Comment on FR Doc # 2026-11765
Anonymous AnonymousOtherIndividual
Summary: The commenter asks for clarification on whether the proposed rule supplements or replaces the existing standards for establishing social disadvantage. They argue that the current draft creates uncertainty for applicants and reviewers, requesting a clear statement on which portions of the current framework remain in effect.
Does the Existing Standard Still Apply?
The final rule should expressly state whether applicants may continue to establish social disadvantage using the standards that have historically been recognized under the Small Business Act and SBA’s existing regulations. As drafted, it is unclear whether the proposed language supplements the current framework or replaces it. That uncertainty affects how applicants prepare their submissions and how SBA reviewers evaluate them. A simple statement explaining which portions of the current analytical framework remain in effect would eliminate considerable confusion.