COMPLIANCE
ASSISTANCE SUMMARIES
AND POINTS OF CONTACT
Non-Cabinet
Agencies
Agency
for International Development
Appraisal
Subcommittee of Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
Committee
for Purchase for the Blind/Severely Disabled
Commodity
Futures Trading Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Corporation for National and Community Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Export-Import Bank
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Federal Communications Commission
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Federal Housing Finance Board
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal Reserve Board
Federal Trade Commission
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Merit Systems Protection Board
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Archives & Records Administration
National Commission On Libraries & Information Science
National Credit Union Administration
National
Endowment for the Arts
National Endowment For The Humanities
National Indian Gaming Commission
National
Labor Relations Board
National Mediation Board
National Transportation Safety Board
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office Of Personnel Management
Oversees Private Investment Corporation
Peace Corps
Pension Benefit Guarunty Corporation
Railroad Retirement Board
Securities and Exchange Commission
Selective Service System
Small Business Administration
Social Security Administration
Surface Transportation Board
Tennessee Valley Authority
Morris K. Udall Foundation
U.S.
Access Board
U.S. International Trade Commission
U.S. Trade Representative
AGENCY
FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Single Point
of Contact:
Marilyn S. Marton
Director
Office of Small & Disadvantaged
Business Utilization (OSDBU)
U.S. Agency for International Development
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20523-7800
Telephone: 202-712-1500
Fax: 202-23165-3056
E-Mail: mmarton@usaid.gov
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APPRAISAL
SUBCOMMITTEE of FEDERAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS EXAMINATION COUNCIL
Appraisal Subcommittee Single Point of Contact:
Ben Henson
Appraisal Subcommittee of FFIEC
2000 K St NW Suite 310
Washington, DC 20006
Telephone: 202-872-7520
Fax: 202-872-7501
E-mail: ben@asc.gov
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COMMITTEE
FOR PURCHASE FOR THE BLIND/SEVERELY DISABLED
Committee for Purchase for the Blind and Severely Disabled Single
Point of Contact:
Leon A. Wilson Jr., Director,
Committee for Purchase
1421 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Suite 10800
Arlington, VA 22202
Telephone: 703-603-7740
Fax: 703-603-0655
E-mail: lwilson@jwod.gov
COMMODITY
FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION
The Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) establishes a regulatory scheme for the
commodity futures and options industry that generally depends on industry
self-regulation with federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission (CFTC). The National Futures Association (NFA) and other self-regulatory
organizations (SROs) conduct routine compliance reviews in the futures
industry. The NFA is responsible for most of the compliance reviews of
retail sales practices in the industry and in this regard, it has a program
for the voluntary review of promotional materials. NFA’s Internet
website includes a “Contact NFA” section providing telephone
numbers for its general Information Center and specific compliance contact
personnel (www.nfa.futures.org/contact/indexContact.asp),
as well as various published compliance information (www.nfa.futures.org/compliance/publications.asp).
The CFTC
provides compliance guidance to small businesses through several methods.
The CFTC’s Internet website includes a “Law & Regulation”
section (www.cftc.gov/cftc/cftclawreg.htm)
providing general information concerning the requirements of the CEA,
CFTC Orders, and staff exemptive, no-action and interpretive letters.
This section links to a “Compliance” page (www.cftc.gov/tm/tmcompliance.htm)
that contains guidance to assist firms and individuals who conduct commodity
futures and options business with customers in complying with the CEA
provisions and CFTC Regulations applicable to their activities. Informal
guidance also is available through the “Publications” section
of the CFTC website (www.cftc.gov/cftc/cftcreports.htm),
which contains “CFTC Backgrounders” and other brochures providing
information of use to small businesses.
Staff members
in the CFTC’s various divisions offer informal assistance and guidance
in response to telephone inquiries and e-mail messages submitted through
the CFTC website (homepage: http://www.cftc.gov/).
These include:
- The
Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight
[(202) 418-5430] - inquiries concerning rules governing protection of
customer funds, trading and sales practice issues, registration and
disclosure issues, and financial requirements.
- The
Division of Market Oversight [(202) 418-5260] - Inquiries concerning
market and product design, market surveillance, position reporting,
and trade practice issues.
- The
Office of General Counsel [(202) 418-5120] - assigns an “Attorney
of the Day” to answer telephone inquiries about the CEA and CFTC
Regulations.
- The
Division of Enforcement -provides notice to small businesses about
their right to comment on CFTC actions pursuant to the Small Business
Regulatory and Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) whenever it makes a
request to provide information voluntarily or pursuant to subpoena or
the inspection provisions of the CEA. The CFTC and its staff are committed
to ensuring that small businesses are provided a non-retaliatory environment
in which to exercise their right to comment.
The CFTC
has a small business liaison located in the Office of External Affairs.
When the agency receives inquiries related to small business, such as
communications from the office of the National Ombudsman, they are forwarded
to the liaison. The liaison also works with the Ombudsman to provide information
and resolve any issues or complaints received by the Ombudsman’s
office.
Commodity
Futures Trading Commission Single Point of Contact:
Gabrielle A. Sudik, Attorney
Office of General Counsel
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21st Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20581
Telephone: 202-418-5171
E-mail: gsudik@cftc.gov
CONSUMER
PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Consumer Product
Safety Commission Single Point of Contact:
Thomas W. Murr, Jr.
Deputy Executive Director
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Telephone: 301-504-7907
E-mail: tmurr@cpsc.gov
CORPORATION
FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Corporation for National and Community Service Single Point of
Contact:
Bill Hudson
Corporation for National and Community Service
Office of the General Council Rm. 8200
1201 NY Ave. NW
Washington DC 20525
Telephone: 202-606-5000 ext.265
Fax: 202-565-2796
E-mail: whudson@cns.gov
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ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
EPA currently has over 100 initiatives, activities, and services directed
at small business needs. EPA efforts include a toll-free hotline; newsletters;
Web sites; e-mail listserv; information alerts on emerging regulatory
issues; industry sector specific guides directed at providing information
on specific industry processes, Federal regulatory requirements, compliance
history and pollution prevention information; expert systems; voluntary
programs; and training programs.
EPA’s
Small Business Ombudsman (SBO) provides a “gateway” and dedicated
support for small businesses to reach EPA compliance assistance resources
offered by EPA, the states and other sources. The SBO answers technical
and regulatory questions on a toll-free hotline, provides more than 350
free EPA publications, develops compliance assistance tools, and gives
direct access to regulatory assistance on a comprehensive website. It
publishes the SBO newsletter twice a year to report important EPA activities
and give timely alerts to small businesses and interested service providers
on EPA actions. The SBO acts as the focal point and provides multi-level
support and coordination for an extensive national network of small business
assistance programs, and works with small businesses, service providers,
and state and regional officials to address small business needs.
The Small
Business Gateway is a web site that links to EPA’s assistance programs
for small business. http://www.epa.gov/smallbusiness/
EPA also
partners with industry representatives and others on sector-specific Compliance
Assistance Centers. The centers support the agriculture, automotive service
and repair, chemical manufacturing, metal finishing, paints and coatings,
printed-wiring-board manufacturing, printing, transportation, construction,
auto recycling, and border compliance sectors by providing tools such
as checklists, plain language guides, and technical information to help
small businesses understand their regulatory requirements.
Compliance
Assistance Centers:
EPA also manages a
National Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse as a guide to compliance
information on the Internet. This site gives comprehensive links to EPA
environmental compliance assistance materials, as well as materials from
all 50 states and other organizations. The Clearinghouse contains many
features allowing small businesses to interact directly with EPA and improve
communication and collaboration among compliance assistance providers.
EPA’s Small
Business Compliance Policy promotes environmental compliance among small
businesses by providing incentives to discover and make good faith efforts
to correct violations. Software is also available to assist in certain
reporting requirements. The “Toxics Release Inventory – Made
Easy” (TRI-ME) software guides users through the entire Toxics Release
Inventory reporting process from start to finish.
Information on EPA’s
initiatives and activities is available on the EPA Small Business Ombudsman
Web site http://www.epa.gov/sbo.
This site links to the Small Business Environmental Homepage http://www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org/,
which provides extensive small business assistance information. EPA National
Asbestos & Small Business hotline for inquiries on environmental regulations
may be reached via a toll free number (1-800-368-5888).
Environmental
Protection Agency Single Point of Contact:
Karen V. Brown, Director
Small Business Division
EPA Small Business Ombudsman (SBPRA point of contact)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, MC1808T
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone: 202-566-2816
Fax: 202- 566-0954
E-mail: brown.karen@epa.gov
EXPORT-IMPORT
BANK
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the official
export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank's mission is to
assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and services to international
markets. Ex-Im Bank enables U.S. companies - large and small - to turn
export opportunities into real sales that help to maintain and create
U.S. jobs and contribute to a stronger national economy.
Ex-Im Bank does not
compete with private sector lenders but provides export financing products
that fill gaps in trade financing. We assume credit and country risks
that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept. We also help
to level the playing field for U.S. exporters by matching the financing
that other governments provide to their exporters.
Ex-Im Bank provides
working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance
(post-export financing); and loan guarantees and direct loans (buyer financing).
No transaction is too large or too small. On average, 85% of our transactions
directly benefit U.S. small businesses.
With nearly 70 years
of experience, Ex-Im Bank has supported more than $400 billion of U.S.
exports, primarily to developing markets worldwide.
Export-Import
Bank Single Point of Contact:
Letitia Kress
Export-Import Bank
811 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20571
Telephone: 202-565-3613
E-mail: letitia.kress@exim.gov
EQUAL
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Small Business Initiative
EEOC has developed a Small Business Initiative (SBI) to improve customer
service and expand outreach, education, and technical assistance to the
small business community. The SBI aims to promote voluntary compliance
by building a more cooperative and collaborative relationship with the
small and mid-sized business community and to address EEO concerns expressed
by small business owners. The main components of the SBI include:
Small Business
Liaisons:
Every EEOC District office has a Small Business Liaison available to employers
who have questions about the laws enforced by EEOC or about compliance
with those laws in specific workplace situations. Information on contacting
Small Business Liaisons can be found at www.eeoc.gov/employers/contacteeoc.html.
Small Business
Web Page:
www.eeoc.gov/employers/smallbusinesses.html
- While the information on this page applies to all employers, it has
been specifically designed for small businesses which may not have a human
resources department or a specialized EEO staff. The page is designed
to make it easier for small businesses to comply with the anti-discrimination
laws and help them in their dealings with the EEOC.
No-Cost Outreach
and Education Programs
EEOC's outreach and education programs provide information about the employment
discrimination laws enforced by EEOC and the EEOC charge/complaint process.
EEOC representatives are available at no cost to make presentations and
participate in meetings with employers and their representative groups.
For example, EEOC hosts regular meetings with employers and employer groups,
such as stakeholder advisory councils to get feedback on legal and operational
issues; provides speakers and trainers for conferences, seminars, workshops
and classroom presentations and for regular scheduled meetings of organizations,
professional associations, etc; distributes information materials on EEO
laws and represent the Commission at events, such as job fairs, conventions
and conferences; and participates in media presentations - including radio
and TV interviews, as well as cyber-chats.
A list of outreach coordinators and contact information can be found at
www.eeoc.gov/outreach/coordinators.html.
Fee-Based
Training and Technical Assistance
EEOC presents a wide variety of fee- based training and technical assistance
programs throughout the country geared to employers in the private sector,
including small businesses, as well as federal, state and local government
agencies. Training and technical assistance available includes:
Technical Assistance
Program Seminars (TAPS):
Seminars emphasize how to prevent EEO problems from developing and how
to resolve discrimination complaints effectively when they do arise. Real-life
case studies and examples often are used to show how equal employment
requirements apply to specific employment practices. Updates on important
legal developments, Commission policy and procedures and vital information
about EEOC's latest initiatives and alternative dispute resolution program
are discussed. Specialized topics will differ by seminar and may include
in-depth sessions on issues such as: sexual and racial harassment; complex
ADA issues, including the ADA's relation to other workplace laws; and
religious and national origin discrimination. Whenever practicable, small
group breakouts, question and answer periods, interactive formats and
informal discussions are used in the seminars, which enable participants
to receive answers to specific EEO questions.
Customer Specific
Training Programs:
EEOC staff provide specialized training on various employment discrimination
topics for employers at their work site or at an organization's meeting
or training events.
Training Products:
EEOC has developed training course materials on Workplace Harassment Issues:
How to Identify, Prevent and Eliminate Workplace Harassment, which are
available for employers who want to deliver their own training. Additional
training courses on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other topics
are under development and will be available in the future.
Information on Training
Contacts can be found at www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov.
Publications
EEOC fact sheets, information materials and brochures and other publications
are available at no cost. They can be ordered by calling 1-800-669-3362
(voice) or 1-800-800-3302 (TTY) or through the Internet at www.eeoc.gov/publications.html
Training and Technical
Assistance Materials available for direct purchase - A seven volume set
of resource manuals provides a comprehensive and invaluable EEO library
on employment discrimination issues. Each volume contains training exercises,
practical guidance and copies of EEOC's most important policy interpretations,
including information concerning recent important Supreme Court decisions
affecting Federal EEO law. The volumes are compiled and written by legal
experts and training professionals from the EEOC, the Federal agency responsible
for enforcing and interpreting the country's various Federal employment
discrimination laws. The entire series is updated annually to reflect
changes in law, court decisions and new EEOC guidance. These materials
are useful for employers, human resource/EEO professionals, attorneys,
labor representatives and others interested in EEO matters in the private,
federal and state and local government sectors. These manuals can be ordered
through www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov.
Web Page
-
EEOC’s web page – www.eeoc.gov
- provides easy-to-use information on federal laws prohibiting job discrimination,
including a question and answer format. The site also provides copies
of news/press releases, laws enforced by EEOC, regulations, and policy
guidance issued by EEOC, as well as information on outreach, training
and technical assistance and publications.
-
The site provides links to other federal labor law enforcement agencies
and other federal agencies which may have information/resources useful
to employers.
-
EEOC has also worked with many federal agencies, such as the Small Business
Administration, Office of the National Ombudsman, to ensure EEOC’s
web page is available as a link.
New Freedom
Initiative
EEOC is working closely with small business organizations and disability
groups to conduct a series of free outreach and education events for small
businesses as part of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative. EEOC
expects to continue putting on these events throughout fiscal years 2003
and 2004. EEOC has also produced The Americans with Disabilities Act:
A Primer for Small Business, which is a practical, reader-friendly
handbook for the small business person outlining the employment provisions
of the ADA as they relate to both employees and job applicants. Information
on the workshops is available at www.eeoc.gov/initiatives/nfi/index.html.
A copy of the Primer is available at www.eeoc.gov/ada/adahandbook.html
Guidance
Letters
EEOC’s Office of Legal Counsel issues approximately 90 significant
guidance letters a year explaining the employment discrimination statutes
to employers and other stakeholders.
Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission Single Point of Contact:
Laura Hinton
National Outreach Coordinator
Office of Field Programs, EEOC
1801 L Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20507
Telephone: 202-663-4811
E-mail: laura.hinton@eeoc.gov
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FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent U.S. government
agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the
Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and
international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and
cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia,
and U.S. possessions.
The FCC
is directed by five Commissioners appointed by the President and confirmed
by the Senate for 5-year terms, except when filling an unexpired term.
The President designates one of the Commissioners to serve as Chairperson.
Only three Commissioners may be members of the same political party. None
of them can have a financial interest in any Commission-related business.
The Commission
staff is organized by function. There are six operating Bureaus and ten
Staff Offices. The Bureaus’ responsibilities include: processing
applications for licenses and other filings; analyzing complaints; conducting
investigations; developing and implementing regulatory programs; and taking
part in hearings. The Offices provide support services. Even though the
Bureaus and Offices have their individual functions, they regularly join
forces and share expertise in addressing Commission issues. The six operating
Bureaus are: Consumer and Governmental Affairs, Enforcement, International,
Media, Wireless Telecommunications, and Wireline Competition.
Concerning
FCC small entity enforcement and compliance issues, the primary sources
for information are the Enforcement Bureau, which enforces the Communications
Act as well as the Commission’s rules, orders and authorizations,
and the Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO), which
provides advice to the Commission on issues and policies concerning telecommunications
opportunities for small, minority and women-owned communications businesses.
E-Mail,
Small Entity Contact Point:
ocboinfo@fcc.gov
Telephone
Numbers:
-
Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO): 202-418-0990
-
FCC Consumer Center, Toll-Free Telephone Service: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
-
TTY, FCC Consumer Center, Toll-Free Telephone Service: 1-888-TELL-FCC
(1-888-835-5322)
-
Enforcement Bureau: 202-418-7450
Website Locations:
Federal Communications
Commission Single Point of Contact:
Richard Lee, Director, Office of Communications Business Opportunities
U.S. Federal Communication Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Telephone: 202-418-0990
E-mail: richard.lee@fcc.gov
ocboinfo@fcc.gov
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FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
Office of the Ombudsman: http://www.fdic.gov/regulations/resources/ombudsman.html
Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation Single Point of Contact:
Edward F. Gerber, Associate Ombudsman
550 Seventeenth Street, N.W.
PA-1730-2122
Washington, DC 20429
Telephone: 202-942-3869
Fax: 202-942-3401
E-mail: egerber@fdic.gov
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FEDERAL
ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Single Point of Contact:
Kimberly F. Fernandez
Office of External Affairs
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street, N.E.
Washington, DC 20426
Telephone: 202-502-8302
E-mail: kimberly.fernandez@ferc.gov
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FEDERAL
HOUSING FINANCE BOARD
Federal Housing Finance Board Single Point of Contact:
Janice Kaye
Federal Housing Finance Board
Office of General
Counsel
1777 F Street, NW
Phone: 202-408-2505
E-mail: kayej@fhfb.gov
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FEDERAL
MARITIME COMMISSION
Overview
The purpose of this guidance is to assist drafters of Federal Maritime
Commission ("FMC" or "Commission") rules in appropriately
implementing the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act ("RFA"),
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act ("SBREFA").
In general, SBREFA amended the RFA to establish certain formal procedural
and analytical requirements (described below) for rules the agency may
develop which have the potential to impose a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities. If a rule will impose significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, a more formal
analysis of the potential adverse economic impacts on small entities must
be prepared. Additionally, Executive Order 13272 of August 13, 2002 ("EO
13272"), requires agencies to issue and publish written procedures
and policies for use in considering the potential impact of draft rules
on small entities.
This guidance is not
a binding Commission procedural rule. In determining and mitigating impacts
on small entities, the FMC anticipates that there may be some situations
in which agency staff and management must exercise considerable judgment.
Nevertheless, we intend this guidance to provide an analytic and sequential
structure that should be sufficient for most rulemakings. This guidance
will be published on the Commission's Internet website (http://www.fmc.gov)
for informational purposes.
The purpose of RFA/SBREFA
is "to fit regulatory and informational requirements to the scale
of the businesses, organizations and governmental jurisdictions subject
to the regulation." To achieve this objective, agencies are required
to "solicit and consider flexible regulatory proposals and to explain
the rationale for their actions to assure that such proposals are given
serious consideration." RFA/SBREFA does not require an agency necessarily
to minimize a rule's impact on small entities if there are legal, policy,
factual or other reasons for not doing so. RFA/SBREFA requires only that
an agency determine, to the extent feasible, the rule's economic impact
on small entities, explore regulatory options for reducing any significant
economic impact on a substantial number of such entities, and explain
its ultimate choice of regulatory approach.
Since its enactment,
RFA has required every federal agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility
analysis for any rule for which the agency is required to issue a notice
of proposed rulemaking under the Administrative Procedure Act ("APA")
or any other statute, unless the agency certifies that the rule "will
not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities." When SBREFA became law in 1996, the FMC
developed procedures and guidelines to implement the applicable statutory
requirements. The guidelines are being updated below to ensure continuing
compliance with RFA/SBREFA requirements, as well as EO 13272.
In general, RFA/SBREFA
requirements will apply to the FMC's rules subject to the notice-and-comment
rulemaking requirements under the APA or any other statute. Exempt from
the RFA requirement regarding a regulatory flexibility analysis or certification
are Commission actions that are not rules (e.g., orders or adjudications),
and rules that the Commission is not required by statute to propose before
promulgating.
RFA/SBREFA Preliminary
Analysis: Assessing the Impact on Small Entities
This part describes the procedures to follow for determining whether a
regulatory flexibility analysis or certification of no significant economic
impact on a substantial number of entities should be prepared for a proposed
or final rule. It is a six-step process.
1. Is the
rule subject to notice-and-comment rulemaking requirements?
As mentioned earlier, most, if not all, FMC proposed and final rules will
be subject to notice-and-comment and therefore subject to RFA/SBREFA.
2. What types
of entities will be subject to the rule's requirement?
The Commission has adopted small business standards pursuant to the North
American Industrial Classification System ("NAICS") published
by the Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget.
The staff has identified the following NAICS categories and codes defined
by the Small Business Administration ("SBA") that fall within
the Commission's regulatory jurisdiction:
483111
Deep Sea Foreign Transport of Freight - Vessel Operating Common Carriers
("VOCCs")
483112 Deep Sea Transportation of Passengers - Passenger Vessel Operators
("PVOs")
488320 Marine Cargo Handling - Marine Terminal Operators ("MTOs")
488510 Arrangement of Transportation of Freight and Cargo - Ocean Transportation
Intermediaries ("OTIs")
Categories 483111
and 483112 are evaluated by the SBA according to their number of employees.
The SBA has determined that if such a business establishment has less
than 500 employees, it qualifies as a small business for SBA purposes.
Business establishments in categories 488320 and 488510 are evaluated
by their annual receipts in millions of dollars. In these categories,
SBA determines that business establishments with annual receipts (gross
annual revenues) of less than $21.5 million are small businesses. The
Commission will use SBA's determinations in its review of the impact of
its regulatory undertakings on small businesses.
3. What types
of small entities, if any, are subject to the rule's requirements?
VOCCs, PVOs, and MTOs generally are very large companies with far in excess
of 500 employees, in the case of VOCCs and PVOs, and $21.5 million in
gross revenues, in the case of MTOs. These companies, as well as conferences
or associations of such companies, generally are represented by retained
counsel. They frequently raise informal, complex issues, and the Commission
exerts considerable time and effort responding to them. Such entities
are not the intended small business beneficiaries of SBREFA. OTIs, on
the other hand, will be considered small businesses by the Commission.
Therefore, the Commission
makes a refutable presumption that VOCCs, PVOs and MTOs are not small
businesses encompassed within the programs and policies mandated by SBREFA.
Nevertheless, a VOCC, PVO, or MTO that falls under SBA guidelines and
seeks to be treated as a small business for Commission regulatory purposes
may submit a request for such treatment to the Commission, along with
payroll or gross annual revenue evidence, as applicable, to substantiate
its claim and rebut the presumption.
4. What if
no small entities are affected by the rule?
If a proposed rule does not affect any small entity (based on the definition
of small entity provided above) RFA authorizes the Commission's Chairman
to make a negative certification with respect to the rulemaking. This
will be published in the Federal Register and be accompanied
by the factual basis for certification as prepared by the originating
Bureau/Office. This certification is subject to judicial review.
At the proposed rule
stage, the affected parties have an opportunity to petition the Commission
to be treated as small entities. If no such requests are received, the
Chairman makes the negative certification in the final rule. If requests
are received, the originating Bureau/Office, in conjunction with the Bureau
of Trade Analysis ("BTA"), must determine if the petitioning
entities should be treated as small businesses. If the originating Bureau/Office
and BTA determine that these entities should, in fact, be treated as small
businesses, the analysis set forth in step 5 will be conducted.
5. If small
businesses are affected, is there a significant impact on a substantial
number?
If a proposed rule is expected to have an effect on one or more small
entities, a threshold analysis will be initiated by BTA with the assistance
of the originating Bureau/Office. The threshold analysis is conducted
to determine the extent of the impact and the number of small entities
that would be affected by the proposed rule. It has been determined by
the Commission that collection and maintenance of current financial data
on every entity regulated by the FMC would cause undue cost and burden
on the entities. Therefore, the threshold analysis is based on extrapolation
of data and information from current economic trends and statistics, and
the Commission's industry expertise. The results or findings of each threshold
analysis are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine whether the
proposed rule will have a significant impact on a substantial number of
small businesses. In addition, any comments received on the proposed rule
once it has been published in the Federal Register would be taken
into consideration.
If it is determined
that the proposed rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial
number of small entities, a negative certification by the Commission's
Chairman may be made. The certification should be published and explained
in the supplementary information section of the proposed and final rules
and supported in the rulemaking record as appropriate. The originating
Office/Bureau, working with BTA as necessary, prepares a memorandum containing
its analyses and explaining the negative certification. No further analysis
is required to support the certification, unless the agency receives comments
on the proposed rule's certification that raise issues about the basis
of its analysis.
6. What if
the rule would have a significant impact on a substantial number of small
entities?
The primary purpose of the Initial and Final Regulatory Flexibility Analyses
("IRFA/FRFA") is to identify and consider regulatory alternatives
"which minimize any significant economic impact of the proposed [or
final] rule on small entities." (Sections 603 and 604 of RFA, emphasis
added.) Therefore, if the threshold analysis shows that a proposed rule
would have a significant impact on a substantial number of small businesses,
the FMC must take the following steps:
1. Assure that small
entities have been given an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking
through various possible techniques. The originating Bureau/Office will
implement one of the following or possible additional, measures:
a. State in an advance notice prior to issuance of the proposed rulemaking
that the rule may have a significant economic effect on a substantial
number of small entities;
b. Publish a general notice of the proposed rulemaking in publications
that small entities are likely to receive;
c. Directly notify small entities about the rule; or
d. Hold "open conference or public hearings" about the rule.
2.
Prior to publishing the proposed rule, the Commission will notify SBA
(and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of
Management and Budget ("OMB") as required by EO 12866).
3. Complete an IRFA,
and publish it with the proposed rule. The IRFA, prepared by the originating
Bureau/Office and BTA, must contain:
a. Reasons why the Commission is considering the action - this currently
is in the preamble to all proposed regulations.
b. The objectives and legal basis for the proposed rule - this currently
is included in a proposed rule.
c. The kind and number of small entities to which the rule will apply
- to the extent possible, the originating Bureau/Office describes the
industry and economic sector in total and its small and large entity
segments, and explains any existing dynamics, such as trends in employment.
d. The projected recording, record keeping, and other compliance requirements
of the proposed rule - this description should include an estimate of
the classes of small entities that will be subject to the requirements
and the type of professional skills necessary for the preparation of
the report or record. A cost analysis should describe each item and
estimate the costs, comparing large and small entities. It should distinguish
the initial costs from recurring or operating costs. This information
may be available from the paperwork burden analysis prepared under the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act.
e. Identify all federal rules that may duplicate, overlap, or conflict
with the proposed rule - given the Commission's specific regulatory
responsibility, it is extremely unlikely that any of its rules will
duplicate, overlap, or conflict with the rules of other agencies. Should
the situation arise, however, the Commission would need to include information
for regulated entities on other rules governing the same activities.
In some instances, the existence of relevant rules of other agencies
will be known to the originating Bureau/Office. When legal research
is required, it will be done by the Bureau of Enforcement ("BOE").
4. The FMC then must
produce an FRFA with the final rule. This analysis, prepared by the originating
Bureau/Office and BTA, must contain the comments, if any, of SBA. It also
must contain:
a. A succinct statement of the need for and objectives of the rule;
b. A summary of significant issues raised by public comments in response
to the initial regulatory flexibility analysis, and a summary of the
originating Bureau/Office's assessment of such comments;
c. The Commission's written response to any written comments submitted
by SBA, unless the Chairman certifies that the public interest is not
served thereby.
d. A description and an estimate of the number of small entities to
which the rule will apply or an explanation of why no such estimate
is available;
e. A description of the projected reporting, record keeping, and other
compliance requirements of the rule, including an estimate of the classes
of small entities that will be subject to the requirements and the type
of professional skills necessary for the preparation of the report record;
and,
f. A description of the steps the FMC has taken to minimize the significant
economic impacts on small entities consistent with the stated objectives
of applicable statutes, including a statement of the factual, policy,
and legal reasons for selecting the alternative adopted in the final
rule, and the reasons for rejecting each of the other viable alternatives.
Small Entity Compliance
Guide
If a final regulatory flexibility analysis is necessary, a compliance
guide also must be created. Each rule promulgated by the Commission that
significantly affects a substantial number of small businesses will include
a "compliance guide" that facilitates their compliance with
applicable requirements. This guide will be drafted by the originating
Bureau/Office.
Periodic Review
SBREFA requires that any promulgated rules that have or will have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities be reviewed
periodically. There currently is one Commission rule which falls under
this category. The agency conducted an IRFA and FRFA for Docket No. 98-28,
Licensing, Financial Responsibility Requirements, and General Duties for
Ocean Transportation Intermediaries. The Commission is revising Form FMC-18,
which is used in the licensing process to collect information about OTI
applicants, and also is planning for an electronically-submitted version.
The Commission will review the impact of the involved rule in conjunction
with that effort.
Federal Maritime
Commission Single Point of Contact:
Joseph Farrell, Director
Office of Consumer Complaints
Federal Maritime Commission
800 N. Capitol Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20573
Telephone: 202-523-5807
Fax: 202-257-0059
E-mail: josephf@fmc.gov
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FEDERAL
MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Single Point of Contact:
Dan Funkhouser, Chief Information Officer,
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
2100 K St NW
Washington, DC 20427
Telephone: 202-606-5477
E-mail: dfunkhouser@fmcs.gov
Top
FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD
Procurement (Companies wishing to conduct business with the Board)
Carlos Gutierrez
Small Business Procurement Liaison
20th and C Streets, NW, M/S 128
Washington, DC 20551
Telephone: 202-452-2458
E-mail: Carlos.Gutierrez@frb.gov
General Financial
Information for Small Businesses
General Community Development information
www.federalreserve.gov/community.htm
A Guide to Business Credit for Women, Minorities, and Small Businesses
www.federalreserve.gov/community.htm
Federal Reserve
Regulatory Reporting Forms
Current Reporting Forms
www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/reportforms/default.cfm
Reporting Forms Under Review
www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/reportforms/review.cfm
Banking and
Regulatory Information
General Banking and Regulatory information
www.federalreserve.gov/banknreg.htm
Regulations (PDF files)
www.federalreserve.gov/regulations/default.htm
Supervision & Regulation Letters (SR Letters)
www.federalreserve.gov/boarddocs/srletters/
Federal Reserve
Board Publications Department
Publications available free-of-charge on-line
www.federalreserve.gov/publications.htm
Publications available for order (on-line order form and information)
www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/order.htm
Telephone: 202-452-3245
Fax: 202-728-5886
20th and C Streets, NW,
Publications Services, M/S127
Washington, DC 20551
News and Events
General News and Events, including: testimonies and speeches; press releases;
and services (e-mail notification for press releases and other unscheduled
postings; personal digital assistant wireless service for press releases;
and e-mail notification for testimony and speeches).
www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents.htm
Federal Reserve
Board Single Point of Contact:
Cindy Ayouch
Chief, Financial Reports section
20th and C Streets, NW, M/S 41
Washington, DC 20551
Telephone: 202-452-3829
Fax: 202-728-5856
E-mail: Cynthia.M.Ayouch@frb.gov
General Federal Reserve
Public website
www.federalreserve.gov
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FEDERAL
TRADE COMMISSION
The FTC offers a broad array of resources to aid small businesses in understanding
their obligations under the laws and regulations administered by the Commission.
The FTC offers general information in a variety of forms to address issues
and questions that small businesses frequently encounter. Such guidance
usually will satisfy the needs of small businesses for guidance as to
their obligations.
For example, the FTC
issues many types of publications designed to explain how small businesses
and others can conduct their affairs in compliance with the laws and regulations
administered by the FTC. These include materials specifically directed
to businesses, such as (1) compliance guides explaining the requirements
of specific FTC rules in a non-technical manner; (2) industry guides addressing
common compliance issues under the Federal Trade Commission Act, as applied
to particular industries or particular practices; (3) guidelines and policy
statements explaining the application of antitrust laws to particular
practices or industries. These materials frequently contain specific examples
and illustrative fact patterns that show how the agency would apply the
law to a particular set of facts.
The FTC holds public
workshops, conferences and other forums to discuss specific topics, which
often include compliance concerns. Also, FTC staff members and Commissioners
frequently give speeches and conduct programs geared to explaining statutory
and regulatory requirements and to answering attendees’ questions.
Where the topics are of particular interest to small business, these speeches
may involve appearances before groups representing small-business interests.
Other sources of information
include full texts of FTC-administered statutes and rules, advisory opinions
issued by the Commission or its staff, texts of speeches and testimony,
and information on enforcement actions. The FTC also produces and disseminates
numerous print and broadcast materials that, while directed to consumers,
can benefit small businesses by identifying the practices that generate
consumer protection issues between businesses and their customers and
explaining how they should be handled.
These materials and
information are readily available to small businesses through a variety
of sources, including:
Through
the FTC’s website www.ftc.gov,
and from links at www.business.gov,
www.firstgov.gov, and www.sba.gov/yourgovt/federal.html.
Directly
from the FTC, Room H-130, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20580,
or call (toll-free) 877-FTC-HELP.
Additional
FTC Guides
Where
the sources of general information are insufficient to provide the needed
guidance or assistance, an FTC staff member may provide specific, informal
advice or arrange for a more formal response. Small businesses may make
inquiries of the Commission by various means. Inquiries can be informal
and the business need not even identify itself. The FTC also has procedures
for providing, where appropriate, either a staff advisory opinion or,
in specified circumstances, a Commission advisory opinion. It is generally
most effective to discuss the issue with a staff person before deciding
whether to seek a formal advisory opinion.
Inquiries regarding
consumer protection issues:
FTC, Room H-130
600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20580
Telephone: (toll-free) 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Inquiries regarding
competition issues:
Office of Policy and Evaluation,
Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission,
Washington, DC 20580
Telephone (202) 326-3300
Fax (202) 326-2884.
Federal Trade
Commission Single Point of Contact:
General inquiries may be directed to
Donald Clark
The Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20580
Telephone: 202-326-2515
Fax: 202-326-2496
Businesses may also contact any of the FTC’s regional offices.
Top
GENERAL
SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
General Services Administration Single Point of Contact:
Mr. Felipe Mendoza
Associate Administrator
Office of Small Business Utilization
General Services Administration
1800 F Street, NW, Room 6029
Washington, DC 20405
Telephone: 202-501-0864
Top
INSTITUTE
OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES
Institute of Museum and Library Services
Single Point of Contact:
Rebecca W. Danvers, Ph.D.
Director of Research and Technology
Institute of Museum and Library Services
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 223
Washington, DC 20506
Phone: 202-606-2478
Fax: 202-606-0395
E-mail: rdanvers@imls.gov
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MERIT
SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD
Merit
Systems Protection Board Single Point of Contact:
Richard A. Dorr
Merit Systems Protection Board
1615 M Street NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: 202-653-6772 ext.1113
Fax: 202-653-7821
E-mail: richard.dorr@mspb.gov
Top
NATIONAL
AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
Compliance
Assistance Resources
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) promotes
the utilization of small, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses in
compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and policies. We assist such
firms in obtaining contracts and subcontracts with NASA and its prime
contractors. The OSDBU also facilitates the participation of small businesses
in NASA’s technology transfer and commercialization activities.
Our objective is not only to ensure that small businesses are integrated
seamlessly into the aerospace industrial base of the country, but that
they can contribute to the performance of NASA missions. NASA supports
a non-retaliation policy against small businesses as stated in NASA Policy
Directive 5101.32 for the Ombudsman program.
Small businesses seeking
work with NASA are directed to our website http://osdbu.nasa.gov.
Activities in support of small businesses are listed with information
on how to get involved in obtaining contracts and subcontracts. Request
for Proposals open for bid can be reviewed on the Internet at http://procurement.nasa.gov.
Description
of Program
To get the highest return on investment, the NASA OSDBU has designed,
implemented, and facilitated user-friendly programs and initiatives. This
ensures the full integration of capable and high-quality small businesses
into the competitive base of contractors from which NASA regularly purchases
products and services. In addition, the OSDBU has an outreach effort to
communicate with its target small business constituents, as well as an
in-reach program to educate NASA technical, procurement, and administrative
personnel about programs and policies. The OSDBU also disseminates information
about its programs through conferences, forums, training and development
programs, counseling, promotional materials, and the Internet. A free
three-day course called Training and Development for Small Businesses
in Advanced Technologies (TADSBAT) acquaints companies with the NASA culture.
This course is held four times a year at different locations nationally.
In addition, two forums were developed to seek high-technology firms capable
of participating in the Agency’s most complex programs. The Aerospace
Technology Small Disadvantaged Forum is conducted twice a year at two
of the aeronautics Field Centers where three to five high-tech SDBs are
selected to give presentations to senior level technical managers. From
the forum’s inception in 1993 through FY 2001, more than $85 million
have been awarded to some of the presenters. A similar format is used
for the Semi-annual Science Forums for Small Businesses. The Science Forums
create a “high-level marketing opportunity” for selected small
businesses to present their capabilities to earth science personnel at
the Goddard Space Flight Center and to space science personnel at The
Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Since the inception of this program in 1997,
over $47 million in contracts and subcontracts have been awarded to participants.
As NASA’s premier
initiative, the Mentor-Protégé Program is designed to encourage
prime contractors to assist disadvantaged companies in expanding their
technical capabilities where such firms are underrepresented in the market.
Prime contractors receive a variety of incentives during the source selection
process, plus award fee increments during the period of the contract,
if performed successfully. To spur small businesses to actively pursue
opportunities for commercializing NASA technology, the OSDBU, in conjunction
with the Minority Owned Business Technology Transfer Consortium (MBTTC)
puts on seminars throughout the year. Companies learn about the NASA Commercialization
Technology Network, how to identify technologies and work with researchers
and scientists, how to apply for licensing agreements, and how to find
financing sources.
“Socioeconomic
Procurement as a Business Imperative” is a one-day course given
four times a year at different NASA Centers to a cross-section of the
Agency’s technical, procurement, and administrative personnel. The
course emphasizes the value-added benefit of utilizing diverse small businesses
(in addition to being in compliance with laws and regulations that require
it). On its own initiative, NASA has established a one percent goal as
a percent of total contract value awarded yearly to Historically Black
Colleges and Universities and other minority educational institutions.
NASA is promoting the integration of this underutilized national resource.
To enhance the competitive
advantage of small businesses in the national and world marketplace NASA
has promoted the international quality management standard, ISO 9000.
Since 1996, NASA has conducted seminars at major small business conferences
on how to get certified. The NASA OSDBU staff became the first Federal
headquarters office to become certified. The OSDBU wants to ensure that
small businesses are aware of the fundamentals of an effective teaming
agreement with large prime contractors. Seminars are taught by the Assistant
Administrator for Small Business and are designed to enable small businesses
to understand the legal structure of written teaming agreements, as well
as the factors to consider when choosing a potential teaming partner.
The NASA Minority Business Resource Advisory Committee (MBRAC) was organized
to include executive members from disadvantaged companies who could advise
the Administrator on how to increase small business involvement in NASA
and remove regulatory obstacles to that end. Recommendations have been
made and implemented in the areas of procurement source criteria, contract
fee structure, contracting goals, and the review of subcontracting plans.
The NASA Prime Contractor Roundtable was designed to facilitate an exchange
between NASA and its prime contractors, mainly on how to increase the
use of small businesses in their respective subcontracting programs. NASA’s
Assistant Administrator for Small Business is a board member of the World
Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, an affiliated organization
to the United Nations. Through this association, NASA is able to advise
American small businesses on the advantages of competing in the world
marketplace.
National Aeronautics
and Space Administration Single Point of Contact:
Ralph C. Thomas, III, Assistant Administrator for Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization
NASA HQ
300 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
Telephone: 202-358-2088
Fax: 202-358-3261
ralph.thomas@hq.nasa.gov
Top
NATIONAL
ARCHIVES & RECORDS ADMINISTRATION
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) ensures, for citizens
and Federal officials, ready access to essential evidence that documents
the rights of American citizens, the actions of Federal officials, and
the national experience. It establishes policies and procedures for managing
U.S. Government records and assists Federal agencies in documenting their
activities, administering records management programs, scheduling records,
and retiring noncurrent records. NARA accessions, arranges, describes,
preserves, and provides access to the essential documentation of the three
branches of Government; manages the Presidential Libraries system; and
publishes the laws, regulations, and Presidential and other public documents.
It also assists the Information Security Oversight Office, which manages
Federal classification and declassification policies, and the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission, which makes grants nationwide
to help nonprofit organizations identify, preserve, and provide access
to materials that document American history.
See www.archives.gov
for information on the National Archives and Records Administration's
programs and activities. One resource for small businesses is NARA's Office
of the Federal Register (see http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/index.html).
That office provides ready access to the official text of Federal laws,
Presidential documents, administrative regulations and notices, and descriptions
of Federal organizations, programs and activities.
National Archives
and Records Administration Single Point of Contact:
Nancy Allard
Policy and Communications Staff
Office of the Archivist
NARA
301-837-1477 (voice)
301-837-0319 (fax)
E-mail: nancy.allard@nara.gov
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NATIONAL
COMMISSION ON LIBRARIES & INFORMATION SCIENCE
National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Single
Point of Contact:
Robert S. Willard
Executive Director
1110 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 820
Washington, DC 20005-3552
Telephone: 202-606-9204
Fax: 202-606-9203
E-mail: bwillard@nclis.gov
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NATIONAL
CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
NCUA's point of contact for federal credit unions is Neil McNamara, (703)
518-6570. Other points of contact are accessible through the NCUA website
at www.ncua.gov and by telephone at
(703) 518-6300.
National Credit
Union Administration Single Point of Contact:
Neil McNamara
National Credit Union Administration
1775 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314-3428
Telephone: 703-518-6440
Top
NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
National Endowment for the Arts Single Point of Contact:
William Hummel
1100 Pennsylvania Ave. Rm. 618
Washington DC 20506
Telephone: 202-682-5417
E-mail: hummelw@arts.gov
Top
NATIONAL
ENDOWMENT FOR THE HUMANITIES
National Endowment for the Humanities Single Point of Contact:
Susan G. Daisey, Director
Office of Grant Management
National Endowment for the Humanities
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 311
Washington, DC 20506
Telephone: 202-606-8494
Fax: 2020-606-8633
E-mail: sdaisey@neh.gov
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NATIONAL
INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION
National Indian Gaming Commission Single Point of Contact:
The public will be directed to the suitable contact for their area of
interest by calling our headquarters front desk.
Gary Pechota, Chief of Staff
NIGC
1441 L Street NW, Suite 9100
Washington, DC 20005
Telephone: 202-632-7003
Fax: 202-632-7066
Website: www.nigc.gov
Top
NATIONAL
LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
The following actions have been taken to provide compliance assistance
to all NLRB “customers”:
- NLRB
recently issued instructions to its field offices to improve services
to members of the public with limited English proficiency. These improvements
would assist small businesses owned or managed by non-English speakers.
- NLRB
continually seeks to improve the public information officer program
in its field offices to ensure that the public is assisted properly
with questions about their rights under the National Labor Relations
Act (NLRA). NLRB information officers have responded to over 150,000
inquires annually. Most direct individuals to other agencies or provide
explanations about the individual’s rights under the NLRA. The
services provided under our public information officer program assists
small businesses by discouraging the filing of frivolous charges.
- NLRB
recently changed its website related to our Standards of Service, providing
clear explanations about what parties to NLRB proceedings can expect
after charges and petitions are filed. Our website provides for a procedure
for the public to comment on how our services can be improved. (www.nlrb.gov)
- NLRB
is developing a policy, which will be made available to the public on
our website, that will enhance the ability of parties to our proceedings
to communicate with the Agency through e-mail, and submit certain documents
electronically.
- NLRB
field offices are continually encouraged to expand their outreach programs
by speaking to business groups and labor organizations about our procedures,
and participating in labor-management conferences where changes in the
current case law are explained and discussed. Many small businesses
take advantage of these conferences so that they can learn how to stay
in compliance with the National Labor Relations Act.
Top
NATIONAL
MEDIATION BOARD
National Mediation Board Single Point of Contact:
Denise M. Vines, Supervisory
Finance & Administration Specialist
Washington, DC 20572
Telephone: 202-692-5010
E-mail: vines@nmb.gov
Top
NATIONAL
SCIENCE FOUNDATION
National Science Foundation Single Point of Contact:
Donald Senich
Director, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Research
and Development
4201 Wilson Blvd
Rm. 527
Arlington, VA 22230
Telephone: 703-292-7082
Fax: 703-292-9055
E-mail: dsenich@nsf.gov
Top
NATIONAL
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
National
Transportation Safety Board Single Point of Contact:
Deborah
Bruce, PhD
National Transportation Safety Board
Safety Studies and Statistical Analysis Division
490 L'Enfant Plaza East, SW
Washington, DC 20594
Phone: 202-314-6511
E-mail: bruced@ntsb.gov
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NUCLEAR
REGULATORY COMMISSION
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Single Point of Contact:
Brenda Shelton, Chief
NRC Records Mgmt Branch, OCIO
U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, D. C. 20555-0001
Telephone: 301- 415-7233
Fax: 301-415-6434
E-mail: BJS1@NRC.GOV
Website: http://www.nrc.gov/
Top
OFFICE
OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Office of Personnel Management Single Point of Contact:
Henry Wong
Office of Personnel Management
Contracting Facilities and Administrative Services Group
Telephone: 202-606-2240
Top
OVERSEAS
PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION
For general information on OPIC programs:
Small Business Hotline: 1-800-CALL-SBC (1-800-225-5722)
Local Area: 202-336-8700
Fax: 202-336-8701
E-mail: smallbiz@opic.gov
Overseas Private
Investment Corporation Single Point of Contact:
Mitchell
Strauss
Small and Medium Enterprise Department
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
1100 New York Ave NW
Washington, DC 20527
Phone: 202-408-6300
Fax: 202-408-9866
E-mail: mstra@opic.gov
Top
PEACE
CORPS
The Peace Corps, as a small Federal Agency, relies on and contracts with
small businesses for a majority of our products and services. The Office
of Contracts maintains a list of submitted contractors to match against
our posted contracting requirements. The list is maintained for one year
after submission. An agency database is maintained for overseas contractors.
To enroll in this database, visit our website.
Many short-term training
contractors are needed for overseas services.
Contracting opportunities available are posted on our website. Visit our
website at www.peacecorps.gov
under the heading About the Peace Corps, click on Management, and then
click on Contracting Opportunities. On this web page, click on learn more
to see overseas training services needed and to find information about
being added to our database. Contracts for over $25,000 are posted on
FedBizOpps.
Any questions or for
further information, contact Ms. Judy Dawes. Ms.Dawes will provide assistance
and explanations in complying with Peace Corps regulatory procedures and
requirements for contracting.
Peace Corps
Single Point of Contact:
Judy Dawes
Peace Corps
Office of Contracts
Deputy Director
1111 20th Street, NW, Room 4444
Washington, DC 20526
Telephone: 202-692-1624
Fax: 202-692-1621
Toll Free: 800-424-8580
E-mail: jdawes@peacecorps.gov
Website: www.peacecorps.gov
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PENSION
BENEFIT GUARUNTY CORPORATION
Customer
Service Center
A toll free number (1 800 736 2444) dedicated to pension plan administrators
and plan professionals.
Office of
the RegFair Representative
Functions independently of enforcement and compliance activities, addresses
issues raised by businesses that sponsor defined benefit pension plans,
the vast majority of which are small businesses. The RegFair Representative
is also PBGC’s Problem Resolution Officer for plan practitioners,
and can be reached via a toll-free number (1 800 736 2444, ext. 4163)
or e-mail (practitioner.pro@pbgc.gov).
Ask an Attorney
An attorney in PBGC’s Office of the General Counsel is available
by telephone or e-mail for informal advice on legal issues pertaining
to compliance, enforcement, and other matters of concern. The General
Inquiry Attorney can be reached via a toll-free number (1 800 736 2444,
ext. 4020) or e-mail (AskOGC@pbgc.gov).
PBGC’s
Web site
(www.pbgc.gov) includes:
-
The Small Business Guide to the PBGC. This easy-to-read synopsis
of all of a small plan sponsor’s obligations under ERISA and our
regulations makes it much easier for the small business owner to understand
and comply with the program requirements. The booklet also contains
phone numbers and other information on where to go for help.
-
Frequently Asked Questions.
-
PBGC forms and instructions.
-
Fact sheets on PBGC programs.
-
Opinion Letters. The General Counsel issues formal opinions
on legal issues under Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act (ERISA).
-
The Blue Book sets forth various questions of general interest
to practitioners posed by representatives of the Enrolled Actuaries
Program Committee, and provides answers from PBGC staff.
-
PBGC’s Annual Report
provides financial information and describes its customer service, enforcement
and compliance activities.
NOTE: All resources and publications available on PBGC’s
website can also be obtained by calling our Customer Service Center
(1 800 736 2444).
Outreach
PBGC’s outreach efforts include:
-
Meetings and conferences. PBGC representatives participate
in meetings and conferences with pension practitioners to address issues
of mutual concern and to get their feedback.
- Focus
groups. We conduct periodic focus groups to help determine ways
in which we can better serve our customers; for example, with members
of the American Society of Pension Actuaries (ASPA), a group which serves
primarily small businesses.
-
Surveys. Surveys are conducted regularly to continuously receive
feedback from our pension practitioners, the majority of whom deal with
the pension plans of small businesses.
Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR) Policy
Under PBGC’s ADR policy, PBGC examines the suitability of using
ADR to resolve issues that would otherwise be resolved by adversarial
administrative or judicial processes. In appropriate disputes, PBGC uses
ADR in a good faith effort to achieve consensual resolution of issues
in controversy, including compliance and enforcement matters.
Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation Single Point of Contact:
Customer Service Center: 1 800 736 2444
Diane Morstein
Customer Service Center
Practitioner Problem Resolution Officer
Toll Free: 1 800 736 2444 ext 4136
The public can fully
resolve most issues by calling PBGC Customer Service Center staff, 1-800-736-2444,
and contacting Ms. Morstein only if the issue is not resolved to one’s
satisfaction.
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RAILROAD
RETIREMENT BOARD
Railroad Retirement Board Single Point of Contact:
Ronald J. Hodapp, Chief
Information Resources Management
Railroad Retirement Board
Telephone: 312-751-3366
E-mail: Ronald.Hodapp@rrb.gov
Top
SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Congress
created the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1934 to protect investors,
and to maintain fair, honest, and efficient national securities markets.
The Commission provides extensive compliance assistance to the public.
Small businesses subject to SEC regulation include
- issuers
of securities,
-
investment companies and investment advisers,
-
broker-dealers, and
-
transfer agents.
Other businesses affected
by SEC regulation include auditors of companies whose stocks are publicly
held and subject to registration with the SEC. The SEC’s Office
of Small Business Policy, telephone number (202-942-2950), should generally
be the first point of contact for any small business that seeks compliance
assistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission. This office is
the primary resource for small business issuers of securities. Small regulated
entities may wish to contact the appropriate Division or other office
directly (Market Regulation for broker-dealers and transfer agents; Investment
Management for investment companies and investment advisers; the Office
of Chief Accountant for accountants).
Members of the public
seeking compliance assistance for Securities and Exchange Commission regulation
may contact SEC staff by mail, e-mail, or telephone.
Sources of
SEC Information:
Seminars,
classes
Web based
compliance
Telephone
service
- Office
of Small Business Policy: 202-942-2950
- Division
of Enforcement : 202-942-4530
- Toll-Free
Consumer Information: 1-800-SEC-0330
- Small
and minority business procurement: (202) 942-4990
- Public
company disclosure requirements: 202-942-2825
- Office
of Interpretations and Guidance for Market Regulation: 202-942-0069
- Regulation
of Investment Companies and Investment Advisers: 202-942-0659
Online/e-mail
service
- Inquiries
about federal requirements for securities registration and corporate
disclosure: cfletter@sec.gov
- Inquiries
about applicability of securities laws to small business: smallbusiness@sec.gov
- Inquiries
about the conduct of federally-regulated securities markets: marketreg@sec.gov
- Inquiries
about federal regulation of investment advisers: IARDLIVE@sec.gov
- Inquiries
about federal regulation of investment companies: IMOCC@sec.gov
Contacts
Securities
and Exchange Commission Single Point of Contact:
Gerald Laporte, Chief
Office of Small Business Policy
Division of Corporation Finance
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 5th Street NW, Room 3501
Washington, DC 20549-0310
Telephone: 202-942-2950
Fax: 202-942-9516
E-mail: laporteg@sec.gov
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SELECTIVE
SERVICE SYSTEM
Selective Service System Single Point of Contact:
Calvin Montgomery
1515 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22209
Telephone: 703-605-4038
E-mail: cmontgomery@sss.gov
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SMALL
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Small businesses wanting access to SBA programs should call SBA's Answer
Desk toll-free or e-mail answerdesk@sba.gov.
In many cases, the SBA information technician receiving a call will directly
answer the question. If a matter needs attention from a particular program
specialist in the caller's immediate area of the country, the SBA Answer
Desk can put the caller in touch with a specific individual in an SBA
District Office or program office.
SBA Answer
Desk
6302 Fairview Road, Suite 300
Charlotte, North Carolina 28210
Answer Desk TTY: (704) 344-6640
1-800-UASK-SBA (1-800-827-5722)
TTY Directory [Text] or [PDF]
Send e-mails to: answerdesk@sba.gov
Other good
ways to access compliance information about SBA programs are going to
the SBA website's frequently asked questions about SBA programs at http://app1.sba.gov/faqs/
or to SBA's main webpage http://www.sba.gov/
Small
Business Administration Single Point of Contact:
Ms. Jacqueline K. White, Chief
Administrative Information Branch
U.S. Small Business Administration
409 3rd Street, SW, MC5101
Washington, DC 20416-0005
Telephone:
202-205-7044
Fax: 202-481-2916
E-mail: jacqueline.white@sba.gov
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SOCIAL
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
The majority of the services listed below are offered as a part of the
Social Security Administration’s (SSA) service to the business community
in general, not specifically to small businesses. These services are directed
primarily to employers, businesses or organizations that serve as representative
payees to Social Security beneficiaries, businesses that seek contracts
with SSA and schools. There are four primary avenues of access to these
services with significant overlaps among them.
Toll-Free
Telephone Service
- Employers
may use the toll-free access number (800 772-1213) to verify that they
have the correct Social Security number (SSN) for an employee. This
verification prevents the often difficult job of correcting wage reports
made under an incorrect SSN. Up to five SSNs may be verified with one
call if the employer can furnish his or her address and employer identification
number (EIN). If employers need to verify more than 5 SSNs, but less
than 50, the teleservice representative will advise the employer to
contact the nearest SSA Field Office (FO) and will provide the FO's
telephone number and address. There is a procedure for verifying more
than 50 SSNs, but we do not expect that to be an issue with small businesses.
- New employers
wishing to apply for an EIN may also call 800-772-1213 and request that
application form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number,
be sent to them along with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publication,
Instructions for Form SS-4.
- SSA maintains
the SSA Employer Reporting Service Center at 800 772-6270 or online
at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/.
It can also be reached online from the SSA employer portal page. The
Center can provide detailed information on the best way for an employer
to report wages. An employer calling the main SSA 800 number and wanting
more in-depth information about reporting wages, etc., will be referred
to this number or website.
- Organizational
Representative Payees include governmental or non-profit social service
agencies that manage benefits for beneficiaries who are not able to
manage benefits on their own and who have no friends or relatives suitable
or willing to be payees. Organizational representative payees who must
deal with the many issues that arise with beneficiaries who cannot manage
their own benefits, including changes in address or circumstances, non-receipt
of check, work issues and many other issues, can interact with SSA primarily
by calling the main 800 number.
Online
Services
- The SSA
website, http://www.socialsecurity.gov,
contains a link that directs businesses to the Business Services Online
(BSO) website, http://www.socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome.htm.
BSO is a suite of business services including Registration Services,
Employer Services (Submit a Wage File, W 2 Online, View Status, View
Notices and View Errors) and the Social Security Number Verification
Service. The W-2 Online portion of the website is designed specifically
for small businesses. The site allows employers to complete up to 20
W-2 forms on their computer screens. The service automatically computes
the W-2 data for them, and the report is transmitted to SSA electronically.
Employers can also print copies for their employees and for their records.
Multiple sets of 20 W-2s can be submitted.
In 2003, almost 200,000 W-2s for 2002 were submitted to SSA via W-2
Online that would have otherwise been submitted on paper forms. The
employer must be a registered BSO user to use these services, but registration
is free. Businesses needing personalized assistance with wage reporting
can follow a link, http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/wage_reporting_specialists.htm,
to find a current list of Employer Services Liaison Officers in each
region who are available to discuss specific wage reporting issues by
phone. The Social Security personnel can help callers with all questions
about how to submit W-2s to SSA. The telephone numbers are not toll-free.
- SSA’s
Office of Acquisition and Grants (OAG) maintains a website, www.socialsecurity.gov/oag,
which contains acquisition information to assist small businesses interested
in doing business with SSA. SSA's policies make doing business with
the Agency easy for small businesses. All contracts are offered on an
"open bid" basis, which means the bidding contractor does
not have to be on any specific list of approved contractors. Some contracts
are reserved for award to small businesses only.
- SSA maintains
a website, www.socialsecurity.gov/payee,
dedicated to Representative Payee requirements and responsibilities.
This is significant, because many beneficiaries who need a payee have
no family or friends willing to serve in this capacity. As a result,
many small social service organizations serve as payees. This website
makes it easy for small businesses to apply and be approved as an organizational
payee. Training materials for payees are available at the website, including
a written lesson, a PowerPoint presentation and a video. The written
material and the PowerPoint program can be downloaded from the website,
and the video can be ordered. Interested parties can request the material,
including the video, on a compact disk.
- SSA must
verify the full time attendance of certain students by asking school
officials to complete a form certifying that the student/beneficiary
is in full time attendance at the school. School officials can access
a dedicated website, http://www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials/,
which explains the verification process, why the information is needed
and what is expected of them. The site also has a “Frequently
Asked Questions” page for school officials and also a page, http://www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials/faqs_students.htm,
for students. School officials and students are able to download the
form if they lose the form they received from SSA.
Publications
- SSA publishes
a quarterly newsletter in conjunction with the IRS called the “SSA-IRS
Reporter.” This newsletter is mailed by IRS along with Form 941,
Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return. It contains up-to-date wage
and tax reporting information. While it is mailed to all employers,
surveys show that it is predominately read by small business owners.
- The Employer's
Guide to Filing Timely and Accurate W-2 Wage Reports is available both
in hard copy and on the SSA website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/pub.htm.
This pamphlet (SSA Pub. No. 16-004) explains an employer’s responsibilities,
how to file, where to file, how to avoid common reporting errors, how
to correct them, finding help, etc.
- The publication,
A Guide for Farmers, Growers and Crew Leaders (SSA Publication No. 05
10025), provides information on Social Security’s benefit package
and how to report income to SSA. This guide is available on SSA’s
website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/pub.htm.
Outreach
- SSA participates
in a number of IRS-related events. Staff attend six tax seminars a year
presented by IRS. SSA staffs a booth at these public seminars and also
provides a 1-1/2 hour workshop on employer reporting. A number of small
businesses attend these workshops. SSA staff make presentations at eight
payroll reporting conferences each year in different parts of the country.
These conferences are attended primarily by larger businesses, but they
are open to any business.
- SSA holds
The National Payroll Reporting Forum on an annual basis at its Baltimore
headquarters. This forum was established in 1990 so that Federal agencies
and the business community could gather, identify, discuss and resolve
common wage and tax reporting issues. This forum has had a significant
effect on the accuracy of the wage data submitted to SSA. The forum
also provides the business community an opportunity to have a voice
in initiatives that will ultimately affect the way it does business.
The forum is attended by many small companies from the surrounding states
as well as by national payroll organizations and service bureaus. The
Agency is holding the 2004 conference on May 20, 2004 at SSA headquarters
in Baltimore.
- SSA's
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization assists small
businesses by scheduling one-on-one meetings and participating in various
procurement trade shows and conferences.
Social
Security Administration Single Point of Contact:
Elizabeth A. Davidson
SSA Reports Clearance Officer
1338 Annex Building
6401 Security Boulevard
Woodlawn, MD 21235
Telephone: 410-965-0454
Fax: 410-965-6400
E-Mail: Liz.Davidson@ssa.gov
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SURFACE
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent adjudicatory
body administratively housed within the Department of Transportation.
STB is responsible for the economic regulation of interstate surface transportation,
primarily railroads, within the United States. STB's mission is to ensure
that competitive, efficient and safe transportation services are provided
to meet the needs of shippers, receivers and consumers. In furtherance
of its mission, STB provides a number of services that small businesses
might find useful:
- General
Information:202-565-1764
- Procurement:
202-565-1701
- Public
Services: 202-565-1592 (how to participate in agency proceedings)
- Library/publications:
202-565-1668
- Rail
Consumer Assistance (toll free): 866-254-1792
- Home
page: www.stb.dot.gov
- Publications:
Overview- Abandonments and Alternatives to Abandonments
Surface
Transportation Board Single Point of Contact:
Anne K. Quinlan
1925 K Street, NW, Ste. 894
Washington, DC 20423-0001
Telephone: 202-565-1727
E-mail: quinlana@stb.dot.gov
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TENNESSEE
VALLEY AUTHORITY
Business Incubation Program
Over the years, TVA has provided capital to help communities establish
business incubators to support new and expanding enterprises. The TVA
Business Incubation Network includes 24 operational sites across the Valley
where tenants share services, equipment, and building space. TVA provides
technical and financial assistance to members of the TVA-supported network
and also maintains the Business Incubator Tenant Loan Fund, a revolving
fund that helps tenants meet short-term needs for cash flow and operating
capital.
Online
Business Resource Center
TVA’s Web-based center serves as an information gateway to valuable
public and private resources on entrepreneurship, financial and technical
assistance, industrial organizations, and business services. Topics range
from setting up a business plan to finding capital, paying taxes, and
marketing. The site provides access to the programs and services offered
by TVA, other Tennessee Valley organizations, and nationwide resources.
Visit the Online Business Resource Center at www.tva.com/econdev/obr.
Minority
Business Development Program
TVA supports the growth and expansion of minority and socially and economically
disadvantaged businesses with diverse packages of technical, capital,
and managerial assistance. A key feature of the program is the Minority
Business Development Loan Fund (MBDLF), a revolving fund that provides
for loans ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Through the MBDLF and the
Valley Coalition, a partnership between TVA and regional banks, TVA promotes
job creation and stimulates capital investment in the Valley.
Small
and Minority Business Mentoring
Small and minority businesses that provide services to TVA receive support
through TVA’s mentoring program, which helps these firms grow and
enhance their business operations. Assistance includes matching suppliers
with business opportunities, identifying key business contacts, encouraging
joint ventures and alliances, and linking TVA procurement needs with manufacturers
and businesses in the Tennessee Valley.
Partners
TVA’s economic development programs are delivered in partnership
with public and private organizations. Some of our partners are:
- Distributors
of TVA power
- Chambers
of commerce and local economic development authorities
- TVA-supported
business incubators
- State
departments of economic and community development
- The U.
S. Small Business Administration
- The U.
S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency
- Small
business development centers
- U.S.
Department of Agriculture Rural Development
- The Valley
Coalition, a public/private lending and business assistance partnership
between TVA and participating Valley financial institutions.
Small Business
Assistance Website: http://www.tva.com/econdev/smallbiz.htm
Tennessee
Valley Authority Single Point of Contact:
Philip S. McMullan, Project Manager
Business Growth and Innovation
Telephone: 615-232-6227
Fax: 615-232-6189
E-mail: psmcmullan@tva.gov
Website: www.tva.com/econdev/obr
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MORRIS
K. UDALL FOUNDATION
Morris K. Udall Foundation Single Point of Contact:
Ellen Wheeler
Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel
Morris K. Udall Foundation
130 S. Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
Telephone: 520-670-5529
Fax: 520-670-5530
E-mail: wheeler@udall.gov
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U.S.
ACCESS BOARD
The U.S. Access
Board (Board) develops and maintains accessibility guidelines and standards
for the built environment, transportation vehicles, electronic and information
technology and telecommunications. These design requirements are used
to enforce several different laws, including the Americans with Disabilities
Act. A key part of the Board's mission is providing technical assistance
on the design requirements it develops and maintains. Information about
any of the Board's guidelines or standards or accessible design can be
obtained through the Board's toll free numbers at 800-872-2253 (v) and
800-993-2822 (TTY); through fax at 202-272-0081; mail addressed to U.S.
Access Board 1331 F St. NW Ste. 1000, Washington, D.C., 20004; e-mail
to ta@access-board.gov or from
the Board's website http://www.access-board.gov.
In addition,
the Board participates in a wide range of training programs and conferences
throughout the country every year. Information on upcoming events is available
from the Board and is posted on its website at http://www.access-board.gov/research&training/Training.htm.
The Board also publishes a host of guidance materials on its design requirements
and other aspects of accessible design. Board publications are available
in a variety of accessible formats. Copies of all Board publications are
available free from the Board, including through its website at http://www.access-board.gov/indexes/pubsindex.htm.
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U.S.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION
U.S. International Trade Commission Single Point of Contact:
John Greer
500 E St. SW
Washington DC 20436
Telephone: 202-205-3141
Fax: 202-205-2139
E-mail: greer@usitc.gov
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U.S.
TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
U.S. Trade Representative Single Point of Contact:
Carmen Suro-Bredie, Director of Small Business Outreach
Office of U.S. Trade Representative
600 17th St. NW
Washington DC 20508
Telephone: 202-395-4755
Fax: 202-395-3692
E-mail: ???@ustr.gov
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