agreement and the joint program of research and development covered thereby, if he finds that the agreement or the joint program carried on under it is no longer in the best interests of the competitive Publication in F.R. free enterprise system and the economy of the Nation. A copy of the statement of any such finding and approval intended to be within the coverage of this subsection, and a copy of any modification or withdrawal of approval, shall be published in the Federal Register. The authority conferred by this subsection on the Administrator shall not be delegated by him. “(3) No act or omission to act pursuant to and within the scope of any joint program for research and development, under an agree- ment approved by the Administrator under this subsection, shall be construed to be within the prohibitions of the antitrust laws or the Federal Trade Commission Act. Upon publication in the Federal 38 Stat. 717. 15 USC 58. Publication in F.R. Register of the notice of withdrawal of his approval of the agreement granted under this subsection, either by the Administrator or by the Attorney General, the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any subsequent act or omission to act by reason of such agreement or approval. “Sec. 10. (a) The Administration shall make a report every six Semiannual reports. months of operations under this Act to the President, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Such report shall include the names of the business concerns to whom contracts are let and for whom financing is arranged by the Administration, together with the amounts involved, and such report shall include such other information and such comments and recommendations as the Administration may deem appropriate. “(b) The Administration shall make a report to the President, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, to the Senate Select Committee on Small Business, and to the House Select Committee To Conduct a Study and Investigation of the Problems of Small Business, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, showing as accurately as possible for each such period the amount of funds appropriated to it that it has expended in the conduct of each of its principal activities such as lending, procurement, contracting, and providing technical and managerial aids. “(c) The Attorney General is directed to make, or request the Federal Dept. of Justice. Reports. Trade Commission to make for him, surveys for the purpose of determining any factors which may tend to eliminate competition, create or strengthen monopolies, injure small business, or otherwise promote undue concentration of economic power in the course of the administration of this Act. The Attorney General shall submit to the Congress and the President, at such times as he deems desirable, reports setting forth the results of such surveys and including such recommendations as he may deem desirable. “(d) For the purpose of aiding in carrying out the national policy Defense Dept. Reports. to insure that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts for property and services for the Government be placed with small-business enterprises, and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of the Nation, the Department of Defense shall make a monthly report to the President, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives not less than forty-five days after the close of the month, showing the amount of funds appropriated to the Department of Defense which have been expended, obligated, or contracted to be spent with small-business concerns and the amount of such funds expended, obligated, or contracted to be spent with firms other than small business in the same fields of operation; and such monthly reports shall show separately the funds expended, obligated, or contracted to be spent for basic and applied scientific research and development. “(e) The Administration shall retain all correspondence, records Records retention. of inquiries, memoranda, reports, books, and records, including memoranda as to all investigations conducted by or for the Administration, for a period of at least one year from the date of each thereof, and shall at all times keep the same available for inspection and examination by the Senate Select Committee on Small Business and the House Select Committee To Conduct a Study and Investigation of the Problems of Small Business, or their duly authorized representatives. “(f) To the extent deemed necessary by the Administrator to protect Agency cooperation. and preserve small-business interests, the Administration shall consult and cooperate with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government in the formulation by the Administration of policies affecting small-business concerns. When requested by the Administrator, each department and agency of the Federal Government shall consult and cooperate with the Administration in the formulation by such department or agency of policies affecting small-business concerns, in order to insure that small-business interests will be recognized, protected, and preserved. This subsection shall not require any department or agency to consult or cooperate with the Administration in any case where the head of such department or agency determines that such consultation or cooperation would unduly delay action which must be taken by such department or agency to protect the national interest in an emergency. “Sec. 11. (a) The President is authorized to consult with representatives of small-business concerns with a view to encouraging the making by such persons with the approval of the President of voluntary agreements and programs to further the objectives of this Act. “(b) No act or omission to act pursuant to this Act which occurs while this Act is in effect, if requested by the President pursuant to a voluntary agreement or program approved under subsection (a) of this section and found by the President to be in the public interest as contributing to the national defense, shall be construed to be within the prohibitions of the antitrust laws or the Federal Trade Commission Act of the United States. A copy of each such request intended to be within the coverage of this section, and any modification or withdrawal thereof, shall be furnished to the Attorney General and the 38 Stat. 717. 15 USC 58. Public at ion in F.R. Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission when made, and it shall be published in the Federal Register unless publication thereof would, in the opinion of the President, endanger the national security. “(c) The authority granted in subsection (b) of this section shall be delegated only (1) to an official who shall for the purpose of such delegation be required to be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, (2) upon the condition that such official consult with the Attorney General and the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission not less than ten days before making any request or finding thereunder, and (3) upon the condition that such official obtain the approval of the Attorney General to any request thereunder before making the request. “(d) Upon withdrawal of any request or finding hereunder, or upon withdrawal by the Attorney General of his approval of the voluntary agreement or program on which the request or finding is based, the provisions of this section shall not apply to any subsequent act, or omission to act, by reason of such finding or request. “Sec. 12. The President may transfer to the Administration any functions, powers, and duties of any department or agency which relate primarily to small-business problems. In connection with any such transfer, the President may provide for appropriate transfers of records, property, necessary personnel, and unexpended balances of appropriations and other funds available to the department or agency from which the transfer is made. “Sec. 13. No loan shall be made or equipment, facilities, or services furnished by the Administration under this Act to any business enterprise unless the owners, partners, or officers of such business enterprise (1) certify to the Administration the names of any attorneys, agents, or other persons engaged by or on behalf of such business enterprise for the purpose of expediting applications made to the Administration for assistance of any sort, and the fees paid or to be paid to any such persons; (2) execute an agreement binding any such business enterprise for a period of two years after any assistance is rendered by the Administration to such business enterprise, to refrain from employing, tendering any office or employment to, or retaining for professional services, any person who, on the date such assistance or any part thereof was rendered, or within one year prior thereto, shall have served as an officer, attorney, agent, or employee of the Administration occupying a position or engaging in activities which the Administration shall have determined involve discretion with respect to the granting of assistance under this Act; and (3) furnish the names of lending institutions to which such business enterprise has applied for loans together with dates, amounts, terms, and proof of refusal. “Sec. 14. To the fullest extent the Administration deems practicable, Charge for Government-owned property. it shall make a fair charge for the use of Government-owned property and make and let contracts on a basis that will result in a recovery of the direct costs incurred by the Administration. “Sec. 15. To effectuate the purposes of this Act, small-business Determination of awards or contracts. concerns within the meaning of this Act shall receive any award or contract or any part thereof, and be awarded any contract for the sale of Government property, as to which it is determined by the Administration and the contracting procurement or disposal agency (1) to be in the interest of maintaining or mobilizing the Nations full productive capacity, (2) to be in the interest of war or national defense programs, (3) to be in the interest of assuring that a fair proportion of the total purchases and contracts for property and services for the Government are placed with small-business concerns, or (4) to be in the interest of assuring that a fair proportion of the total sales of Government property be made to small-business concerns; but nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to change any preferences or priorities established by law with respect to the sale of electrical power or other property by the Government or any agency thereof. These determinations may be made for individual awards or contracts or for classes of awards or contracts. Whenever the Administration and the contracting procurement agency fail to agree, the matter shall be submitted for determination to the Secretary or the head of the appropriate department or agency by the Administrator. (a) Whoever makes any statement knowing it to be false, Violations and penalties. or whoever willfully overvalues any security, for the purpose of obtaining for himself or for any applicant any loan, or extension thereof by renewal, deferment of action, or otherwise, or the acceptance, release, or substitution of security therefor, or for the purpose of influencing in any way the action of the Administration, or for the purpose of obtaining money, property, or anything of value, under this Act, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $5,000 or by imprisonment for not more than two years, or both. “(b) Whoever, being connected in any capacity with the Administration, (1) embezzles, abstracts, purloins, or willfully misapplies any moneys, funds, securities, or other things of value, whether belonging to it or pledged or otherwise entrusted to it, or (2) with intent to defraud the Administration or any other body politic or corporate, or any individual, or to deceive any officer, auditor, or examiner of the Administration, makes any false entry in any book, report, or statement of or to the Administration, or, without being duly authorized, draws any order or issues, puts forth, or assigns any note, debenture, bond, or other obligation, or draft, bill of exchange, mortgage, judgment, or decree thereof, or (3) with intent to defraud participates or shares in or receives directly or indirectly any money, profit, property, or benefit through any transaction, loan, commission, contract, or any other act of the Administration, or (4) gives any unauthorized information concerning any future action or plan of the Administration which might affect the value of securities, or, having such knowledge, invests or speculates, directly or indirectly, in the securities or property of any company or corporation receiving loans or other assistance from the Administration, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or by imprisonment for not more than five years, or both. “Sec. 17. Any interest held by the Administration in property, as security for a loan, shall be subordinate to any lien on such property for taxes due on the property to a State, or political subdivision thereof, in any case where such lien would, under applicable State law, be superior to such interest if such interest were held by any party other than the United States. “Sec. 18. The Administration shall not duplicate the work or activity of any other department or agency of the Federal Government and nothing contained in this Act shall be construed to authorize any such duplication unless such work or activity is expressly provided for in this Act. “Sec. 19. If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstances, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby. “Sec. 20. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary and appropriate for the carrying out of the provisions and purposes of this Act. “Sec. 21. All laws and parts of laws inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency.”

  2. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001

    Pub. L. 106–554 § 1(a)(9)(tVI)(s612)(a) · 114 Stat. 2763

    1. Amended · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)

      Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, § 612(a)], designated existing provisions as subpar. (A)

    2. Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)

      Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, § 612(a)], inserted heading

    3. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)

      Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, § 612(a)], substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), in any” for “In any”

    4. Added · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)

      Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, § 612(a)], added subpars. (B) and (C)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, § 612(a)], designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), in any” for “In any”, and added subpars. (B) and (C).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (9) H.R. 5667, as introduced on December 15, 2000.

  3. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2001

    Pub. L. 106–554 § 1(a)(9)(tV)(s503)(b) · 114 Stat. 2763

    Added · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(d)

    Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title V, § 503(b)], added subsec. (d)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title V, § 503(b)], added subsec. (d).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (9) H.R. 5667, as introduced on December 15, 2000.

  4. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005

    Pub. L. 108–447 § 153 · 118 Stat. 2809

    1. Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(C); 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(D)

      Pub. L. 108–447, § 153, which directed amendment of par. (3) by redesignating subpar. (C) as (D)

    2. Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(C); 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(D)

      Pub. L. 108–447, § 153, which directed amendment of par. (3) by adding a new subpar. (C) at the end, was executed by making the redesignation as directed but by adding the new subpar. (C) after subpar. (B) to reflect the probable intent of Congress

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(C), (D). Pub. L. 108–447, § 153, which directed amendment of par. (3) by redesignating subpar. (C) as (D) and adding a new subpar. (C) at the end, was executed by making the redesignation as directed but by adding the new subpar. (C) after subpar. (B) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    Sec. 153. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, from funds made available to the Federal Railroad Administration under the heading “Next Generation High-Speed Rail” in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–199), the Secretary of Transportation may award a grant in the amount of $400,000 to the Illinois Department of Transportation for KBS Railroad track and grade crossing improvements in Kankakee County and Northeastern Illinois.

  5. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005

    Pub. L. 108–447 § 154 · 118 Stat. 2809

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(d)

    Pub. L. 108–447, § 154, substituted “2004 through 2006” for “2001 through 2003”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–447, § 154, substituted “2004 through 2006” for “2001 through 2003”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    Sec. 154. The Northern New England High Speed Rail Corridor is expanded to include the train routes from Boston, Massachusetts, to Albany, New York, and from Springfield, Massachusetts, to New Haven, Connecticut.

  6. Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

    Pub. L. 111–240 § 1347(c)(1) · 124 Stat. 2504

    Struck · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)

    Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(1), struck out introductory provisions which read as follows: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law—”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(1), struck out introductory provisions which read as follows: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law—”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking “Notwithstanding any other provision of law—”;

  7. Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

    Pub. L. 111–240 § 1347(c)(2)(A) · 124 Stat. 2504

    1. Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(A)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(A), inserted heading

    2. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(A)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(A), substituted “A contracting” for “a contracting” in introductory provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(A), inserted heading and substituted “A contracting” for “a contracting” in introductory provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking “a contracting” and inserting “Sole source contracts.—A contracting”; and

  8. Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

    Pub. L. 111–240 § 1347(c)(2)(B) · 124 Stat. 2504

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(A)(iii)

    Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(B), substituted period for semicolon at end

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(B), substituted period for semicolon at end.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in clause (iii), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting a period;

  9. Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

    Pub. L. 111–240 § 1347(c)(3) · 124 Stat. 2504

    1. Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(B)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by inserting heading

    2. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(B)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by substituting “A contract opportunity may” for “a contract opportunity shall”, and period for “; and”, was executed by inserting heading

    3. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(B)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by substituting “A contract opportunity may” for “a contract opportunity may” and period for “; and”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(b)(1). See below

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by inserting heading and substituting “A contract opportunity may” for “a contract opportunity shall”, and period for “; and”, was executed by inserting heading and substituting “A contract opportunity may” for “a contract opportunity may” and period for “; and”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(b)(1). See below.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (3) in subparagraph (B)— (A) by striking “a contract opportunity shall” and inserting “Restricted competition.—A contract opportunity may”; and (B) by striking “; and” and inserting a period; and

  10. Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

    Pub. L. 111–240 § 1347(b)(1) · 124 Stat. 2504

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(B)

    Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(b)(1), substituted “may” for “shall”

    Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(b)(1), substituted “may” for “shall”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) Contracting opportunities.— Section 31(b)(2)(B) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking “shall” and inserting “may”.

  11. Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

    Pub. L. 111–240 § 1347(c)(4) · 124 Stat. 2504

    1. Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(C)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(4), inserted heading

    2. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)(C)

      Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(4), substituted “Not later” for “not later”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(4), inserted heading and substituted “Not later” for “not later”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (4) in subparagraph (C), by striking “not later” and inserting “Appeals.—Not later”.

  12. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016

    Pub. L. 114–92 div. A title VIII § 866(c) · 129 Stat. 726

    Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(c)(3)

    Pub. L. 114–92 inserted “the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” after “the Secretary of Labor,”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 114–92 inserted “the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” after “the Secretary of Labor,”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (c) Including FEMA in Agencies That May Provide Data for HUBZone Program.— Section 31(c)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a(c)(3)) is amended by inserting “the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” after “the Secretary of Labor,”.

  13. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(h)(2)(A) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(a)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(A), inserted “(to be known as the HUBZone program)” after “program” and “, including promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 636(m)(11)) of this title,” after “assistance”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(A), inserted “(to be known as the HUBZone program)” after “program” and “, including promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 636(m)(11)) of this title,” after “assistance”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in subsection (a)— (i) by inserting “(to be known as the HUBZone program)” after “program”; and (ii) by inserting “, including promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 7(m)(11)),” after “assistance”;

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  14. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2)(A) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(A), substituted “In this section:” for “In this chapter:” in introductory provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(A), substituted “In this section:” for “In this chapter:” in introductory provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) by striking “In this Act:” and inserting “In this section:”;

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  15. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2), transferred subsec. (p) of section 632 of this title and redesignated it as subsec. (b) of this section. See Codification note above. Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c)

    Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2), transferred subsec. (p) of section 632 of this title and redesignated it as subsec. (b) of this section. See Codification note above. Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) Transfer.— Subsection (p) of section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(p)) is transferred to section 31 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a), inserted so as to appear after subsection (a), and redesignated as subsection (b), and is amended— (A) by striking “In this Act:” and inserting “In this section:”; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking “term” and inserting “terms”; and (ii) by striking “means” and inserting “or ‘HUBZone’ mean”; and (C) by striking paragraph (2) (and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly).

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  16. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2)(B) · 131 Stat. 1283

    1. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(1)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(B), substituted “terms” for “term” in introductory provisions

    2. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(1)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(B), substituted “or ‘HUBZone’ mean” for “means” in introductory provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(B), substituted “terms” for “term” and “or ‘HUBZone’ mean” for “means” in introductory provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) by striking “term” and inserting “terms”; and (ii) by striking “means” and inserting “or ‘HUBZone’ mean”; and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  17. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(e)(1) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Added · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(1)(G)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(e)(1), added subpar. (G)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(e)(1), added subpar. (G).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) in paragraph (1)— (A) in subparagraph (E), by striking “or” at the end; (B) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; or”; and (C) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the following new subparagraph: “(G) a Governor-designated covered area.” ;

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  18. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2)(C) · 131 Stat. 1283

    1. Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (3) as (2)

    2. Struck · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(2)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), struck out former par. (2) which defined the term “HUBZone”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which defined the term “HUBZone”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) (and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly).

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  19. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2)(C) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (4) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (2)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (4) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (2).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) (and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly).

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  20. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(1)(A)(i) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Amended · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(A)(i)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(A)(i), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘qualified census tract’ has the meaning given that term in section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26.”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(A)(i), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘qualified census tract’ has the meaning given that term in section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26.”

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (i) by amending clause (i) to read as follows: “(i) In general.— The term ‘qualified census tract’ means a census tract that is covered by the definition of ‘qualified census tract’ in section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and that is reflected in an online tool prepared by the Administrator described under subsection (d)(7).” ; and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  21. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(1)(A)(ii) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(A)(ii)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(A)(ii), inserted “and that is reflected in the online tool described under clause (i)” after “such section” in introductory provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(A)(ii), inserted “and that is reflected in the online tool described under clause (i)” after “such section” in introductory provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting “and that is reflected in the online tool described under clause (i)” after “such section”; and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  22. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(1)(B)(i) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Inserted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(B)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(i), inserted “that is reflected in the online tool described under subparagraph (A)(i) and” after “any county” in introductory provisions

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(i), inserted “that is reflected in the online tool described under subparagraph (A)(i) and” after “any county” in introductory provisions.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting “that is reflected in the online tool described under subparagraph (A)(i) and” after “any county”; and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  23. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(2)(A) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(B)(i)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(2)(A), substituted “section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26” for “section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii) of title 26”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(2)(A), substituted “section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26” for “section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii) of title 26”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (A) in clause (i), by striking “section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986” and inserting “section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986”; and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  24. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii) · 131 Stat. 1283

    1. Struck · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(B)(ii)(I)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii), struck out “nonmetropolitan” before “State”

    2. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(B)(ii)(I)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii), substituted “a 5-year average of the available data” for “the most recent data available”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii), struck out “nonmetropolitan” before “State” and substituted “a 5-year average of the available data” for “the most recent data available”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (ii) in clause (ii)— (I) in subclause (I), by striking “nonmetropolitan”; and (II) by striking “the most recent data available” each place it appears and inserting “a 5-year average of the available data”.

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  25. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(B)(ii)(II)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II), substituted “a 5-year average of the available data” for “the most recent data available”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II), substituted “a 5-year average of the available data” for “the most recent data available”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (II) by striking “the most recent data available” each place it appears and inserting “a 5-year average of the available data”.

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  26. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(b)(2)(B) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(B)(ii)(III)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(2)(B), substituted “section 42(d)(5)(B)(iii) of title 26” for “section 42(d)(5)(C)(iii) of title 26”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(2)(B), substituted “section 42(d)(5)(B)(iii) of title 26” for “section 42(d)(5)(C)(iii) of title 26”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) in clause (ii)(III), by striking “section 42(d)(5)(C)(iii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986” and inserting “section 42(d)(5)(B)(iii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986”.

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  27. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(d) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(C)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(d), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, text defined the term “redesignated area”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(d), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, text defined the term “redesignated area”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (d) Amendment to Definition of Redesignated Areas.— Paragraph (3) of section 31(b) of the Small Business Act (as transferred and redesignated by subsection (a)), as amended by subsection (c), is further amended by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows: “(C) Redesignated area.— The term ‘redesignated area’ means any census tract that ceases to be qualified under subparagraph (A) and any nonmetropolitan county that ceases to be qualified under subparagraph (B) for a period of 3 years after the date on which the census tract or nonmetropolitan county ceased to be so qualified.” .

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  28. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(c)(1) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Amended · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(D)(ii)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(c)(1), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “A base closure area shall be treated as a HUBZone—

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(c)(1), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “A base closure area shall be treated as a HUBZone—

    “(I) with respect to a census tract or nonmetropolitan county described in clause (i), for a period of not less than 8 years, beginning on the date the military installation undergoes final closure and ending on the date the Administrator makes a final determination as to whether or not to implement the applicable designation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) in accordance with the results of the decennial census conducted after the area was initially designated as a base closure area; and “(II) if such area was treated as a HUBZone at any time after 2010, until such time as the Administrator makes a final determination as to whether or not to implement the applicable designation described in subparagraph (A) or (B), after the 2020 decennial census.”

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) by amending clause (ii) of subparagraph (D) to read as follows: “(ii) Limitation.— A census tract or nonmetropolitan county described in clause (i) shall be considered to be a base closure area for a period beginning on the date on which the Administrator designates such census tract or nonmetropolitan county as a base closure area and ending on the date on which the base closure area ceases to be a qualified census tract under subparagraph (A) or a qualified nonmetropolitan county under subparagraph (B) in accordance with the online tool prepared by the Administrator described under subsection (d)(7), except that such period may not be less than 8 years.” ; and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  29. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(c)(2) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Amended · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(E)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(c)(2), amended subpar. (E) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (E) consisted of cls. (i) and (ii) defining “qualified disaster area” generally and limiting the period of time a qualified disaster is treated as a HUBZone, respectively

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(E). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(c)(2), amended subpar. (E) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (E) consisted of cls. (i) and (ii) defining “qualified disaster area” generally and limiting the period of time a qualified disaster is treated as a HUBZone, respectively.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) by amending subparagraph (E) to read as follows: “(E) Qualified disaster area.— “(i) In general.— Subject to clause (ii), the term ‘qualified disaster area’ means any census tract or nonmetropolitan county located in an area where a major disaster has occurred or an area in which a catastrophic incident has occurred if such census tract or nonmetropolitan county ceased to be qualified under subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable, during the period beginning 5 years before the date on which the President declared the major disaster or the catastrophic incident occurred. “(ii) Duration.— A census tract or nonmetropolitan county shall be considered to be a qualified disaster area under clause (i) only for the period of time ending on the date the area ceases to be a qualified census tract under subparagraph (A) or a qualified nonmetropolitan county under subparagraph (B), in accordance with the online tool prepared by the Administrator described under subsection (d)(7) and beginning— “(I) in the case of a major disaster, on the date on which the President declared the major disaster for the area in which the census tract or nonmetropolitan county, as applicable, is located; or “(II) in the case of a catastrophic incident, on the date on which the catastrophic incident occurred in the area in which the census tract or nonmetropolitan county, as applicable, is located. “(iii) Definitions.— In this subparagraph: “(I) Major disaster.— The term ‘major disaster’ means 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). “(II) Other definitions.— The terms ‘census tract’ and ‘nonmetropolitan county’ have the meanings given such terms in subparagraph (D)(iii).” .

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  30. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(e)(2) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Added · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(3)(F)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(e)(2), added subpar. (F)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(3)(F). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(e)(2), added subpar. (F).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) in paragraph (3) (as amended by subsection (c)), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: “(F) Governor-designated covered area.— “(i) In general.— A ‘Governor-designated covered area’ means a covered area that the Administrator has designated by approving a petition described under clause (ii). “(ii) Petition.— For a covered area to receive a designation as a Governor-designated covered area, the Governor of the State in which the covered area is wholly contained shall include such covered area in a petition to the Administrator requesting such a designation. In reviewing a request for designation included in such a petition, the Administrator may consider— “(I) the potential for job creation and investment in the covered area; “(II) the demonstrated interest of small business concerns in the covered area to be designated as a Governor-designated covered area; “(III) how State and local government officials have incorporated the covered area into an economic development strategy; and “(IV) if the covered area was a HUBZone before becoming the subject of the petition, the impact on the covered area if the Administrator did not approve the petition. “(iii) Limitations.— Each calendar year, a Governor may submit not more than 1 petition described under clause (ii). Such petition shall include all covered areas in a State for which the Governor seeks designation as a Governor-designated covered area, except that the total number of covered areas included in such petition may not exceed 10 percent of the total number of covered areas in the State. “(iv) Certification.— If the Administrator grants a petition described under clause (ii), the Governor of the Governor-designated covered area shall, not less frequently than annually, submit data to the Administrator certifying that each Governor-designated covered area continues to meet the requirements of clause (v)(I). “(v) Definitions.— In this subparagraph: “(I) Covered area.— The term ‘covered area’ means an area in a State— “(aa) that is located outside of an urbanized area, as determined by the Bureau of the Census; “(bb) with a population of not more than 50,000; and “(cc) for which the average unemployment rate is not less than 120 percent of the average unemployment rate of the United States or of the State in which the covered area is located, whichever is less, based on the most recent data available from the American Community Survey conducted by the Bureau of the Census. “(II) Governor.— The term ‘Governor’ means the chief executive of a State. “(III) State.— The term ‘State’ means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.” .

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  31. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(g) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Amended · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(4)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(g), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) consisted of subpars. (A) and (B) defining qualified HUBZone small business concern and requiring the Administrator shall establish and maintain a list of qualified HUBZone small business concerns, respectively

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(g), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) consisted of subpars. (A) and (B) defining qualified HUBZone small business concern and requiring the Administrator shall establish and maintain a list of qualified HUBZone small business concerns, respectively.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (g) Amendment to Definition of Qualified HUBZone Small Business Concern.— Paragraph (4) of section 31(b) of the Small Business Act (as transferred and redesignated by subsection (a)) is amended to read as follows: “(4) Qualified hubzone small business concern.— The term ‘qualified HUBZone small business concern’ means a HUBZone small business concern that has been certified by the Administrator in accordance with the procedures described in this section.” .

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  32. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2)(C) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(4)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (5) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3)

    Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (5) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) (and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly).

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  33. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(2)(C) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(b)(5)(7)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated pars. (6) and (7) as (5) and (6), respectively

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (b)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated pars. (6) and (7) as (5) and (6), respectively.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) by striking paragraph (2) (and redesignating subsequent paragraphs accordingly).

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  34. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(1) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(c)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) Redesignation.— Section 31 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a) is amended by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  35. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(h)(1) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Amended · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(d)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(1), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) related to enforcement procedures for verifying eligibility under this section and penalties for misrepresenting the status of a concern as a “HUBZone small business concern” for purposes of this section

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(1), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) related to enforcement procedures for verifying eligibility under this section and penalties for misrepresenting the status of a concern as a “HUBZone small business concern” for purposes of this section.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) Clarifications to eligibility for hubzone program.— Section 31(d) of the Small Business Act, as redesignated by subsection (a), is amended to read as follows: “(d) Eligibility Requirements; Enforcement.— “(1) Certification.— In order to be eligible for certification by the Administrator as a qualified HUBZone small business concern, a HUBZone small business concern shall submit documentation to the Administrator stating that— “(A) at the time of certification and at each examination conducted pursuant to paragraph (4), the principal office of the concern is located in a HUBZone and not fewer than 35 percent of its employees reside in a HUBZone; “(B) the concern will attempt to maintain the applicable employment percentage under subparagraph (A) during the performance of any contract awarded to such concern on the basis of a preference provided under subsection (c); and “(C) the concern will ensure that the requirements of section 46 are satisfied with respect to any subcontract entered into by such concern pursuant to a contract awarded under this section. “(2) Verification.— In carrying out this section, the Administrator shall establish procedures relating to— “(A) the filing, investigation, and disposition by the Administration of any challenge to the eligibility of a HUBZone small business concern to receive assistance under this section (including a challenge, filed by an interested party, relating to the veracity of documentation provided to the Administration by such a concern under paragraph (1)); and “(B) verification by the Administrator of the accuracy of any documentation provided by a HUBZone small business concern under paragraph (1). “(3) Timing.— The Administrator shall verify the eligibility of a HUBZone small business concern using the procedures described in paragraph (2) within a reasonable time and not later than 60 days after the date on which the Administrator receives sufficient and complete documentation from a HUBZone small business concern under paragraph (1). “(4) Recertification.— Not later than 3 years after the date that such HUBZone small business concern was certified as a qualified HUBZone small business concern, and every 3 years thereafter, the Administrator shall verify the accuracy of any documentation provided by a HUBZone small business concern under paragraph (1) to determine if such HUBZone small business concern remains a qualified HUBZone small business concern. “(5) Examinations.— The Administrator shall conduct program examinations of qualified HUBZone small business concerns, using a risk-based analysis to select which concerns are examined, to ensure that any concern examined meets the requirements of paragraph (1). “(6) Loss of certification.— A HUBZone small business concern that, based on the results of an examination conducted pursuant to paragraph (5) no longer meets the requirements of paragraph (1), shall have 30 days to submit documentation to the Administrator to be eligible to be certified as a qualified HUBZone small business concern. During the 30-day period, such concern may not compete for or be awarded a contract under this section. If such concern fails to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) by the last day of the 30-day period, the Administrator shall not certify such concern as a qualified HUBZone small business concern. “(7) Hubzone online tool.— “(A) In general.— The Administrator shall develop a publicly accessible online tool that depicts HUBZones. Such online tool shall be updated— “(i) with respect to HUBZones described under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(3), beginning on January 1, 2020, and every 5 years thereafter; “(ii) with respect to a HUBZone described under subsection (b)(3)(C), immediately after the area becomes, or ceases to be, a redesignated area; and “(iii) with respect to HUBZones described under subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) of subsection (b)(3), immediately after an area is designated as a base closure area, qualified disaster area, or Governor-designated covered area, respectively. “(B) Data.— The online tool required under subparagraph (A) shall clearly and conspicuously provide access to the data used by the Administrator to determine whether or not an area is a HUBZone in the year in which the online tool was prepared. “(C) Notification of update.— The Administrator shall include in the online tool a notification of the date on which the online tool, and the data used to create the online tool, will be updated. “(8) List of qualified hubzone small business concerns.— The Administrator shall establish and publicly maintain on the internet a list of qualified HUBZone small business concerns that shall— “(A) to the extent practicable, include the name, address, and type of business with respect to such concern; “(B) be updated by the Administrator not less than annually; and “(C) be provided upon request to any Federal agency or other entity. “(9) Provision of data.— Upon the request of the Administrator, the Secretary of Labor, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of the Interior (or the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs), shall promptly provide to the Administrator such information as the Administrator determines to be necessary to carry out this subsection. “(10) Penalties.— In addition to the penalties described in section 16(d), any small business concern that is determined by the Administrator to have misrepresented the status of that concern as a ‘qualified HUBZone small business concern’ for purposes of this section shall be subject to liability for fraud, including section 1001 of title 18, United States Code, and sections 3729 through 3733 of title 31, United States Code.” .

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  36. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(1) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(d)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e)

    Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) Redesignation.— Section 31 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a) is amended by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  37. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(h)(2)(C) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(e)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(C), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f)

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(C), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (C) by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection: “(e) Performance Metrics.— “(1) In general.— Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall publish performance metrics designed to measure the success of the HUBZone program established under this section in meeting the program’s objective of promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 7(m)(11)). “(2) Collecting and managing hubzone data.— The Administrator shall develop processes to incentivize each regional office of the Administration to collect and manage data on HUBZones within the geographic area served by such regional office. “(3) Report.— Not later than 90 days after the last day of each fiscal year, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives a report analyzing the data from the performance metrics established under this subsection and including— “(A) the number of HUBZone small business concerns that lost certification as a qualified HUBZone small business concern because of the results of an examination performed under subsection (d)(5); and “(B) the number of those concerns that did not submit documentation to be recertified under subsection (d)(6).” .

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  38. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(a)(1) · 131 Stat. 1283

    Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(e)

    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e)

    Target inherited from the preceding amendment note.

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (1) Redesignation.— Section 31 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 657a) is amended by redesignating subsections (b), (c), and (d) as subsections (c), (d), and (e), respectively.

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  39. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018

    Pub. L. 115–91 § 1701(h)(2)(B) · 131 Stat. 1283

    1. Redesignated · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(f)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(B), (3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f)

    2. Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(f)

      Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(B), (3), substituted “fiscal years 2020 through 2025” for “fiscal years 2004 through 2006”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(B), (3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and substituted “fiscal years 2020 through 2025” for “fiscal years 2004 through 2006”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (B) by redesignating subsection (e) (as redesignated by subsection (a)) as subsection (f); and

    Effective date note
    Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “The provisions of this section shall take effect—

  40. William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021

    Pub. L. 116–283 div. A title VIII § 864(2) · 134 Stat. 3388

    Substituted · 15 U.S.C. § 657a(c)(2)(A)(ii)(I)

    Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “$7,000,000” for “$5,000,000”

    Source evidence

    Code amendment note
    Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “$7,000,000” for “$5,000,000”.

    Enacted provision · exact public law section
    (2) in section 31(c)(2)(A)(ii)(I) (15 U.S.C. 657a(c)(2)(A)(ii)(I)), by striking “$5,000,000” and inserting “$7,000,000”; and

52 of 52 references resolved to an enrolled provision

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 636(m)(11) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a), no longer defines the term “economically distressed areas”. See 1994 Amendment note for subsec. (m)(11)(D) under section 636 of this title.

The Community Economic Development Act of 1981, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(E)(i), is subchapter A (§§ 611–633) of chapter 8 of subtitle A of title VI of Pub. L. 97–35, , 95 Stat. 489. Part 1 of subchapter A of the Act is classified generally to part A (§ 9805 et seq.) of subchapter I of chapter 105 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9801 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(A)(ii)(II), is Pub. L. 114–187, , 130 Stat. 549, which is classified principally to chapter 20 (§ 2101 et seq.) of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 2101 of Title 48 and Tables.

Codification

The text of section 632(p) of this title, which was transferred to this section and redesignated as subsec. (b) by Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(a)(2), , 131 Stat. 1795, was based on Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[3], , 72 Stat. 384; Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(a), , 111 Stat. 2627; Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, §§ 602–604, 611, 612(b)–615(a)], , 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–697 to 2763A–701; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §§ 151(a), 152(a)(1), (3)–(c)(1), , 118 Stat. 3456, 3457; Pub. L. 109–59, title X, § 10203, , 119 Stat. 1933; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title XVI, § 1696(b)(1), , 126 Stat. 2090; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, § 866(a), , 129 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 114–187, title IV, § 412(a)(1), , 130 Stat. 595.

In subsec. (c)(1)(A), “section 2101(1) of title 41” substituted for “section 27(f)(5) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 423(f)(5))” on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, § 6(c), , 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (c)(1)(B), “section 107 of title 41” substituted for “section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)” on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, § 6(c), , 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

In subsec. (c)(4), “chapter 85 of title 41” substituted for “the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.)” on authority of Pub. L. 111–350, § 6(c), , 124 Stat. 3854, which Act enacted Title 41, Public Contracts.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 2[31] of Pub. L. 85–536 was renumbered section 2[49] and is set out as a note under section 631 of this title.

Amendments2000–2021 · 6 rounds

2021

Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted “$7,000,000” for “$5,000,000”.

2017

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(A), inserted “(to be known as the HUBZone program)” after “program” and “, including promoting economic development in economically distressed areas (as defined in section 636(m)(11)) of this title,” after “assistance”.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(A), substituted “In this section:” for “In this chapter:” in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2), transferred subsec. (p) of section 632 of this title and redesignated it as subsec. (b) of this section. See Codification note above. Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(B), substituted “terms” for “term” and “or ‘HUBZone’ mean” for “means” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(e)(1), added subpar. (G).

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which defined the term “HUBZone”.

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (4) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (2).

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(A)(i), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “The term ‘qualified census tract’ has the meaning given that term in section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26.”

Subsec. (b)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(A)(ii), inserted “and that is reflected in the online tool described under clause (i)” after “such section” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(i), inserted “that is reflected in the online tool described under subparagraph (A)(i) and” after “any county” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(2)(A), substituted “section 42(d)(5)(B)(ii) of title 26” for “section 42(d)(5)(C)(ii) of title 26”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(I). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii), struck out “nonmetropolitan” before “State” and substituted “a 5-year average of the available data” for “the most recent data available”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(1)(B)(ii)(II), substituted “a 5-year average of the available data” for “the most recent data available”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii)(III). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(b)(2)(B), substituted “section 42(d)(5)(B)(iii) of title 26” for “section 42(d)(5)(C)(iii) of title 26”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(d), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, text defined the term “redesignated area”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(c)(1), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “A base closure area shall be treated as a HUBZone—

“(I) with respect to a census tract or nonmetropolitan county described in clause (i), for a period of not less than 8 years, beginning on the date the military installation undergoes final closure and ending on the date the Administrator makes a final determination as to whether or not to implement the applicable designation described in subparagraph (A) or (B) in accordance with the results of the decennial census conducted after the area was initially designated as a base closure area; and

“(II) if such area was treated as a HUBZone at any time after 2010, until such time as the Administrator makes a final determination as to whether or not to implement the applicable designation described in subparagraph (A) or (B), after the 2020 decennial census.”

Subsec. (b)(3)(E). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(c)(2), amended subpar. (E) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (E) consisted of cls. (i) and (ii) defining “qualified disaster area” generally and limiting the period of time a qualified disaster is treated as a HUBZone, respectively.

Subsec. (b)(3)(F). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(e)(2), added subpar. (F).

Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(g), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) consisted of subpars. (A) and (B) defining qualified HUBZone small business concern and requiring the Administrator shall establish and maintain a list of qualified HUBZone small business concerns, respectively.

Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated par. (5) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3).

Subsec. (b)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(2)(C), redesignated pars. (6) and (7) as (5) and (6), respectively.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(1), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) related to enforcement procedures for verifying eligibility under this section and penalties for misrepresenting the status of a concern as a “HUBZone small business concern” for purposes of this section.

Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(C), added subsec. (e). Former subsec. (e) redesignated (f).

Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–91, § 1701(h)(2)(B), (3), redesignated subsec. (e) as (f) and substituted “fiscal years 2020 through 2025” for “fiscal years 2004 through 2006”.

2015

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 114–92 inserted “the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency,” after “the Secretary of Labor,”.

2010

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(1), struck out introductory provisions which read as follows: “Notwithstanding any other provision of law—”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(A), inserted heading and substituted “A contracting” for “a contracting” in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(2)(B), substituted period for semicolon at end.

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (B) by inserting heading and substituting “A contract opportunity may” for “a contract opportunity shall”, and period for “; and”, was executed by inserting heading and substituting “A contract opportunity may” for “a contract opportunity may” and period for “; and”, to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(b)(1). See below.

Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(b)(1), substituted “may” for “shall”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 111–240, § 1347(c)(4), inserted heading and substituted “Not later” for “not later”.

2004

Subsec. (b)(3)(C), (D). Pub. L. 108–447, § 153, which directed amendment of par. (3) by redesignating subpar. (C) as (D) and adding a new subpar. (C) at the end, was executed by making the redesignation as directed but by adding the new subpar. (C) after subpar. (B) to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–447, § 154, substituted “2004 through 2006” for “2001 through 2003”.

2000

Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title VI, § 612(a)], designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted heading, substituted “Subject to subparagraph (B), in any” for “In any”, and added subpars. (B) and (C).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title V, § 503(b)], added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(j), , 131 Stat. 1803, provided that:

“The provisions of this section shall take effect—

“(1)

with respect to subsection (i) [enacting provisions set out as a note under this section], on the date of the enactment of this section []; and

“(2)

with respect to subsections (a) through (h) [amending this section, sections 632 and 637 of this title, section 2323 of Title 10, Armed Forces, section 3718 of Title 31, Money and Finance, sections 1122 and 1713 of Title 41, Public Contracts, and sections 47107 and 47113 of Title 49, Transportation, amending provisions set out as notes under section 2302 of Title 10 and section 637 of this title, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 632 of this title], on .”

Effective Date

Section effective , see section 3 of Pub. L. 105–135, set out as an Effective Date of 1997 Amendment note under section 631 of this title.

Initial Limited Applicability

Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(b)(2), , 111 Stat. 2631, as amended by Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(5) [title II, § 212], , 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–295, limited the applicability of 15 U.S.C. 657a to certain procurements beginning on , and ending on .

Construction of 2017 Amendment

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(i), , 131 Stat. 1803, provided that: “A HUBZone small business concern that was qualified pursuant to section 3(p)(5) of the Small Business Act [formerly 15 U.S.C. 632(p)(5), now 15 U.S.C. 657a(b)(4)] on or before , shall continue to be considered as a qualified HUBZone small business concern during the period beginning on , and ending on the date that the Administrator of the Small Business Administration prepares the online tool depicting qualified areas described under section 31(d)(7) [15 U.S.C. 657a(d)(7)] (as added by subsection (h) of this section).”

Report

Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 606, , 111 Stat. 2635, required the Administrator to submit to Congress, by , a report on the HUBZone program and the degree to which the program resulted in increased employment opportunities and an increased level of investment in HUBZones.

Credits

1997–2021 · 7 acts
  1. 1997Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[31], as added Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(b)(1)(B), , 111 Stat. 2629
  2. 2000amended Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title V, § 503(b), title VI, § 612(a)], , 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–695, 2763A–699
  3. 2004Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §§ 153, 154, , 118 Stat. 3458
  4. 2010Pub. L. 111–240, title I, § 1347(b)(1), (c), , 124 Stat. 2547
  5. 2015Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, § 866(c), , 129 Stat. 932
  6. 2017Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(a)(1), (2), (b)–(e), (g), (h), , 131 Stat. 1795–1798, 1800
  7. 2021Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, § 864(2), , 134 Stat. 3784.
Show as published

(Pub. L. 85–536, § 2[31], as added Pub. L. 105–135, title VI, § 602(b)(1)(B), , 111 Stat. 2629; amended Pub. L. 106–554, § 1(a)(9) [title V, § 503(b), title VI, § 612(a)], , 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–695, 2763A–699; Pub. L. 108–447, div. K, title I, §§ 153, 154, , 118 Stat. 3458; Pub. L. 111–240, title I, § 1347(b)(1), (c), , 124 Stat. 2547; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, § 866(c), , 129 Stat. 932; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title XVII, § 1701(a)(1), (2), (b)–(e), (g), (h), , 131 Stat. 1795–1798, 1800; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, § 864(2), , 134 Stat. 3784.)

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