Comment on FR Doc # 2026-11765
Anonymous AnonymousOtherIndividual
Summary: The commenter is seeking clarification on how the proposed rule's new terminology and requirements relate to existing standards for establishing social disadvantage. They request that the SBA explicitly state whether new concepts replace or supplement traditional focuses in the final rule.
Clarify the Relationship Between New and Existing Standards
The proposed rule introduces new terminology but does not clearly explain how it relates to existing concepts that applicants and practitioners have relied upon for years. Does the requirement to discuss policies, practices, or programs replace the traditional focus on an applicant’s personal experiences, or is it simply another method of establishing social disadvantage? Does “material harm” replace existing concepts or supplement them? SBA should answer these questions directly in the final rule.