Cosponsorships, Fee and Non-Fee Based SBA-Sponsored Activities, and Gifts

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is correcting a final rule regarding cosponsorships, fee and non-fee based SBA- sponsored activities, and gifts that was published in the Federal Register on November 23, 2005. The final rule implemented SBA's statutory authority to provide assistance for the benefit of small businesses through activities sponsored with outside entities (for- profit and non-profit entities and Federal, State, and local government officials or entities) as well as activities sponsored solely by SBA. The final rule also established minimum requirements for those activities as well as the Agency's solicitation and acceptance of gifts. The rule was effective on November 23, 2005, the date of publication, but did not contain a justification for the immediate effective date as required by the Administrative Procedures Act. SBA is correcting the final rule by adding a paragraph which sets forth an appropriate justification for immediate effective date of final rule.