,,ii #aagth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #dhfc ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,september #ae1 #bjbb,mr4 ,cardin 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,duckworth1 ,ms4 ,hirono1 ,mrs4 ,shaheen1 and ,ms4 ,rosen7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship ,a ,,bill ,to amend the ,small ,business ,act to improve the ,women's ,business ,center ,program1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,women's ,business ,centers ,improvement ,act of #bjbb4 #b4 ,amendments to ,women's ,business ,center ,program ,section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef7 is amended to read as follows3 #bi4 ,women's ,business ,center ,program 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,assistant ,administrator ,the term ,assistant ,administrator means the ,assistant ,administrator of the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership established under subsection 7j74 7#b7 ,eligible entity ,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 if the organization certifies that grant funds received under this section will not be commingled with other funds2 7,c7 an institution of higher education1 as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife1 unless the institution is receiving a grant under section #ba2 7,d7 a development1 credit1 or finance corporation chartered by a ,state1 if the corporation certifies that grant funds received under this section will not be commingled with other funds2 or 7,e7 any combination of entities listed in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d74 7#c7 ,relevant organizations ,the term relevant organizations means-- 7,a7 organizations that advocate for or work with women entrepreneurs1 women's business ownership1 or women's business centers2 and 7,b7 other organizations as the ,administrator determines appropriate4 7#d7 ,resource partners ,the term resource partners means small business development centers1 chapters of the ,service ,corps of ,retired ,executives established under section #h7;b77#a77;,b71 and ,veteran ,business ,outreach ,centers described in section #cb4 7#e7 ,women's business center ,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 that is needed to start1 maintain1 or expand a small business concern owned and controlled by women4 7#f7 ,women's ,business ,center ,organization ,the term ,women's ,business ,center ,organization means a membership organization formed by women's business centers to pursue matters of common concern4 7b7 ,authority 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established a ,women's ,business ,center ,program under which the ,administrator may enter into a cooperative agreement with an eligible entity to provide a grant to the eligible entity to operate #a or more women's business centers for the benefit of small business concerns owned and controlled by women4 7#b7 ,use of funds ,a women's business center established using funds made available under this section shall be designed to provide entrepreneurial counseling and training that meets the needs of the small business concerns owned and controlled by women1 especially concerns owned and controlled by women who are both socially and economically disadvantaged1 as defined in section #h7;a71 and shall provide-- 7,a7 financial assistance1 including counseling and training on how to-- 7i7 apply for and secure business credit and investment capital2 7ii7 prepare and present financial statements2 and 7iii7 manage cash flow and other financial operations of a small business concern2 7,b7 management assistance1 including counseling and training on how to plan1 organize1 staff1 direct1 and control each major activity and function of a small business concern2 7,c7 marketing assistance1 including counseling and training on how to-- 7i7 identify and segment domestic and international market opportunities2 7ii7 prepare and execute marketing plans2 7iii7 develop pricing strategies2 7iv7 locate contract opportunities2 7v7 negotiate contracts2 and 7vi7 use various public relations and advertising techniques2 and 7,d7 other services1 as needed1 in order to meet the changing and evolving needs of the small business community4 7#c7 ,types of grants 7,a7 ,initial grant ,the amount of an initial grant1 which shall be for a #e-year term1 provided under this section to an eligible entity shall be not more than #cjj1jjj annually 7as that amount is annually adjusted by the ,administrator to reflect the change in inflation74 7,b7 ,continuation grants 7i7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may award a continuation grant1 which shall be for a #e-year term1 of not more than #cjj1jjj annually 7as that amount is annually adjusted by the ,administrator to reflect the change in inflation7 to an eligible entity that received an initial grant under subparagraph 7,a74 7ii7 ,no limitation ,there shall be no limitation on the number of continuation grants an eligible entity may receive under this section4 7c7 ,application 7#a7 ,initial grants and continuation grants ,to receive an initial grant or continuation grant under this section1 an eligible entity shall submit an application to the ,administrator in such form1 in such manner1 and containing such information as the ,administrator may require1 including-- 7,a7 a certification that the eligible entity-- 7i7 has designated an executive director or program manager1 who may be compensated using grant funds awarded under this section or other sources1 to manage each women's business center for which a grant under subsection 7b7 is sought2 and 7ii7 meets accounting and reporting requirements established by the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget2 7,b7 information demonstrating the experience and effectiveness of the eligible entity in-- 7i7 providing entrepreneurial counseling and training described in subsection 7b77#b72 7ii7 providing training and services to a representative number of women who are both socially and economically disadvantaged2 and 7iii7 working with resource partners1 offices of the ,administration1 and other public and private entities engaging in entrepreneurial and small business development2 and 7,c7 a #e-year plan that-- 7i7 includes information relating to the assistance to be provided by each women's business center in the area in which each center is located2 7ii7 describes the ability of the eligible entity to meet the needs of the market to be served by each women's business center2 7iii7 describes the ability of the eligible entity to obtain the matching funds required under subsection 7e72 and 7iv7 describes the ability of the eligible entity to provide entrepreneurial counseling and training described in subsection 7b77#b71 including to a representative number of women who are both socially and economically disadvantaged4 7#b7 ,record retention 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall maintain a copy of each application submitted under this subsection for not less than #e years4 7,b7 ,paperwork reduction ,the ,administrator shall take steps to reduce1 to the maximum extent practicable1 the paperwork burden associated with carrying out subparagraph 7,a74 7d7 ,selection of eligible entities 7#a7 ,in general ,in selecting recipients of initial grants1 the ,administrator shall consider-- 7,a7 the experience of the applicant in providing entrepreneurial counseling and training2 7,b7 the amount of time needed for the applicant to commence operation of a women's business center2 7,c7 the capacity of the applicant to meet the accreditation standards established under subsection 7j77#d7 in a timely manner and the likelihood that the recipient will become accredited2 7,d7 the ability of the applicant to sustain operations1 including the applicant's ability to obtain matching funds under subsection 7e71 for a #e-year period2 7,e7 the proposed location of a women's business center to be operated by the applicant and the location's proximity to ,veteran ,business ,outreach ,centers and to recipients of grants under section #h7;b77#a7 or #ba2 7,f7 the counsel of a ,women's ,business ,center ,organization or another relevant organization on the level of unmet need in the area where the women's business center is to be located2 and 7,g7 whether the applicant has received trainings conducted by1 utilized services provided by1 or engaged with a ,women's ,business ,center ,organization or another relevant organization in the preparation of the application4 7#b7 ,selection criteria 7,a7 ,rulemaking ,the ,administrator shall issue regulations to specify the criteria for review and selection of applicants under this subsection4 7,b7 ,effect of regulations at time of application ,unless otherwise required by an ,act of ,congress or an order of a ,federal court1 any application for an opportunity to award a grant under this section shall be governed by the regulations issued pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 that are in effect at the time of the public announcement of such opportunity made by the ,administrator pursuant to subsection 7k77#a74 7,c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this paragraph may be construed as prohibiting the ,administrator from modifying the regulations issued pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 as the regulations apply to an opportunity to be awarded a grant under this section that the ,administrator has not yet publicly announced pursuant to subsection 7k77#a74 7e7 ,matching requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to paragraph 7#e71 upon approval of an application submitted under subsection 7c71 the eligible entity shall agree to obtain contributions from non-,federal sources-- 7,a7 in the first and second year of the term of an initial grant1 if applicable1 #a non-,federal dollar for every #b ,federal dollars2 and 7,b7 in each subsequent year of the term of an initial grant1 if applicable1 or for the term of a continuation grant1 #a non-,federal dollar for each ,federal dollar4 7#b7 ,form of matching funds ,not more than one-half of non-,federal matching funds described in paragraph 7#a7 may be in the form of in-kind contributions that are budget line items only1 including office equipment and office space4 7#c7 ,solicitation ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 an eligible entity may-- 7,a7 solicit cash and in-kind contributions from private individuals and entities to be used to operate a women's business center2 and 7,b7 use amounts made available by the ,administrator under this section for the cost of solicitation and management of the contributions received1 subject to the limitations set by the ,administrator4 7#d7 ,disbursement of funds ,the ,administrator may disburse an amount not greater than #be percent of the total amount of a grant awarded to an eligible entity before the eligible entity obtains the matching funds described in paragraph 7#a74 7#e7 ,failure to obtain matching funds 7,a7 ,in general ,if an eligible entity fails to obtain the required matching funds described in paragraph 7#a71 the eligible entity may not be eligible to receive advance disbursements pursuant to paragraph 7#d7 during the remainder of the term1 if applicable1 of an initial grant awarded under this section4 7,b7 ,continuation grant ,before approving the eligible entity for a continuation grant under this section1 the ,administrator shall make a written determination1 including the reasons for the determination1 of whether the ,administrator believes that the eligible entity will be able to obtain the requisite matching funding under paragraph 7#a7 for the continuation grant4 7#f7 ,waiver of non-,federal share 7,a7 ,in general ,upon request by an eligible entity and in accordance with this paragraph1 the ,administrator may waive1 in whole or in part1 the requirement to obtain matching funds under paragraph 7#a7 for a grant awarded under this section for the eligible entity for a #a-year term of the grant4 7,b7 ,considerations ,in determining whether to issue a waiver under this paragraph1 the ,administrator shall consider-- 7i7 the economic conditions affecting the eligible entity2 7ii7 the demonstrated ability of the eligible entity to raise non-,federal funds2 and 7iii7 the performance of the eligible entity under the initial grant4 7,c7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not issue a waiver under this paragraph if the ,administrator determines that granting the waiver would undermine the credibility of the ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 7#g7 ,excess non-,federal dollars ,the amount of non-,federal dollars obtained by an eligible entity that is greater than 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 the 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 by using funds granted under the ,women's ,business ,center ,program4 7#h7 ,carryover ,an eligible entity may use excess non-,federal dollars described in paragraph 7#g7 to satisfy the matching funds requirement under paragraph 7#a7 for the subsequent #a-year grant term1 if applicable1 except that the amounts shall be subject to the requirements of part #bjj of title #b1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 or any successor thereto4 7f7 ,other requirements 7#a7 ,separation of funds ,an eligible entity shall-- 7,a7 operate a women's business center under this section separately from other projects1 if any1 of the eligible entity2 and 7,b7 separately maintain and account for any grant funds received under this section4 7#b7 ,examination of eligible entities 7,a7 ,required site visit ,before receiving an initial grant under this section1 each applicant shall have a site visit by an employee of the ,administration 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 programmatic and financial examination of each eligible entity1 as described in subsection 7g72 and 7ii7 provide the results of the examination to the eligible entity4 7#c7 ,remediation of problems 7,a7 ,plan of action ,if an examination of an eligible entity conducted under paragraph 7#b77;,b7 identifies any problems1 the eligible entity shall1 not later than #de calendar days after receiving a copy of the results of the examination1 provide the ,assistant ,administrator with a plan of action1 including specific milestones1 for correcting those problems4 7,b7 ,plan of action review by the ,assistant ,administrator ,not later than #cj days after receipt of the plan of action1 the ,assistant ,administrator shall review the plan of action submitted under subparagraph 7,a71 and if the ,assistant ,administrator determines that the plan-- 7i7 will bring the eligible entity into compliance with all the terms of a cooperative agreement described in subsection 7b71 the ,assistant ,administrator shall approve the plan2 or 7ii7 is inadequate to remedy the problems identified in the annual examination to which the plan of action relates1 the ,assistant ,administrator shall set forth the reasons in writing and provide the determination to the eligible entity not later than #ae calendar days after the date of 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 the plan to the ,assistant ,administrator4 7,d7 ,amended plan review by the ,assistant ,administrator ,not later than #ae calendar days after receipt of an amended plan of action under subparagraph 7,c71 the ,assistant ,administrator shall approve or reject the plan and provide the 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 of action under subparagraph 7,d71 the eligible entity shall have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the ,administrator1 who may delegate the appeal to an appropriate officer of the ,administration4 7ii7 ,opportunity for explanation ,any appeal described in clause 7i7 shall provide an opportunity for the eligible entity to provide1 in writing1 an explanation of why the amended plan of action of the eligible entity remedies the problems identified in the annual examination conducted under paragraph 7#b77;,b74 7iii7 ,notice of determination ,the ,administrator shall provide to the eligible entity a determination of the appeal1 in writing1 not later than #ae calendar days after the eligible entity files an appeal under this subparagraph4 7iv7 ,effect of failure to act ,if the ,administrator fails to act on an appeal made under this subparagraph within the #ae-;day period specified under clause 7iii71 the amended plan of action of the eligible entity submitted under subparagraph 7,c7 shall be deemed to be approved4 7#d7 ,termination of grant 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall terminate a grant to an eligible entity under this section if the eligible entity fails to comply with-- 7i7 a plan of action approved by the ,assistant ,administrator under paragraph 7#c77;,b77i72 or 7ii7 an amended plan of action approved by the ,assistant ,administrator under paragraph 7#c77;,d7 or approved on appeal under paragraph 7#c77;,e74 7,b7 ,appeal of termination ,an eligible entity shall have the opportunity to challenge the termination of a grant under subparagraph 7,a7 on the record and after an opportunity for a hearing4 7,c7 ,final agency action ,a determination made pursuant to subparagraph 7,b7 shall be considered final agency action for the purposes of chapter #g of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7#e7 ,engagement with majority ,women's ,business ,center ,organization1 women's business centers1 and other relevant organizations ,if1 on the date of enactment of the ,women's ,business ,centers ,improvement ,act of #bjbb1 a majority of women's business centers that are operating pursuant to agreements with the ,administration are members of an individual ,women's ,business ,center ,organization1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 recognize the existence and activities of the ,organization2 and 7,b7 consult with the ,organization1 and to the extent practicable1 women's business centers and other relevant organizations1 on the development of documents with respect to-- 7i7 announcing the annual scope of activities pursuant to this section2 7ii7 requesting proposals to deliver assistance as provided in this section2 and 7iii7 the governance1 general operations1 and administration of the ,women's ,business ,center ,program1 including general best practices in the operation of that ,program and the development of regulations and financial examinations under that ,program4 7#f7 ,enforcement 7,a7 ,grants ,the ,assistant ,administrator shall develop policies and procedures to minimize the possibility of awarding a grant to an eligible entity that will operate a women's business center that likely will not remain in compliance with program and financial requirements4 7,b7 ,individual cooperative agreements ,the ,assistant ,administrator shall enforce the terms of any individual cooperative agreement described in paragraph 7#e77;,b77iii74 7g7 ,program examination 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administration shall-- 7,a7 develop and implement an annual programmatic and financial examination of each eligible entity receiving a grant under this section1 under which each eligible entity shall provide to the ,administration-- 7i7 an itemized cost breakdown of actual expenditures for costs incurred during the preceding year2 and 7ii7 documentation regarding the amount of matching assistance from non-,federal sources obtained and expended by the eligible entity during the preceding year in order to meet the requirements of subsection 7e7 and1 with respect to any in-kind contributions described in subsection 7e77#b7 that were used to satisfy the requirements of subsection 7e71 verification of the existence and valuation of those contributions2 and 7,b7 analyze the results of each examination and1 based on that analysis1 make a determination regarding the programmatic and financial viability of each women's business center operated by the eligible entity4 7#b7 ,conditions for continued funding ,in determining whether to award a continuation grant to an eligible entity1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 consider the results of the most recent examination of the eligible entity under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 determine if-- 7i7 the eligible entity has failed to provide1 or provided inadequate1 information under paragraph 7#a77;,a72 or 7ii7 the eligible entity has failed to provide any information required to be provided by a women's business center for purposes of the management report under subsection 7l77#a71 or the information provided by the center is inadequate2 and 7,c7 consider the accreditation status as described in subsection 7j77#d74 7h7 ,contract authority 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section may enter into a contract with a ,federal department or agency to provide specific assistance to small business concerns owned and controlled by women and other underserved small business concerns1 if performance of that contract does not hinder the ability of the eligible entity to carry out the terms of a grant received under this section4 7#b7 ,administrator 7,a7 ,in general ,the authority of the ,administrator to enter into contracts shall be in effect for each fiscal year only to the extent and in the amounts as are provided in advance in appropriations ,acts4 7,b7 ,adverse contract action ,after the ,administrator has entered into a contract1 either as a grant or a cooperative agreement1 with any applicant under this section1 the ,administrator shall not suspend1 terminate1 or fail to renew or extend the contract unless the ,administrator provides the applicant with written notification setting forth the reasons therefore and affords the applicant an opportunity for a hearing1 appeal1 or other administrative proceeding under chapter #e of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 7i7 ,privacy requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,a women's business center may not disclose the name1 address1 email address1 or telephone number of any individual or small business concern receiving assistance under this section without the consent of that individual or small business concern1 unless-- 7,a7 the ,administrator orders the disclosure after the ,administrator is ordered to make a disclosure by a court in any civil or criminal enforcement action initiated by a ,federal or ,state agency2 or 7,b7 the ,administrator considers a disclosure to be necessary for the purpose of conducting a financial audit of a women's business center1 except that the disclosure shall be limited to the information necessary for the audit4 7#b7 ,administration use of information ,this subsection shall not-- 7,a7 restrict the access of the ,administration to women's business center data2 or 7,b7 prevent the ,administration from using information about individuals who use women's business centers to conduct surveys of those individuals4 7#c7 ,regulations ,the ,administrator shall issue regulations to establish standards for disclosures for purposes of a financial audit described in paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7j7 ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership 7#a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the ,administration an ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership1 which shall be-- 7,a7 responsible for the administration of the ,administration's programs for the development of women's business enterprises1 as defined in section #djh of the ,women's ,business ,ownership ,act of #aihh 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #gajh72 and 7,b7 administered by an ,assistant ,administrator1 who shall be appointed by the ,administrator4 7#b7 ,assistant ,administrator of the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership 7,a7 ,qualification ,the position of ,assistant ,administrator shall be-- 7i7 a ,senior ,executive ,service position under section #cacb7;a77#b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code2 and 7ii7 a noncareer appointee1 as defined in section #cacb7;a77#g7 of that title4 7,b7 ,duties ,the ,assistant ,administrator shall administer the programs and services of the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership and perform the following functions3 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 ,collaborate with other ,federal departments and agencies1 ,state and local governments1 nonprofit organizations1 and for-profit organizations to maximize utilization of taxpayer dollars and reduce or eliminate 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 7iv7 ,maintain a clearinghouse to provide for the dissemination and exchange of information between women's business centers4 7v7 ,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 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 small business concerns owned and controlled by women2 and 7,c7 working with other programs of the ,administrator to-- 7i7 ensure women are well-represented in those programs and being served by those programs2 and 7ii7 identify gaps where participation by women in those programs could be increased4 7#d7 ,accreditation program 7,a7 ,establishment ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of the ,women's ,business ,centers ,improvement ,act of #bjbb1 the ,administrator shall publish standards for a program to accredit eligible entities that receive a grant under this section4 7,b7 ,public comment2 transition ,before publishing the standards under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator-- 7i7 shall provide a period of not less than #fj days for public comment on the standards2 and 7ii7 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 support1 by contract or otherwise1 to a ,women's ,business ,center ,organization to provide assistance in establishing the standards required under subparagraph 7,a7 or for carrying out an accreditation program pursuant to those standards4 7#e7 ,continuation grant considerations 7,a7 ,in general ,in determining whether to award a continuation grant under this section1 the ,administrator shall consider the results of the annual programmatic and financial examination conducted under subsection 7g7 and the accreditation program4 7,b7 ,accreditation requirement ,on and after the date that is #b years after the date of enactment of the ,women's ,business ,centers ,improvement ,act of #bjbb1 the ,administration may not award a continuation grant under this section unless the applicable eligible entity has been approved under the accreditation program conducted pursuant to this subsection1 except that the ,assistant ,administrator for the ,office of ,women's ,business ,ownership may waive the accreditation requirement1 in the discretion of the ,assistant ,administrator1 upon a showing that the eligible entity is making a good faith effort to obtain accreditation4 7#f7 ,annual conference 7,a7 ,in general ,each women's business center shall participate in annual professional development at an annual conference facilitated by the ,administrator4 7,b7 ,collaboration ,the ,administrator shall collaborate with #a or more ,women's ,business ,center ,organizations1 women's business centers1 or other relevant organizations in carrying out the responsibilities of the ,administrator under subparagraph 7,a74 7k7 ,notification requirements under the ,women's ,business ,center ,program ,the ,administrator shall provide the following3 7#a7 ,a public announcement of any opportunity to be awarded grants under this section1 to include the selection criteria under subsection 7d7 and any applicable regulations4 7#b7 ,to any applicant for a grant under this section that failed to obtain a grant1 an opportunity to debrief with the ,administrator to review the reasons for the failure of the applicant4 7#c7 ,to an eligible entity that receives an initial grant under this section1 if a site visit or review of the eligible entity 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 not later than #cj calendar days after the completion of the visit or evaluation4 7l7 ,annual management report 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall prepare and submit to the ,committee on ,small ,business and ,entrepreneurship of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,small ,business of the ,house of ,representatives an annual report on the effectiveness of women's business centers operated through a grant awarded under this section4 7#b7 ,information for report ,each women's business center shall1 annually and upon request1 provide the ,administrator with sufficient information to complete the report required under paragraph 7#a71 including the information described in paragraph 7#c74 7#c7 ,contents ,each report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 shall summarize-- 7,a7 information concerning1 with respect to each women's business center established pursuant to a grant awarded under this section1 the most recent analysis of the annual programmatic and financial examination of the applicable eligible entity1 as required under subsection 7g77#a77;,b71 and the subsequent determination made by the ,administration under that subsection2 7,b7 the total number of individuals and the number of unique individuals counseled or trained through the ,women's ,business ,center ,program2 7,c7 the total number of hours of counseling and training services provided through the ,program2 7,d7 to the extent practicable1 the demographics of ,program participants to include the gender1 race1 ethnicity1 and age of each participant2 7,e7 the number of ,program participants who are veterans2 7,f7 the number of new businesses started by participants in the ,program2 7,g7 to the extent practicable1 the number of jobs supported1 created1 or retained with assistance from women's business centers2 7,h7 the total amount of capital secured by participants in the ,program1 including through loans and equity investment of the ,administration2 7,i7 the number of participants in the ,program receiving financial assistance1 including the type and dollar amount1 under a loan program of the ,administration2 7,j7 an estimate of gross receipts1 including to the extent practicable a description of any change in revenue of small business concerns assisted through the ,program2 7,k7 the number of referrals of individuals to other resources and programs of the ,administration2 7,l7 the results of satisfaction surveys of participants1 including a summary of any comments received from those participants2 and 7,m7 any recommendations by the ,administrator to improve the delivery of services by women's business centers4 7m7 ,authorization of appropriations 7#a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,administration to carry out this section1 to remain available until expended1 #ca1ejj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbc through #bjbf4 7#b7 ,use of amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraph 7,b71 amounts made available under this subsection for fiscal year #bjbc1 and each fiscal year thereafter1 may only be used for grant awards and may not be used for costs incurred by the ,administration in connection with the management and administration of the program under this section4 7,b7 ,exceptions ,of the amount made available under this subsection for a fiscal year1 for the fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of the ,women's ,business ,centers ,improvement ,act of #bjbb and each fiscal year thereafter through fiscal year #bjbf1 #b4f percent shall be available for costs incurred by the ,administration in connection with the management and administration of the program under this section4 7,c7 ,accreditation and annual conference ,of the amounts made available in any fiscal year to carry out this section1 not more than #bej1jjj may be used by the ,administration to pay for expenses related to carrying out paragraphs 7#d7 and 7#f7 of subsection 7j74 7#c7 ,expedited acquisition ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,administrator may use expedited acquisition methods as the ,administrator determines to be appropriate to carry out this section1 except that the ,administrator shall ensure that all small business concerns are provided a reasonable opportunity to submit proposals4 4 #c4 ,effect on existing grants 7a7 ,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 7b7 ,length of continuation grant ,the ,administrator of the ,small ,business ,administration may award a grant under section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef71 as amended by this ,act1 to a nonprofit organization receiving a grant under section 7m7 of such section #bi1 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 #d4 ,regulations ,not later than #bgj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator of ,small ,business ,administration shall issue rules as are necessary to carry out section #bi of the ,small ,business ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fef71 as amended by this ,act1 and ensure that a period of public comment for those rules is not less than #fj days4