Updated: Oct 1
The one-stop-small-business-shop for updates on regulatory policies and rule changes in Washington - subscribe to NSBA's Regulatory Rundown.
SBA launches first-ever loan program for small manufacturers. On September 3, the Small Business Administration (SBA) launched its first-ever loan program dedicated to supporting small manufacturers. The 7(a) Manufacturer’s Access to Revolving Credit (MARC) Loan Program will offer working capital for small businesses engaged in manufacturing.
____
SBA releases proposed updates for monetary-based small business size standards. On August 22, the SBA Office of Size Standards released proposed updates for monetary-based small business size standards. These standards impact a business’s ability to participate in government contracting programs and compete for small business set-asides. The Federal Register notice for SBA’s proposed updates is available here.
Comments are due by October 21, 2025. If you would like to provide feedback through NSBA, please reach out to Rachel Grey, Director of Research & Regulatory Policy, at rgrey@nsbaadvocate.org.
The SBA Office of Advocacy will also hold a virtual roundtable on the proposed updates on September 25 at 1 PM ET. More information is available here.
____
The final rule takes effect on November 10, which will launch a three-year rollout of cybersecurity requirements across DoD contracts. More information from the DoD Office of Small Business Programs is available here.
____
GSA, FedRAMP announce prioritization of AI-based cloud services. On August 25, the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) announced that FedRAMP will prioritize the authorization of AI-based cloud services providing access to conversational AI engines designed for use by federal workers.
AI providers interested in submitting AI security packages can learn more here.
____
CMS seeks noms for advisory committees. On August 21, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a request for nominations for members to serve on federal advisory committees in the Federal Register. According to CMS, the nomination process is aimed at “restoring patient-centered care and driving health care reform.”
CMS will consider nominations that are submitted via email to HAC@cms.hhs.gov with a subject line stating “Healthcare Advisory Committee Nomination” by September 22. More information is available here.
____
DOL to hold online seminars on prevailing wage requirements. On September 15, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced that its Wage and Hour Division will offer the last of its fiscal year 2025 webinars on prevailing wage requirements for contractors and other stakeholders involved in federally funded construction and service contracts.
The webinars, for which registration is required, are scheduled for September 24-25. More information is available here.
____
DOL announces Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. On September 4, the Department of Labor (DOL) unveiled 150 proposals under the department’s jurisdiction as part of the Trump Administration’s Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. DOL’s proposals include the following “high-priority actions”:
Continuing to examine how to establish standards specifically related to heat-related injury and illness prevention as part of DOL’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rulemaking.
Looking at the circumstances under which a business can be held liable as a joint employer under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Examining the circumstances under which a worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor under the FLSA.
More information is available here.
____
FTC launches public inquiry on noncompetes. On September 4, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched a public inquiry to better understand the impacts of employer noncompete agreements.
Comments are due by November 3. If you would like to provide feedback through NSBA, please reach out to Rachel Grey, Director of Research & Regulatory Policy, at rgrey@nsbaadvocate.org.