The SBA is proud to announce the launch of the SBAExchange Pilot Program, an electronic tool designed to facilitate small business purchasing opportunities with the government sector. With SBAExchange, government agencies can award purchase acquisitions up to $100,000 and make payments with a government-wide commercial purchasing card.
SBAExchange will help small businesses compete for purchases that are currently being obtained through other contracting methods.
To participate, small businesses must obtain an Internet-based Supplier Web Site from www.SBAExchange.gov. Through the Supplier Web Site, a small business will receive the following benefits:
a fully hosted, supplier-branded e-commerce website;
an electronic catalog;
a centralized order management system for receiving and processing Internet-based orders from
federal, state, local and commercial buying authorities;
a management system for tracking and submitting quotes;
and
technical assistance.
The annual cost for a small business to participate in the SBAExchange is $1,500, with a transaction fee of 2% added to all orders. The first 2,500 small businesses to register will receive a $450.00 discount.
There are no costs associated with agency participation in the program.
To participate in the SBAExchange as a buyer or seller, simply follow the step-by-step instructions available at the website www.SBAExchange.gov. The SBAExchange Pilot Program will be active from October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2005.
SBA Re-Evaluates 504 Loan Program
The SBA is considering ways to improve coverage of the Certified Development Company Loan Program (504 Program) to ensure that all small businesses have access to long-term fixed-rate financing. SBA is revisiting the 504 Program policies as a prudent management exercise in light of major changes in the economy, the financial services industry, technology, and in CDC operations since the program’s inception in 1980. An Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ANPRM) was published in Vol. 67, No. 235 of the Federal Register on December 6, 2002.
The ANPRM contains specific questions about the 504 Program. In particular, SBA is seeking comments on the following: Whether the 504 Program is meeting its statutory purpose; the appropriate long-term goals and annual performance measures for the program, given its statutory requirement; the appropriate data elements required to assure solid program oversight while minimizing public data collection burdens; operational or regulatory impediments to providing long-term financing in rural or urban areas; and programmatic change that could increase CDC competition and increase small business access to loans.
After a review of public comments, SBA will consider proposing amendments to existing program regulations to improve overall program management. All interested parties are invited to submit written comments by February 4, 2003.
A copy of the ANPRM is available at www.gpo.gov or by contacting the Vermont District Office at (802) 828-4422.
SBA Training
The Vermont District Office will conduct the following lender training sessions at the SBA office in Montpelier. Space is limited; to reserve a seat, call (802) 828-4422.
Level I Training
“Introduction to SBA Lending”
Training will include a review of eligibility issues relating to Express and PLP loans.
Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003
9:30 a.m.—12:00 noon
Contact Val Vallerand, ext. 214
SBA Liquidation Training
Wednesday, February 19, 2003
9:30 a.m.—12:00 noon
Contact Pete Downey, ext. 205