7(j) Technical Assistance
SBA performs this mission by entering into grants, cooperative agreements and contracts with qualified service providers who have the capability to provide business
The Small Business Administration maintains and strengthens the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2001, 14 cooperative agreements and 3 contracts were awarded thereby providing management and technical assistance to approximately 3,000 7(j) eligible clients.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Financial assistance under this Section may be given for projects that respond to requirements as outlined in each respective program solicitation announcement, or for an unsolicited proposal that could provide valuable business development assistance for8(a) and other socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses and individuals.
Types of business development assistance may include: Accounting and marketing services, proposal/bid preparation workshops, feasibility studies, marketing/presentation analyses and advertising expertise, loan packaging, industry specific technical assistance and other specialized management training and technical services.
The program funds can also be used to establish and strengthen business service agencies, including trade associations and cooperatives.
The 7(j) program funds are not available to finance or purchase a business nor are they available to use as expansion capital for an existing business.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Educational institutions, public or private organizations and businesses, individuals, State and local governments, Indian tribes and lending and financial institutions and sureties that have the capability to provide the required business development assistance.
Beneficiary Eligibility
8(a) program certified firms, small disadvantaged businesses, businesses operating in areas of low-income or high-unemployment, and firms owned by low-income individuals.
Credentials/Documentation
As specified in the individual "Request for Application Proposals." Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments and OMB circular No. A-21 for educational institutions.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Application proposal forwarded to District Office Director for appropriate geographic area. (See Appendix IV under Small Business Administration for a listing of field Offices.) The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program by State and local governments. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
Decisions on acceptance are made by the Office of Procurement and Grants Management based upon recommendations of the Assistant Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance, Office of Business Development. The Grants Management Officer notifies successful applicants by Notice of Award.
Deadlines
As announced within individual "Request for Application Proposals."
Authorization
Small Business Act of 1953, as amended, Section 7(j), Public Law 85-536, as amended.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Variable.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Contact the Federal agency.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards are made for a maximum of 1 year with options as stated in the individual announcements. Disbursements are made within a few days of receipt of all required documents along with the request for disbursement. Disbursements are made in partial payments based on work successfully performed.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Program and fiscal reports, as described in each award.
A final report is also due within 30 days after completion of agreement.
Audits
Pre-award accounting system survey. Final audit by a certified or licensed public accountant. Other audits are required by SBA. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Appropriate records as needed for above requirements.
Financial Information
Account Identification
73-0100-0-1-376.
Obigations
Administration: FY 07 $3,340,000; FY 08 $4,670,000; and FY 09 $3,756,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Amount subject to negotiation commensurate with management and technical assistance to be provided.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Fact sheet upon request.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
SBA District Offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Assistant Administrator for Management and Technical Assistance, Office of Business Development, 409 3rd Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20416. Telephone: (202) 205-7343.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
As described in each announcement.
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