,,ib ,union ,calendar ,no4 #djf #aadth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,h4 ,r4 #bjg ,report ,no4 #aad-ebf ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,january #h1 #bjae ,ms4 ,velzquez introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,small ,business ,april #bf1 #bjaf;,additional sponsors3 ,mr4 ,jeffries1 ,mrs4 ,kirkpatrick1 and ,mrs4 ,napolitano ,april #bf1 #bjaf ,reported with amendments1 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union1 and ordered to be printed ,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,for text of introduced bill1 see copy of bill as introduced on ,january #h1 #bjae ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,small ,business ,act to provide for improvements to small business development centers4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,developing the ,next ,generation of ,small ,businesses ,act of #bjaf4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,title ,i--,small ,business ,development ,centers ,improvements ,sec4 #aja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,use of authorized entrepreneurial development programs4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,marketing of services4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,data collection4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,fees from private partnerships and cosponsorships4 ,sec4 #ajf4 ,equity for small business development centers4 ,sec4 #ajg4 ,confidentiality requirements4 ,sec4 #ajh4 ,limitation on award of grants to small business development centers4 ,title ,,ii--,women's ,business ,centers ,program ,improvements ,sec4 #bja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,matching requirements under ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 ,title ,,iii--,,score ,program ,reauthorization ,sec4 #cja4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,,score ,reauthorization4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,,score program4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,online component4 ,sec4 #cje4 ,study and report on the future role of the ,,score program4 ,sec4 #cjf4 ,technical and conforming amendments4 ,i ,small ,business ,development ,centers ,improvements #aja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,small ,business ,development ,centers ,improvement ,act of #bjaf4 #ajb4 ,use of authorized entrepreneurial development programs ,the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fca et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #dh4 ,use of authorized entrepreneurial development programs 7a7 ,expanded support for entrepreneurs 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,administrator shall only use the programs authorized in sections #g7;j71 #g7m71 #h7;a71 #h7;b77#a71 #ba1 #bb1 #bi1 and #cb of this ,act1 and sections #ceh and #chi of the ,small ,business ,investment ,act to deliver entrepreneurial development services1 entrepreneurial education1 support for the development and maintenance of clusters1 or business training4 7#b7 ,exception ,this section shall not apply to services provided to assist small business concerns owned by an ,indian tribe 7as such term is defined in section #h7;a77#ac774 7b7 ,annual report ,beginning on the first ,december #a after the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,administrator shall annually report to the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate on all entrepreneurial development activities undertaken in the current fiscal year4 ,this report shall include-- 7#a7 a description and operating details for each program and activity2 7#b7 operating circulars1 manuals1 and standard operating procedures for each program and activity2 7#c7 a description of the process used to award grants under each program and activity2 7#d7 a list of all awardees1 contractors1 and vendors 7including organization name and location7 and the amount of awards for the current fiscal year for each program and activity2 7#e7 the amount of funding obligated for the current fiscal year for each program and activity2 and 7#f7 the names and titles for those individuals responsible for each program and activity4 4 #ajc4 ,marketing of services ,section #ba of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7o7 ,no prohibition of marketing of services ,the ,administrator shall not prohibit applicants receiving grants under this section from marketing and advertising their services to individuals and small business concerns4 4 #ajd4 ,data collection 7a7 ,in general ,section #ba7;a77#c77;,a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh7;a77#c77;,a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking as provided in this section and and inserting as provided in this section12 and 7#b7 by inserting before the period at the end the following3 1 and 7iv7 governing data collection activities related to applicants receiving grants under this section4 7b7 ,annual report on data collection ,section #ba of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh71 as amended by section #ajc of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7p7 ,annual ,report on data collection ,the ,administrator shall report annually to the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate on any data collection activities related to the ,small ,business ,development ,center program4 4 7c7 ,working group to improve data collection 7#a7 ,establishment and study ,the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration shall establish a ,data ,collection ,working ,group consisting of members from entrepreneurial development grant recipients associations and organizations and ,administration officials1 to carry out a study to determine the best way to capture data collection and create or revise existing systems dedicated to data collection4 7#b7 ,report ,not later than the end of the #ahj-;day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,data ,collection ,working ,group shall issue a report to the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate containing the findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under paragraph 7#a71 including-- 7,a7 recommendations for revising existing data collection practices2 and 7,b7 a proposed plan for the ,small ,business ,administration to implement such recommendations4 #aje4 ,fees from private partnerships and cosponsorships ,section #ba7;a77#c7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh7;a77#c77;,c771 as amended by section #ajd1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 ,fees from private partnerships and cosponsorships ,participation in private partnerships and cosponsorships with the ,administration shall not limit small business development centers from collecting fees or other income related to the operation of such private partnerships and cosponsorships4 4 #ajf4 ,equity for small business development centers ,subclause 7,i7 of section #ba7;a77#d77;,c77v7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh7;a77#d77;,c77v77 is amended to read as follows3 7,i7 ,in general ,of the amounts made available in any fiscal year to carry out this section not more than #fjj1jjj may be used by the ,administration to pay expenses enumerated in subparagraphs 7,b7 through 7,d7 of section #bj7;a77#a74 4 #ajg4 ,confidentiality requirements ,section #ba7;a77#g77;,a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh7;a77#g77;,a77 is amended by inserting after under this section the following3 to any ,state1 local or ,federal agency1 or third party4 #ajh4 ,limitation on award of grants to small business development centers 7a7 ,in general ,section #ba of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh71 as amended by section #ajd1 is further amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#a71 by striking any women's business center operating pursuant to section #bi12 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7q7 ,limitation on award of grants ,except for not-for-profit institutions of higher education1 and notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,administrator may not award grants 7including contracts and cooperative agreements7 under this section to any entity other than those that received grants 7including contracts and cooperative agreements7 under this section prior to the date of the enactment of this subsection1 and that seek to renew such grants 7including contracts and cooperative agreements7 after such date4 4 7b7 ,rule of ,construction ,the amendments made by this section may not be construed as prohibiting a women's business center from receiving a subgrant from an entity receiving a grant under section #ba of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdh74 ,,ii ,women's ,business ,centers ,program ,improvements #bja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,women's ,business ,centers ,improvements ,act of #bjaf4 #bjb4 ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership ,section #bi7;g7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7;g77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c7 and inserting the following3 7,b7 ,responsibilities ,the responsibilities of the ,assistant ,administrator shall be to administer the programs and services of the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership4 7,c7 ,duties ,the ,assistant ,administrator shall perform the following functions with respect to the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership3 7i7 ,recommend the annual administrative and program budgets of the ,office and eligible entities receiving a grant under the ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 7ii7 ,review the annual budgets submitted by each eligible entity receiving a grant under the ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 7iii7 ,select applicants to receive grants to operate a women's business center after reviewing information required by this section1 including the budget of each applicant4 7iv7 ,collaborate with other ,federal departments and agencies1 ,state and local governments1 not-for-profit organizations1 and for-profit enterprises to maximize utilization of taxpayer dollars and reduce 7or eliminate7 any duplication among the programs overseen by the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership and those of other entities that provide similar services to women entrepreneurs4 7v7 ,maintain a clearinghouse to provide for the dissemination and exchange of information between women's business centers4 7vi7 ,serve as the vice chairperson of the ,interagency ,committee on ,women's ,business ,enterprise and as the liaison for the ,national ,women's ,business ,council4 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,mission ,the mission of the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership shall be to assist women entrepreneurs to start1 grow1 and compete in global markets by providing quality support with access to capital1 access to markets1 job creation1 growth1 and counseling by-- 7,a7 fostering participation of women entrepreneurs in the economy by overseeing a network of women's business centers throughout ,states and territories2 7,b7 creating public-private partnerships to support women entrepreneurs and conduct outreach and education to startup and existing small business concerns owned and controlled by women2 and 7,c7 working with other programs overseen by the ,administrator to ensure women are well-represented and being served and to identify gaps where participation by women could be increased4 7#d7 ,accreditation program 7,a7 ,establishment ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 the ,administrator shall establish standards for an accreditation program for accrediting eligible entities receiving a grant under this section1 after notice and the opportunity for public comment of no less than #fj days4 7,b7 ,transition provision ,before the date on which standards are established under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator may not terminate a grant under this section absent evidence of fraud or other criminal misconduct by the recipient4 7,c7 ,contracting authority ,the ,administrator may provide financial assistance1 by contract or otherwise1 to a relevant national women's business center representative association to provide assistance in establishing the standards required under subparagraph 7,a7 or for carrying out an accreditation program pursuant to such standards4 4 #bjc4 ,women's ,business ,center ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,section #bi7;a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7;a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#d72 7#b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#b7 and 7#c7 as paragraphs 7#c7 and 7#d71 respectively2 7#c7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a7 the following3 7#b7 the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 an organization described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from taxation under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code2 7,b7 a ,state1 regional1 or local economic development organization1 so long as the organization certifies that grant funds received under this section will not be co-mingled with other funds2 7,c7 an institution of higher education1 unless such institution is currently receiving a grant under section #ba2 7,d7 a development1 credit1 or finance corporation chartered by a ,state1 so long as the corporation certifies that grant funds received under this section will not be co-mingled with other funds2 or 7,e7 any combination of entities listed in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d72 2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 the term women's business center means the location at which counseling and training on the management1 operations 7including manufacturing1 services1 and retail71 access to capital1 international trade1 ,government procurement opportunities1 and any other matter is needed to start1 maintain1 or expand a small business concern owned and controlled by women4 4 7b7 ,authority ,section #bi7;b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 as subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7#b7 by striking ,the ,administration and all that follows through #e-year projects and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,there is established a ,women's ,business ,center ,program under which the ,administrator may provide a grant to any eligible entity to operate one or more women's business centers 2 7#c7 by striking ,the projects shall and inserting the following3 7#b7 ,use of funds ,the women's business centers shall be designed to provide counseling and training that meets the needs of women1 especially socially or economically disadvantaged women1 and shall 2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,amount of grants 7,a7 ,in general ,the amount of a grant provided under this subsection to an eligible entity per project year shall be not more than #ahe1jjj 7as such amount is annually adjusted by the ,administrator to reflect the change in inflation74 7,b7 ,additional grants 7i7 ,in general ,notwithstanding subparagraph 7,a71 with respect to an eligible entity that has received #ahe1jjj in grants under this subsection in a project year1 the ,administrator may award an additional grant under this subsection of up to #fe1jjj during such project year if the ,administrator determines that the eligible entity-- 7,i7 agrees to obtain1 after its application has been approved and notice of award has been issued1 cash contributions from non-,federal sources of #a non-,federal dollar for each ,federal dollar2 7,,ii7 is in good standing with the ,women's ,business ,center ,program2 and 7,,iii7 has met performance goals for the previous project year1 if applicable4 7ii7 ,limitations ,the ,administrator may only award additional grants under clause 7i7-- 7,i7 during the #crd and #dth quarters of the fiscal year2 and 7,,ii7 from unobligated amounts made available to the ,administrator to carry out this section4 7#d7 ,notice and comment required ,the ,administrator may only make a change to the standards by which an eligible entity obtains or maintains grants under this section1 the standards for accreditation1 or any other requirement for the operation of a women's business center if the ,administrator first provides notice and the opportunity for public comment1 as set forth in section #eec7;b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 without regard to any exceptions provided for under such section4 4 7c7 ,conditions of participation ,section #bi7;c7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7;c77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a7-- 7,a7 by striking the recipient organization and inserting an eligible entity2 and 7,b7 by striking financial assistance and inserting a grant2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#c7-- 7,a7 by striking financial assistance authorized pursuant to this section may be made by grant1 contract1 or cooperative agreement and and inserting grants authorized pursuant to this section2 and 7,b7 in the second sentence1 by striking a recipient organization and inserting an eligible entity2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#d7-- 7,a7 by striking recipient of assistance and inserting eligible entity2 7,b7 by striking during any project1 it shall not be eligible thereafter and inserting during any project for #b consecutive years1 the eligible entity shall not be eligible at any time after that #b-year period2 7,c7 by striking such organization and inserting the eligible entity2 and 7,d7 by striking the recipient and inserting the eligible entity2 and 7#d7 by adding at end the following3 7#e7 ,separation of project and funds ,an eligible entity shall-- 7,a7 carry out a project under this section separately from other projects1 if any1 of the eligible entity2 and 7,b7 separately maintain and account for any grants under this section4 7#f7 ,examination of eligible entities 7,a7 ,required site visit ,each applicant1 prior to receiving a grant under this section1 shall have a site visit by an employee of the ,administration1 in order to ensure that the applicant has sufficient resources to provide the services for which the grant is being provided4 7,b7 ,annual review ,an employee of the ,administration shall-- 7i7 conduct an annual review of the compliance of each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section with the grant agreement1 including a financial examination2 and 7ii7 provide such review to the eligible entity as required under subsection 7l74 7#g7 ,remediation of problems 7,a7 ,plan of action ,if a review of an eligible entity under paragraph 7#f77;,b7 identifies any problems1 the eligible entity shall1 within #de calendar days of receiving such review1 provide the ,assistant ,administrator with a plan of action1 including specific milestones1 for correcting such problems4 7,b7 ,plan of action review by the ,assistant ,administrator ,the ,assistant ,administrator shall review each plan of action submitted under subparagraph 7,a7 within #cj calendar days of receiving such plan and-- 7i7 if the ,assistant ,administrator determines that such plan will bring the eligible entity into compliance with all the terms of the grant agreement1 approve such plan2 7ii7 if the ,assistant ,administrator determines that such plan is inadequate to remedy the problems identified in the annual review to which the plan of action relates1 the ,assistant ,administrator shall set forth such reasons in writing and provide such determination to the eligible entity within #ae calendar days of such determination4 7,c7 ,amendment to plan of action ,an eligible entity receiving a determination under subparagraph 7,b77ii7 shall have #cj calendar days from the receipt of the determination to amend the plan of action to satisfy the problems identified by the ,assistant ,administrator and resubmit such plan to the ,assistant ,administrator4 7,d7 ,amended plan review by the ,assistant ,administrator ,within #ae calendar days of the receipt of an amended plan of action under subparagraph 7,c71 the ,assistant ,administrator shall either approve or reject such plan and provide such approval or rejection in writing to the eligible entity4 7,e7 ,appeal of ,assistant ,administrator determination 7i7 ,in general ,if the ,assistant ,administrator rejects an amended plan under subparagraph 7,d71 the eligible entity shall have the opportunity to appeal such decision to the ,administrator1 who may delegate such appeal to an appropriate officer of the ,administration4 7ii7 ,opportunity for explanation ,any appeal described under clause 7i7 shall provide an opportunity for the eligible entity to provide1 in writing1 an explanation of why the eligible entity's plan remedies the problems identified in the annual review4 7iii7 ,notice of determination ,the determination of the appeal shall be provided to the eligible entity1 in writing1 within #ae calendar days from the eligible entity's filing of the appeal4 7iv7 ,effect of failure to act ,if the ,administrator fails to act on an appeal made under this subparagraph within the #ae calendar day period specified under clause 7iii71 the eligible entity's amended plan of action submitted under subparagraph 7,c7 shall be deemed to be approved4 7#h7 ,termination of ,grant 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall issue regulations 7after providing an opportunity for notice and comment7 to provide that1 if an eligible entity fails to comply with a plan of action approved by the ,assistant ,administrator under paragraph 7#g77;,b77i7 or an amended plan of action approved by the ,assistant ,administrator under paragraph 7#g77;,d7 or approved on appeal under paragraph 7#g77;,e71 the ,assistant ,administrator shall terminate the grant provided to the eligible entity under this section4 7,b7 ,appeal of termination ,an eligible entity that has a grant terminated under subparagraph 7,a7 shall have the opportunity to challenge the termination on the record and after an opportunity for a hearing4 7,c7 ,final agency action ,the determination made pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 shall be considered final agency action for the purposes of chapter #g1 title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 7d7 ,submission of #e-year plan ,section #bi7;e7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7;e77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking applicant organization and inserting eligible entity2 7#b7 by striking a recipient organization and inserting an eligible entity2 7#c7 by striking financial assistance and inserting grants2 and 7#d7 by striking site4 7e7 ,applications and criteria for initial grant ,subsection 7f7 of section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7 is amended to read as follows3 7f7 ,applications and criteria for initial grant 7#a7 ,application ,each eligible entity desiring a grant under subsection 7b7 shall submit to the ,administrator an application that contains-- 7,a7 a certification that the eligible entity-- 7i7 has designated an executive director or program manager1 who may be compensated using grant funds under subsection 7b7 or other sources1 to manage the women's business center for which a grant under subsection 7b7 is sought2 7ii7 meets the accounting and reporting requirements established by the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget2 7,b7 information demonstrating that the eligible entity has the ability and resources to meet the needs of the market to be served by the women's business center1 including the ability to obtain the non-,federal contribution required under subsection 7c72 7,c7 information relating to the assistance to be provided by the women's business center in the area in which the women's business center is located2 7,d7 information demonstrating the experience and effectiveness of the eligible entity in-- 7i7 conducting the services described under subsection 7a77#e72 7ii7 providing training and services to a representative number of women who are socially or economically disadvantaged2 and 7iii7 working with resource partners of the ,administration and other entities1 such as universities2 and 7,e7 a #e-year plan that describes the ability of the eligible entity to provide the services described under subsection 7a77#c71 including to a representative number of women who are socially or economically disadvantaged4 7#b7 ,review and approval of applications for initial grants 7,a7 ,review and selection of eligible entities 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall review applications to determine whether the applicant can meet obligations to perform the activities required by a grant under this section1 including-- 7,i7 the experience of the applicant in conducting activities required by this section2 7,,ii7 the amount of time needed for the applicant to commence operations should it be awarded a grant2 7,,iii7 the capacity of the applicant to meet the accreditation standards established by the ,administrator in a timely manner2 7,,iv7 the ability of the applicant to sustain operations for more than #e years 7including its ability to obtain sufficient non-,federal funds for that period72 7,v7 the location of the women's business center and its proximity to other grant recipients under this section2 and 7,,vi7 the population density of the area to be served by the women's business center4 7ii7 ,selection criteria 7,i7 ,rulemaking ,the ,administrator shall issue regulations 7after providing an opportunity for notice and comment7 to specify the criteria for review and selection of applicants under this subsection4 7,,ii7 ,modifications prohibited after announcement ,with respect to a public announcement of any opportunity to be awarded a grant under this section made by the ,administrator pursuant to subsection 7l77#a71 the ,administrator may not modify regulations issued pursuant to subclause 7,i7 with respect to such opportunity unless required to do so by an ,act of ,congress or an order of a ,federal court4 7,,iii7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this clause may be construed as prohibiting the ,administrator from modifying the regulations issued pursuant to subclause 7,i7 7after providing an opportunity for notice and comment7 as such regulations apply to an opportunity to be awarded a grant under this section that the ,administrator has not yet publicly announced pursuant to subsection 7l77#a74 7,b7 ,record retention 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall maintain a copy of each application submitted under this subsection for not less than #e years4 7ii7 ,paperwork reduction ,the ,administrator shall take steps to reduce1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the paperwork burden associated with carrying out clause 7i74 4 7f7 ,notification requirements under the ,women's ,business ,center ,program ,section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7 is amended by inserting after subsection 7k7 the following3 7l7 ,notification requirements under the ,women's ,business ,center ,program ,the ,administrator shall provide-- 7#a7 a public announcement of any opportunity to be awarded grants under this section1 and such announcement shall include the standards by which such award will be made1 including the regulations issued pursuant to subsection 7f77#b77;,a77ii72 7#b7 the opportunity for any applicant for a grant under this section that failed to obtain such a grant a debriefing with the ,assistant ,administrator to review the reasons for the applicant's failure2 and 7#c7 with respect to any site visit or evaluation of an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section that is carried out by an officer or employee of the ,administration 7other than the ,inspector ,general71 a copy of the site visit report or evaluation1 as applicable1 within #cj calendar days of the completion of such vision or evaluation4 4 7g7 ,continued funding for centers ,section #bi7m7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7m77 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking paragraph 7#c7 and inserting the following3 7#c7 ,application and approval for continuation grants 7,a7 ,solicitation of applications ,the ,administrator shall solicit applications and award continuation grants under this subsection for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this paragraph1 and every third fiscal year thereafter4 7,b7 ,contents of application ,each eligible entity desiring a grant under this subsection shall submit to the ,administrator an application that contains-- 7i7 a certification that the applicant-- 7,i7 is an eligible entity2 7,,ii7 has designated an executive director or program manager to manage the women's business center operated by the applicant2 and 7,,iii7 as a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection1 agrees-- 7aa7 to receive a site visit as part of the final selection process1 at the discretion of the ,administrator2 and 7bb7 to remedy any problem identified pursuant to the site visit under item 7aa72 7ii7 information demonstrating that the applicant has the ability and resources to meet the needs of the market to be served by the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought1 including the ability to obtain the non-,federal contribution required under paragraph 7#d77;,c72 7iii7 information relating to assistance to be provided by the women's business center in the geographic area served by the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought2 7iv7 information demonstrating that the applicant has worked with resource partners of the ,administration and other entities2 7v7 a #c-year plan that describes the services provided by the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought-- 7,i7 to serve women who are business owners or potential business owners by conducting training and counseling activities2 and 7,,ii7 to provide training and services to a representative number of women who are socially or economically disadvantaged2 and 7vi7 any additional information that the ,administrator may reasonably require4 7,c7 ,review and approval of applications for grants 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator-- 7,i7 shall review each application submitted under subparagraph 7,b71 based on the information described in such subparagraph and the criteria set forth under clause 7ii7 of this subparagraph2 and 7,,ii7 as part of the final selection process1 may1 at the discretion of the ,administrator1 conduct a site visit to each women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought1 in particular to evaluate the women's business center using the selection criteria described in clause 7ii77,,ii74 7ii7 ,selection criteria 7,i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall evaluate applicants for grants under this subsection in accordance with selection criteria that are-- 7aa7 established before the date on which applicants are required to submit the applications2 7bb7 stated in terms of relative importance2 and 7cc7 publicly available and stated in each solicitation for applications for grants under this subsection made by the ,administrator4 7,,ii7 ,required criteria ,the selection criteria for a grant under this subsection shall include-- 7aa7 the total number of entrepreneurs served by the applicant2 7bb7 the total number of new startup companies assisted by the applicant2 7cc7 the percentage of clients of the applicant that are socially or economically disadvantaged2 7dd7 the percentage of individuals in the community served by the applicant who are socially or economically disadvantaged2 7ee7 the successful accreditation of the applicant under the accreditation program developed under subsection 7g77#e72 and 7ff7 any additional criteria that the ,administrator may reasonably require4 7iii7 ,conditions for continued funding ,in determining whether to make a grant under this subsection1 the ,administrator-- 7,i7 shall consider the results of the most recent evaluation of the women's business center for which a grant under this subsection is sought1 and1 to a lesser extent1 previous evaluations2 and 7,,ii7 may withhold a grant under this subsection1 if the ,administrator determines that the applicant has failed to provide the information required to be provided under this paragraph1 or the information provided by the applicant is inadequate4 7,d7 ,notification ,not later than #fj calendar days after the date of each deadline to submit applications under this paragraph1 the ,administrator shall approve or deny each submitted application and notify the applicant for each such application of the approval or denial4 7,e7 ,record retention 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall maintain a copy of each application submitted under this paragraph for not less than #e years4 7ii7 ,paperwork reduction ,the ,administrator shall take steps to reduce1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the paperwork burden associated with carrying out clause 7i74 2 and 7#b7 by striking paragraph 7#e7 and inserting the following3 7#e7 ,award to previous recipients ,there shall be no limitation on the number of times the ,administrator may award a grant to an applicant under this subsection4 4 7h7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7h77#b71 by striking to award a contract 7as a sustainability grant7 under subsection 7l7 or2 7#b7 in subsection 7j77#a71 by striking ,the ,administration and inserting ,not later than ,november #a of each year1 the ,administrator2 7#c7 in subsection 7k7-- 7,a7 by striking paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#d72 7,b7 by inserting before paragraph 7#b7 the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,administration to carry out this section1 to remain available until expended1 #ba1gej1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjag through #bjbj4 2 and 7,d7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking subparagraph 7,b7 and inserting the following3 7,b7 ,exceptions ,of the amount made available under this subsection for a fiscal year1 the following amounts shall be available for selection panel costs1 costs associated with maintaining an accreditation program1 and post-award conference costs3 7i7 ,for the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph1 #b4fe percent4 7ii7 ,for the second fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph and each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year #bjbj1 #b4e percent4 2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7m7-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking subsection 7b7 or 7l7 and inserting this subsection or subsection 7b72 and 7,b7 in paragraph 7#d77;,d71 by striking or subsection 7l74 7i7 ,effect on existing grants 7#a7 ,terms and conditions ,a nonprofit organization receiving a grant under section #bi7m7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7m771 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 shall continue to receive the grant under the terms and conditions in effect for the grant on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 except that the nonprofit organization may not apply for a continuation of the grant under section #bi7m77#e7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7m77#e771 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act4 7#b7 ,length of continuation grant ,the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration may award a grant under section #bi7m7 of the ,small ,business ,act to a nonprofit organization receiving a grant under section #bi7m7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7m771 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 for the period-- 7,a7 beginning on the day after the last day of the grant agreement under such section #bi7m72 and 7,b7 ending at the end of the third fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #bjd4 ,matching requirements under ,women's ,business ,center ,program 7a7 ,in general ,section #bi7;c7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7;c771 as amended by section #bjd of this ,act1 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,as a condition and inserting ,subject to paragraph 7#f71 as a condition2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7#i7 ,waiver of non-,federal share 7,a7 ,in general ,upon request by an eligible entity1 and in accordance with this paragraph1 the ,administrator may waive1 in whole or in part1 the requirement to obtain non-,federal funds under this subsection for counseling and training activities of the eligible entity carried out using a grant under this section for a fiscal year4 ,the ,administrator may not waive the requirement for an eligible entity to obtain non-,federal funds under this paragraph for more than a total of #b consecutive fiscal years4 7,b7 ,considerations ,in determining whether to waive the requirement to obtain non-,federal funds under this paragraph1 the ,administrator shall consider-- 7i7 the economic conditions affecting the eligible entity2 7ii7 the impact a waiver under this paragraph would have on the credibility of the ,women's ,business ,center ,program under this section2 7iii7 the demonstrated ability of the eligible entity to raise non-,federal funds2 and 7iv7 the performance of the eligible entity4 7,c7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not waive the requirement to obtain non-,federal funds under this paragraph if granting the waiver would undermine the credibility of the ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 7#aj7 ,solicitation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 eligible entity may-- 7,a7 solicit cash and in-kind contributions from private individuals and entities to be used to carry out the activities of the eligible entity under the project conducted under this section2 and 7,b7 use amounts made available by the ,administrator under this section for the cost of such solicitation and management of the contributions received4 7#aa7 ,excess non-,federal dollars ,the amount of non-,federal dollars obtained by an eligible entity that is above the amount that is required to be obtained by the eligible entity under this subsection shall not be subject to the requirements of part #bjj of title #b1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor thereto1 if such amount of non-,federal dollars-- 7,a7 is not used as matching funds for purposes of implementing the ,women's ,business ,center ,program2 and 7,b7 was not obtained using funds from the ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 4 7b7 ,regulations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator of ,small ,business ,administration shall-- 7,a7 except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 and not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 publish in the ,federal ,register proposed regulations by the ,administrator to carry out the amendments made to section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7 by this title2 and 7,b7 accept public comments on such proposed regulations for not less than #fj days4 7#b7 ,existing proposed regulations ,paragraph 7#a77;,a7 shall not apply to the extent proposed regulations by the ,administrator have been published on the date of enactment of this ,act that are sufficient to carry out the amendments made to section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7 by this title4 ,,iii ,,score ,program ,reauthorization #cja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,,score for ,small ,business ,act of #bjaf4 #cjb4 ,,score ,reauthorization ,section #bj of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fca note7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7j7 as subsection 7f72 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,,score program ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,administrator to carry out the ,,score program authorized by section #h7;b77#a7 such sums as are necessary for the ,administrator to make grants or enter into cooperative agreements in a total amount that does not exceed #aj1ejj1jjj in each of fiscal years #bjag and #bjah4 4 #cjc4 ,,score program ,section #h of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#a77;,b71 by striking a ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives 7,,score7 and inserting the ,,score program described in subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7c7 and inserting the following3 7c7 ,,score program 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection3 7,a7 ,,score ,association ,the term ,,score ,association means the ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives ,association or any successor or other organization who receives a grant from the ,administrator to operate the ,,score program under paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7,b7 ,,score program ,the term ,,score program means the ,,score program authorized by subsection 7b77#a77;,b74 7#b7 ,management and volunteers 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide a grant to the ,,score ,association to manage the ,,score program4 7,b7 ,volunteers ,a volunteer participating in the ,,score program shall-- 7i7 based on the business experience and knowledge of the volunteer-- 7,i7 provide at no cost to individuals who own1 or aspire to own1 small business concerns personal counseling1 mentoring1 and coaching relating to the process of starting1 expanding1 managing1 buying1 and selling a business2 and 7,,ii7 facilitate low-cost education workshops for individuals who own1 or aspire to own1 small business concerns2 and 7ii7 as appropriate1 use tools1 resources1 and expertise of other organizations to carry out the ,,score program4 7#c7 ,plans and goals ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with the ,,score ,association1 shall ensure that the ,,score program and each chapter of the ,,score program develop and implement plans and goals to more effectively and efficiently provide services to individuals in rural areas1 economically disadvantaged communities1 and other traditionally underserved communities1 including plans for electronic initiatives1 web-based initiatives1 chapter expansion1 partnerships1 and the development of new skills by volunteers participating in the ,,score program4 7#d7 ,annual report ,the ,,score ,association shall submit to the ,administrator an annual report that contains-- 7,a7 the number of individuals counseled or trained under the ,,score program2 7,b7 the number of hours of counseling provided under the ,,score program2 and 7,c7 to the extent possible-- 7i7 the number of small business concerns formed with assistance from the ,,score program2 7ii7 the number of small business concerns expanded with assistance from the ,,score program2 and 7iii7 the number of jobs created with assistance from the ,,score program4 7#e7 ,privacy requirements 7,a7 ,in general ,neither the ,administrator nor the ,,score ,association may disclose the name1 address1 or telephone number of any individual or small business concern receiving assistance from the ,,score ,association without the consent of such individual or small business concern1 unless-- 7i7 the ,administrator is ordered to make such a disclosure by a court in any civil or criminal enforcement action initiated by a ,federal or ,state agency2 or 7ii7 the ,administrator determines such a disclosure to be necessary for the purpose of conducting a financial audit of the ,,score program1 in which case disclosure shall be limited to the information necessary for the audit4 7,b7 ,administrator use of information ,this paragraph shall not-- 7i7 restrict the access of the ,administrator to program activity data2 or 7ii7 prevent the ,administrator from using client information to conduct client surveys4 7,c7 ,regulations 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall issue regulations to establish standards for-- 7,i7 disclosures with respect to financial audits under subparagraph 7,a77ii72 and 7,,ii7 conducting client surveys1 including standards for oversight of the surveys and for dissemination and use of client information4 7ii7 ,maximum privacy protection ,the regulations issued under this subparagraph shall1 to the extent practicable1 provide for the maximum amount of privacy protection4 4 #cjd4 ,online component 7a7 ,in general ,section #h7;c7 of the ,small ,business ,act1 as added by section #cjc1 is further amended by adding at the end the following3 7#f7 ,online component ,in carrying out this subsection1 the ,,score ,association shall make use of online counseling1 including by developing and implementing webinars and an electronic mentoring platform to expand access to services provided under this subsection and to further support entrepreneurs4 4 7b7 ,online component report 7#a7 ,in general ,at the end of fiscal year #bjah1 the ,,score ,association shall issue a report to the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate on the effectiveness of the online counseling and webinars required as part of the ,,score program1 including-- 7,a7 how the ,,score ,association determines electronic mentoring and webinar needs1 develops training for electronic mentoring1 establishes webinar criteria curricula1 and evaluates webinar and electronic mentoring results2 7,b7 describing the internal controls that are used and a summary of the topics covered by the webinars2 and 7,c7 performance metrics1 including the number of small business concerns counseled by1 the number of small business concerns created by1 the number of jobs created and retained by1 and the funding amounts directed towards such online counseling and webinars4 7#b7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this subsection1 the terms ,,score ,association and ,,score program have the meaning given those terms1 respectively1 under section #h7;c77#a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;c77#a774 #cje4 ,study and report on the future role of the ,,score program 7a7 ,study ,the ,,score ,association shall carry out a study on the future role of the ,,score program and develop a strategic plan for how the ,,score program will evolve to meet the needs of ,america's entrepreneurs over the course of the next #e years1 with markers and specific objectives for year #a1 year #c1 and year #e4 7b7 ,report ,not later than the end of the #f-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,,score ,association shall issue a report to the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate containing-- 7#a7 all findings and determination made in carrying out the study required under subsection 7a72 7#b7 the strategic plan developed under subsection 7a72 7#c7 an explanation of how the ,,score ,association plans to achieve the strategic plan1 assuming both stagnant and increased funding levels4 7c7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this section1 the terms ,,score ,association and ,,score program have the meaning given those terms1 respectively1 under section #h7;c77#a7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;c77#a774 #cjf4 ,technical and conforming amendments 7a7 ,small ,business ,act ,the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fca et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #g7m77#c77;,a77i77,,viii7 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcf7m77#c77;,a77i77,,viii771 by striking ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives and inserting ,,score program2 and 7#b7 in section #bb 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fdi7-- 7,a7 in subsection 7b7-- 7i7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives and inserting ,,score program2 and 7ii7 in paragraph 7#c71 by striking ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives and inserting ,,score program2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7c77#ab71 by striking ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives and inserting ,,score program4 7b7 ,other laws 7#a7 ,section #fba of the ,children's ,health ,insurance ,program ,reauthorization ,act of #bjji 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fegp7 is amended-- 7,a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking paragraph 7#d7 and inserting the following3 7#d7 the term ,,score program means the ,,score program authorized by section #h7;b77#a77;,b7 of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fcg7;b77#a77;,b772 2 and 7,b7 in subsection 7b77#d77;,a77iv71 by striking ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives and inserting ,,score program4 7#b7 ,section #ccg7;d77#b77;,a7 of the ,energy ,policy and ,conservation ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #fcjg7;d77#b77;,a77 is amended by striking ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives 7,,score7 and inserting ,,score program4 ,amend the title so as to read3 ,a bill to make improvements to ,small ,business ,development ,centers1 to reauthorize the ,women's ,business ,center ,program1 to reauthorize the ,,score ,program1 and for other purposes44 ,april #bf1 #bjaf ,reported with amendments1 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union1 and ordered to be printed