The information will be collected from
small businesses and nonprofit applicants in support of their
application for an economic injury loan or grant related to
COVID-19. SBA will use the information to determine eligibility and
whether to approve or disapprove the application .
The Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), when signed by the
president, will authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA)
to provide enhanced loans under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan
(EIDL) program in response to the coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19.
These loans will provide working capital for small businesses,
private nonprofits, and small agricultural enterprises suffering
substantial economic injury as a result of the pandemic, and will
include emergency grants to eligible entities. SBA is working with
a contractor to start providing this assistance as soon as the
legislation is signed, which we expect to be no later than
Saturday, March 28, 2020. In order to meet the target rollout date,
SBA is requesting emergency approval under 5 CFR 1320.13 for this
new information collection by March 27, 2020. SBA has streamlined
the requirements generally required for a disaster loan application
specifically for use in this COVID-19 effort. For example, the
requirement for tax returns has been modified to allow applicants
to submit some of the information that would otherwise be
extrapolated from the returns. We have also removed references to
all other business disaster programs to avoid any confusion as to
the purpose of the application. Given the current urgent need and
to help mitigate harm to the affected small businesses, this new
information collection is needed prior to the expiration of the
normal Paperwork Reduction Act process. Accordingly, in addition to
requesting emergency approval, SBA also requests that OMB waive the
60- day public comment notice required by 5 C.F.R.
§1320.8(2)(d)(1). If this request for emergency processing is
approved, SBA will subsequently take the necessary steps to comply
with the notice requirements. SBA appreciates your prompt attention
to this matter and looks forward to receiving your emergency
approval by March 27, 2020. Sincerely, James
SBA is revising the current
forms in response to a change in eligibility required by the
Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, Pub.
L. 116-139 (April 24, 2020)
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.