13 C.F.R. PART 307—ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS
Title 13 - Business Credit and Assistance
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 3211; 42 U.S.C. 3149; 42 U.S.C. 3161; 42 U.S.C. 3162; 42 U.S.C. 3233; Department of Commerce Organization Order 10–4.
Source: 70 FR 47019, Aug. 11, 2005, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The purpose of Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments is to address the needs of communities experiencing adverse economic changes that may occur suddenly or over time, including but not limited to those caused by: (1) Military base closures or realignments, defense contractor reductions in force, or U.S. Department of Energy defense-related funding reductions; (2) Federally-Declared Disasters; (3) International trade; (4) Long-term economic deterioration; (5) Loss of a major community employer; or (6) Loss of manufacturing jobs. (b) Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments are intended to enhance a distressed community's ability to compete economically by stimulating private investment in targeted economic sectors through use of tools that: (1) Help develop and implement a CEDS; (2) Expand the capacity of public officials and economic development organizations to work effectively with businesses; (3) Assist in overcoming major obstacles identified in the CEDS; (4) Enable communities to plan and coordinate the use of federal resources and other resources available to support economic recovery, development of Regional economies, or recovery from natural or other disasters; or (5) Encourage the development of innovative public and private approaches to economic restructuring and revitalization. (a) Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments may be made when the Project funded by the Investment will help the Region meet a Special Need. The Region in which a Project is located must have a CEDS with which the Project is consistent (except that this requirement shall not apply to Strategy Grants described in §307.3). (b) Additional criteria or priority consideration factors for Economic Adjustment Assistance may be set forth in an FFO. Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments may be used to develop a CEDS to alleviate long-term economic deterioration or a sudden and severe economic dislocation (a “Strategy Grant”), or to fund a Project implementing such a CEDS (an “Implementation Grant”). (a) Strategy Grants support developing, updating or refining a CEDS. (b) Implementation Grants support the execution of activities identified in a CEDS. Specific activities may be funded as separate Investments or as multiple elements of a single Investment. Examples of Implementation Grant activities include: (1) Infrastructure improvements, such as site acquisition, site preparation, construction, rehabilitation and equipping of facilities; (2) Provision of business or infrastructure financing through the capitalization of Recipient-administered Revolving Loan Funds (“RLFs”), which may include loans, loan guaranties and interest rate buy-downs to facilitate business lending activities; (3) Market or industry research and analysis; (4) Technical assistance, including organizational development such as business networking, restructuring or improving the delivery of business services, or feasibility studies; (5) Public services; (6) Training; and (7) Other activities justified by the CEDS that satisfy applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. (a) General. EDA will select Economic Adjustment Assistance Projects in accordance with part 301 of this chapter and the additional criteria provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, as applicable. (b) Strategy Grants. EDA will review Strategy Grant proposals to ensure that the proposed activities conform to the CEDS requirements set forth in §303.7 of this chapter. (c) Implementation Grants. (1) EDA will review Implementation Grant proposals for the extent to which: (i) The applicable CEDS meets the requirements in §303.7 of this chapter; and (ii) The proposed Project is identified as a necessary element of or consistent with the applicable CEDS. (2) Revolving Loan Fund Grants. For Eligible Applicants seeking to capitalize or recapitalize an RLF, EDA will review the proposals for: (i) The need for a new or expanded public financing tool to enhance other business assistance programs and services targeting economic sectors and locations described in the CEDS; (ii) The types of financing activities anticipated; and (iii) The capacity of the RLF organization to manage lending activities, create networks between the business community and other financial providers, and implement the CEDS. (d) Additional criteria or priority consideration factors for Economic Adjustment Assistance may be set forth in an FFO. (a) Each application for Economic Adjustment Assistance must: (1) Include or incorporate by reference (if so approved by EDA) a CEDS, except that a CEDS is not required when applying for a Strategy Grant; and (2) Explain how the proposed Project meets the criteria set forth in §307.2. (b) For a technical assistance Project of significant Regional or national scope under this subpart, EDA may waive the requirement set forth in §301.2(b) of this chapter that the non-profit organization act in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State. In addition to the post-approval requirements set forth in §302.18 of this chapter: (a) Strategy Grants shall comply with the applicable provisions of part 303 of this chapter; (b) Implementation Grants involving construction shall comply with the provisions of subpart B of part 305 of this chapter; (c) Implementation Grants not involving construction shall comply with the applicable provisions of subpart A of part 306 of this chapter; and (d) RLF Grants shall comply with the requirements set forth in this part and in the following publications: (1) EDA's RLF Standard Terms and Conditions and (2) The Compliance Supplement to OMB Circular A–133 (the “Compliance Supplement”). The Compliance Supplement is available via the Internet at http://www.omb.gov. Economic Adjustment Assistance Grants to capitalize or recapitalize RLFs most commonly fund business lending, but may also fund public infrastructure or other authorized lending activities. The requirements in this subpart B apply to RLFs established for business lending activities. Special award conditions may contain appropriate modifications of these requirements to accommodate non-business RLF awards. In addition to the defined terms set forth in §300.3 of this chapter, the following terms used in this part shall have the following meanings: Closed Loan means any loan for which all required documentation has been, received, reviewed and executed by an RLF Recipient. Exempt Security means a Security that is not subject to certain SEC or Federal Reserve Board rules. Guaranteed Loan means a loan made and serviced by a third party lending institution under a loan guaranty agreement providing that an RLF Recipient will purchase the guaranteed portion of the loan in the event of borrower default. Prudent Lending Practices means generally accepted underwriting and lending practices for public loan programs, based on sound judgment to protect federal and lender interests. Prudent Lending Practices include loan processing, documentation, loan approval, collections, servicing, administrative procedures, collateral protection and recovery actions. Prudent Lending Practices provide for compliance with local laws and filing requirements to perfect and maintain a security interest in RLF collateral. Recapitalization Grants are Investments of additional Grant funds to increase the capital base of an RLF. Revolving Phase means that stage of the RLF's business lending activities that commences immediately after all Grant funds have been disbursed to the RLF Recipient. RLF Capital means, at any point in time, the aggregate amount of cash held by the RLF Recipient from any of the following sources: Grant funds; Local Share; repayments of principal from RLF loans; and RLF Income. The initial RLF capital base is normally comprised of EDA funds and the cash Local Share. RLF Income means interest earned on outstanding loan principal and RLF accounts holding RLF funds (excluding interest earned on excess funds pursuant to §307.17(c)(2)), all fees and charges received by the RLF, and other income generated from RLF operations. An RLF Recipient may use RLF Income only to capitalize the RLF for financing activities and to cover eligible and reasonable costs necessary to administer the RLF, unless otherwise provided for in the Grant agreement or approved in writing by EDA. RLF Income excludes repayments of principal and any interest remitted to the U.S. Treasury pursuant to §307.17(c)(2)(i). RLF Third Party for purposes of this subpart B only, means an Eligible Recipient or for-profit entity selected by EDA through a request for proposals or Cooperative Agreement to facilitate and/or manage the intended liquidation of an RLF. Sale means an EDA-approved sale by an RLF Recipient of its RLF loan portfolio (or a portion thereof) to a third party. A third party may participate in a subsequent Securitization offered in a secondary market transaction and collateralized by the underlying RLF loan portfolio (or a portion thereof). SEC or the Commission means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Securitization refers to the financing technique of securing an investment of new capital with a stream of income generated by aggregating similar instruments such as loans or mortgages into a new transferable Security. Security means any investment instrument issued by a corporation, government or other organization which offers evidence of debt or equity. All RLF Recipients shall manage RLFs in accordance with an RLF plan (the “RLF Plan” or “Plan”) as described in this section. The Plan shall be submitted to and approved by EDA and passed by resolution of the RLF Recipient's governing board prior to initial disbursement of EDA funds. (a) Format and content. (1) Part I of the Plan titled “Revolving Loan Fund Strategy” shall summarize the CEDS and business development objectives and shall describe the RLF's financing strategy, policy and portfolio standards. (2) Part II of the Plan titled “Operational Procedures” shall serve as the internal operating manual for the RLF Recipient. The administrative procedures for operating the RLF must be consistent with Prudent Lending Practices. (b) Evaluation of RLF Plans. EDA will use the following criteria in evaluating Plans: (1) The Plan must be consistent with the CEDS or EDA-approved strategy for the Region; (2) The Plan must identify the strategic purpose of the RLF and must describe the selection of the financing strategy and lending criteria, including: (i) An analysis of the local capital market and the financing needs of the targeted businesses; and (ii) Financing policies and portfolio standards that are consistent with EDA policies and requirements; and (3) The Plan must demonstrate an adequate understanding of commercial loan portfolio management procedures, including loan processing, underwriting, closing, disbursements, collections, monitoring, and foreclosures. It shall also provide sufficient administrative procedures to prevent conflicts of interest and to ensure accountability, safeguarding of assets and compliance with federal and local laws. (c) Modification of RLF Plans. An RLF Recipient must request and obtain EDA approval prior to any modification of the Plan. (a) RLF Recipients must adopt procedures to review the impacts of prospective loan proposals on the physical environment. The Plan must provide for compliance with applicable environmental laws and other regulations, including but not limited to parts 302 and 314 of this chapter. The RLF Recipient must also adopt procedures to comply, and ensure that potential borrowers comply, with applicable environmental laws and regulations. (b) RLF Recipients must ensure that prospective borrowers, consultants, or contractors are aware of and comply with the federal statutory and regulatory requirements that apply to activities carried out with RLF loans. RLF loan agreements shall include applicable federal requirements to ensure compliance and RLF Recipients must adopt procedures to diligently correct instances of non-compliance, including loan call stipulations. (c) All RLF loan documents and procedures must protect and hold the Federal government harmless from and against all liabilities that the Federal government may incur as a result of providing an RLF Grant to assist directly or indirectly in site preparation or construction, as well as the direct or indirect renovation or repair of any facility or site. These protections apply to the extent that the Federal government may become potentially liable as a result of ground water, surface, soil or other natural or man-made conditions on the property caused by operations of the RLF Recipient or any of its borrowers, predecessors or successors. (a)(1) Addition of lending areas. An RLF Recipient shall make loans to implement and assist economic activity only within its EDA-approved lending area, as set forth and defined in the RLF Grant and the Plan. An RLF Recipient may add an additional lending area (an “Additional Lending Area”) to its existing lending area to create a new merged lending area (the “New Lending Area”) only with EDA's prior written approval and subject to the following provisions and conditions: (i) EDA shall have disbursed the full amount of its Investment Assistance to the RLF Recipient; (ii) The Additional Lending Area must fulfill the economic distress criteria for Economic Adjustment Investments under this part and in accordance with §301.3(a) of this chapter; (iii) Prior to EDA's disbursement of additional funds to the RLF Recipient (for example, through a recapitalization), EDA shall determine a new Investment Rate for the New Lending Area based on the criteria set forth in §301.4 of this chapter; (iv) The RLF Recipient must demonstrate that the Additional Lending Area is consistent with its CEDS, or modify its CEDS for any such Additional Lending Area, in accordance with §307.9(b)(1); (v) The RLF Recipient shall modify its Plan to incorporate the Additional Lending Area and revise its lending strategy, as necessary; (vi) The RLF Recipient shall execute an amended RLF Grant award agreement, as necessary; and (vii) The RLF Recipient fulfills any other conditions reasonably requested by EDA. (2) The New Lending Area designation shall remain in place indefinitely following EDA approval. (b) Merger of RLFs. (1) Single RLF Recipient. An RLF Recipient with more than one (1) EDA-funded RLF Grant may consolidate two (2) or more EDA-funded RLFs into one (1) surviving RLF with EDA's prior written approval and provided: (i) It meets the requirements to obtain annual report status identified in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(4) of §307.14 of this chapter; (ii) It demonstrates a rational basis for undertaking the merger (for example, the lending area(s) and borrower criteria identified in different RLF Plans are compatible, or will be compatible, for all RLFs to be consolidated); (iii) It amends and consolidates its Plan to account for the merger of RLFs, including items such as the New Lending Area (including any Additional Lending Area(s)), its lending strategy and borrower criteria; (iv) Prior to EDA's disbursement of additional funds to the RLF Recipient (for example, through a recapitalization), EDA shall determine a new Investment Rate for the New Lending Area based on the criteria set forth in §301.4 of this chapter; and (v) The RLF Recipient fulfills any other conditions reasonably requested by EDA. (2) Multiple RLF Recipients. Two (2) or more RLF Recipients may consolidate their EDA-funded RLFs into one (1) surviving RLF with EDA's prior written approval and provided: (i) The surviving RLF Recipient meets the requirements to obtain annual report status identified in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(4) of §307.14 of this chapter; (ii) The surviving RLF Recipient amends and consolidates its Plan to account for the merger of RLFs, including items such as the New Lending Area (including any Additional Lending Area(s)), its lending strategy and borrower criteria; (iii) Prior to EDA's disbursement of additional funds to the surviving RLF Recipient (for example, through a recapitalization), EDA shall determine a new Investment Rate for the New Lending Area based on the criteria set forth in §301.4 of this chapter; (iv) EDA must provide written approval of the merger agreement(s), modifications and revisions to the Plans and any other related amendments thereto; (v) All applicable RLF Grant assets of the discharging RLF Recipient(s) transfer to the surviving RLF Recipient as of the merger's effective date; and (vi) The surviving RLF Recipient becomes fully responsible for administration of the RLF Grant assets transferred and fulfills all surviving RLF Grant requirements and any other conditions reasonably requested by EDA. (a) General requirements. RLF Income must be placed into the RLF Capital base for the purpose of making loans or paying for eligible and reasonable administrative costs associated with the RLF's operations. RLF Income may fund administrative costs, provided: (1) Such RLF Income and the administrative costs are incurred in the same twelve-month (12) reporting period; (2) RLF Income that is not used for administrative costs during the twelve-month (12) reporting period is made available for lending activities; (3) RLF Income shall not be withdrawn from the RLF Capital base in a subsequent reporting period for any purpose other than lending without the prior written consent of EDA; and (4) The RLF Recipient completes an RLF Income and Expense Statement (the “Income and Expense Statement”) as required under §307.14(c). (b) Compliance guidelines. When charging costs against RLF Income, RLF Recipients must comply with: (1) Applicable OMB cost principles and RLF Audit Guidelines (as found in OMB Circular A–87 for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments, OMB Circular A–122 for non-profit organizations other than institutions of higher education, hospitals or organizations named in OMB Circular A–122 as not subject to such circular, and OMB Circular A–21 for educational institutions) and (2) The OMB Circular A–133 for Single Audit Act Requirements for State, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, and the Compliance Supplement, as appropriate. (c) Priority of payments on defaulted RLF loans. When an RLF Recipient receives proceeds on a defaulted RLF loan that is not subject to liquidation pursuant to §307.20, such proceeds shall be applied in the following order of priority: (1) First, towards any costs of collection; (2) Second, towards outstanding penalties and fees; (3) Third, towards any accrued interest to the extent due and payable; and (4) Fourth, towards any outstanding principal balance. (a) Closed Loan files and related documents. The RLF Recipient shall maintain Closed Loan files and all related documents, books of account, computer data files and other records over the term of the Closed Loan and for a three-year (3) period from the date of final disposition of such Closed Loan. The date of final disposition of a Closed Loan is the date: (1) Principal, interest, fees, penalties and all other costs associated with the Closed Loan have been paid in full; or (2) Final settlement or discharge and cessation of collection efforts of any unpaid amounts associated with the Closed Loan have occurred. (b) Administrative records. RLF Recipients must at all times: (1) Maintain adequate accounting records and source documentation to substantiate the amount and percent of RLF Income expended for eligible RLF administrative costs. (2) Retain records of administrative expenses incurred for activities and equipment relating to the operation of the RLF for three (3) years from the actual submission date of the last semi-annual or annual report that covers the period that such costs were claimed, or for five (5) years from the date the costs were claimed, whichever is less. (3) Make available for inspection retained records, including those retained for longer than the required period. The record retention periods described in this section are minimum periods and such prescription does not limit any other record retention requirement of law or agreement. In no event will EDA question claimed administrative costs that are more than three (3) years old, unless fraud is at issue. (a) Frequency of reports. All RLF Recipients, including those receiving Recapitalization Grants for existing RLFs, must submit semi-annual reports. EDA may approve the substitution of annual reports for semi-annual reports upon written request by the Recipient if the following conditions have been met: (1) At least one (1) year has passed from the date that the RLF has loaned an aggregate amount equal to its initial RLF Capital base; (2) The RLF Recipient has timely submitted accurate semi-annual reports for the preceding two (2) years; (3) The RLF Recipient has ensured completion and submission to EDA of required periodic audits for the most recent audit period within the preceding two (2) years; and (4) EDA determines that the RLF is in compliance with all applicable RLF requirements. (b) Report contents. RLF Recipients must certify as part of the semi-annual or annual report to EDA that the RLF is operating in accordance with the applicable RLF Plan. RLF Recipients must also describe (and propose pursuant to §307.9) any modifications to the RLF Plan to ensure effective use of the RLF as a strategic financing tool. (c) RLF Income and Expense Statement. (1) An RLF Recipient using either fifty (50) percent or more (or more than $100,000) of RLF Income for administrative costs in the twelve-month (12) reporting period must submit a completed Income and Expense Statement annually to the appropriate regional office within ninety (90) days of the end of its fiscal year. An RLF Recipient using less than fifty (50) percent and less than $100,000 of RLF Income for administrative costs in the twelve-month (12) reporting period must prepare and retain for four (4) years a completed Income and Expense Statement for the applicable fiscal year, which shall be made available to EDA upon request. (2) Performance measures. As part of the semi-annual or annual report, RLF Recipients shall submit to EDA the information identified as the “Core Performance Measures” in the special award conditions of the Grant documents. EDA will advise RLF Recipients within a reasonable time of any required modifications to the information submitted. (a) Accounting principles. (1) RLFs shall operate in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as in effect from time to time in the United States and the provisions outlined in the OMB Circular A–133 and the Compliance Supplement, as applicable. (2) In accordance with GAAP, a loan loss reserve may be recorded in the RLF Recipient's financial statements to show the fair market value of an RLF's loan portfolio, provided this loan loss reserve is non-funded and represents non-cash entries. (b) Loan and accounting system documents. (1) Within sixty (60) days prior to the initial disbursement of EDA funds, an independent accountant familiar with the RLF Recipient's accounting system shall certify to EDA and the RLF Recipient that such system is adequate to identify, safeguard and account for all RLF Capital, outstanding RLF loans and other RLF operations. (2) Prior to the disbursement of any EDA funds, the RLF Recipient shall certify that standard RLF loan documents reasonably necessary or advisable for lending are in place and that these documents have been reviewed by its legal counsel for adequacy and compliance with the terms and conditions of the Grant and applicable State and local law. The standard loan documents must include, at a minimum, the following: (i) Loan application; (ii) Loan agreement; (iii) Promissory note; (iv) Security agreement(s); (v) Deed of trust or mortgage (as applicable); (vi) Agreement of prior lien holder (as applicable); and (vii) Guaranty agreement (as applicable). (c) Interest rates. An RLF Recipient may make loans and may guarantee loans to eligible borrowers at interest rates and under conditions determined by the RLF Recipient to be appropriate in achieving the goals of the RLF. However, the minimum interest rate an RLF can charge is four (4) percentage points below the lesser of the current money center prime interest rate quoted in the Wall Street Journal, or the maximum interest rate allowed under State law. In no event shall the interest rate be less than four (4) percent. However, should the prime interest rate listed in the Wall Street Journal exceed fourteen (14) percent, the minimum RLF interest rate is not required to be raised above ten (10) percent if doing so compromises the ability of the RLF Recipient to implement its financing strategy. (d) Private leveraging. (1) RLF loans must leverage private investment of at least two dollars for every one dollar of such RLF loans. This leveraging requirement applies to the RLF portfolio as a whole rather than to individual loans and is effective for the duration of the RLF's operation. To be classified as leveraged, private investment must be made within twelve (12) months prior to approval of an RLF loan, as part of the same business development Project, and may include: (i) Capital invested by the borrower or others; (ii) Financing from private entities; or (iii) The non-guaranteed portions and ninety (90) percent of the guaranteed portions of the U.S. Small Business Administration's 7(A) loans and 504 debenture loans. (2) Private investments shall not include accrued equity in a borrower's assets. (a) Pre-disbursement requirements. Prior to any disbursement of EDA funds, RLF Recipients are required to provide in a form acceptable to EDA: (1) Evidence of fidelity bond coverage for persons authorized to handle funds under the Grant award in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of EDA and the RLF. Such insurance coverage must exist at all times during the duration of the RLF's operation; and (2) Evidence of certification in accordance with §307.15(b)(1). (b) Timing of request for disbursements. An RLF Recipient shall request disbursements of Grant funds only to close a loan or disburse RLF funds to a borrower. The RLF Recipient must disburse the RLF funds to a borrower within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Grant funds. Any Grant funds not disbursed within the thirty (30) day period shall be refunded to EDA pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section. (c) Amount of disbursement. The amount of a disbursement of Grant funds shall not exceed the difference, if any, between the RLF Capital and the amount of a new RLF loan, less the amount, if any, of the Local Share required to be disbursed concurrent with the Grant funds. However, RLF Income held to reimburse eligible administrative costs need not be disbursed in order to draw additional Grant funds. (d) EDA funds account. The RLF Recipient shall establish and maintain an interest-bearing account designated as the “EDA funds account,” indicating that monies deposited therein are held for funding approved Closed Loans. The RLF Recipient shall withdraw funds or order a transfer from the EDA funds account for lending to eligible borrowers or return of funds to EDA. (e) Delays. If the RLF Recipient receives Grant funds and the RLF loan disbursement is subsequently delayed beyond thirty (30) days, the RLF Recipient must notify the applicable grants officer and return such non-disbursed funds to EDA. Grant funds returned to EDA shall be available to the RLF Recipient for future draw-downs. When returning prematurely drawn Grant funds, the RLF Recipient must clearly identify on the face of the check or in the written notification to the applicable grants officer “EDA,” the Grant award number, the words “Premature Draw,” and a brief description of the reason for returning the Grant funds. (f) Local share. (1) Cash Local Share of the RLF may only be used for lending purposes. The cash Local Share must be used either in proportion to the Grant funds or at a faster rate than the Grant funds. (2) When an RLF has a combination of In-Kind Contributions and cash Local Share, the cash Local Share and the Grant funds will be disbursed proportionately as needed for lending activities, provided that the last twenty (20) percent of the Grant funds may not be disbursed until all cash Local Share has been expended. The full amount of the cash Local Share shall remain for use in the RLF. (a) Loan closing and disbursement schedule. (1) RLF loan activity must be sufficient to draw down Grant funds in accordance with the schedule prescribed in the award conditions for loan closings and disbursements to eligible RLF borrowers. The schedule usually requires that the RLF Recipient lend the entire amount of the initial RLF Capital base within three (3) years of the Grant award. (2) If an RLF Recipient fails to meet the prescribed lending schedule, EDA may de-obligate the non-disbursed balance of the RLF Grant. EDA may allow exceptions where: (i) Closed Loans approved prior to the schedule deadline will commence and complete disbursements within forty-five (45) days of the deadline; (ii) Closed Loans have commenced (but not completed) disbursement obligations prior to the deadline; or (iii) EDA has approved a time schedule extension pursuant to §307.17(b). (b) Time schedule extensions. (1) RLF Recipients shall promptly inform EDA in writing of any condition that may adversely affect their ability to meet the prescribed schedule deadlines. RLF Recipients must submit a written request to EDA for continued use of Grant funds beyond a missed deadline for disbursement of RLF funds. RLF Recipients must provide good reason for the delay in their extension requests and must demonstrate that: (i) The delay was unforeseen or beyond the control of the RLF Recipient; (ii) The financial need for the RLF still exists; (iii) The current and planned use and the anticipated benefits of the RLF will remain consistent with the current CEDS and the RLF Plan; and (iv) The proposal of a revised time schedule is reasonable. An extension request must also provide an explanation as to why no further delays are anticipated. (2) EDA is under no obligation to grant a time extension and in the event an extension is denied, EDA may deobligate all or part of the unused Grant funds and terminate the Grant. (c) Capital utilization standard. (1) During the Revolving Phase, RLF Recipients must manage their repayment and lending schedules to provide that at all times at least seventy-five (75) percent of the RLF Capital is loaned or committed. The following exceptions apply: (i) An RLF Recipient that anticipates making large loans relative to the size of its RLF Capital base may propose a Plan that provides for maintaining a capital utilization percentage greater than twenty-five (25) percent; and (ii) EDA may require an RLF Recipient with an RLF Capital base in excess of $4 million to adopt a Plan that maintains a proportionately higher percentage of its funds loaned. (2) When the percentage of loaned RLF Capital falls below the applicable capital utilization percentage, the dollar amount of the RLF funds equivalent to the difference between the actual percentage of RLF Capital loaned and the applicable capital utilization percentage is referred to as “excess funds.” (i) Sequestration of excess funds. If the RLF Recipient fails to satisfy the applicable capital utilization percentage requirement for two (2) consecutive reporting intervals, EDA may require the RLF Recipient to deposit excess funds in an interest-bearing account separate from the EDA funds account. The portion of interest earned on the account holding excess funds attributable to the RLF Grant shall be remitted to the U.S. Treasury. RLF Recipients must obtain EDA's written authorization to withdraw any sequestered funds. (ii) Persistent non-compliance. An RLF Recipient will generally be allowed a reasonable period of time to lend excess funds and achieve the applicable capital utilization percentage. However, if an RLF Recipient fails to achieve the applicable capital utilization percentage after a reasonable period of time, as determined by EDA, it may be subject to sanctions such as suspension or termination. (a) General. RLF Capital shall be used for the purpose of making RLF loans that are consistent with an RLF Plan or such other purposes approved by EDA. To ensure that RLF funds are used as intended, each loan agreement must clearly state the purpose of each loan. (b) Restrictions on use of RLF Capital. RLF Capital shall not be used to: (1) Acquire an equity position in a private business; (2) Subsidize interest payments on an existing RLF loan; (3) Provide for borrowers' required equity contributions under other Federal Agencies' loan programs; (4) Enable borrowers to acquire an interest in a business either through the purchase of stock or through the acquisition of assets, unless sufficient justification is provided in the loan documentation. Sufficient justification may include acquiring a business to save it from imminent closure or to acquire a business to facilitate a significant expansion or increase in investment with a significant increase in jobs. The potential economic benefits must be clearly consistent with the strategic objectives of the RLF; (5) Provide RLF loans to a borrower for the purpose of investing in interest-bearing accounts, certificates of deposit or any investment unrelated to the RLF; or (6) Refinance existing debt, unless: (i) The RLF Recipient sufficiently demonstrates in the loan documentation a “sound economic justification” for the refinancing (e.g., the refinancing will support additional capital investment intended to increase business activities). For this purpose, reducing the risk of loss to an existing lender(s) or lowering the cost of financing to a borrower shall not, without other indicia, constitute a sound economic justification; or (ii) RLF Capital will finance the purchase of the rights of a prior lien holder during a foreclosure action which is necessary to preclude a significant loss on an RLF loan. RLF Capital may be used for this purpose only if there is a high probability of receiving compensation from the sale of assets sufficient to cover an RLF's costs plus a reasonable portion of the outstanding RLF loan within eighteen (18) months following the date of refinancing; (c) Credit not otherwise available. RLF Recipients must determine and clearly demonstrate in the loan documentation for each RLF loan that credit is not otherwise available on terms and conditions that permit the completion or successful operation of the activity to be financed. (d) Use of In-Kind Contributions. In-Kind Contributions may satisfy Matching Share requirements when specifically authorized in the terms and provisions of the RLF Grant and may be used to provide technical assistance to borrowers or for eligible RLF administrative costs. (e) Loan guaranty agreements. Prior to the full disbursement of Grant funds, the RLF Recipient shall not use RLF Capital to guarantee loans made by other lending institutions. After the full disbursement of Grant funds, RLF Capital may be used to guarantee loans of private lenders, provided the RLF Recipient has obtained prior written approval from EDA of its proposed loan guaranty activities and submitted to EDA: (1) The maximum guaranty percentage offered by the RLF Recipient and accepted by the lender; (2) The loan guaranty agreement which must (at a minimum) document: (i) The RLF Recipient's maximum liability; (ii) The respective rights, representations and obligations of the RLF Recipient and lender with regard to collection procedures, servicing requirements, borrower delinquency, events of defaults and termination of the loan guaranty agreement; (iii) The responsible party's obligations in the event of any foreclosure, bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding; (iv) The responsible party's obligations with respect to collateral disposition and the call provisions for the Guaranteed Loan; and (v) The distribution of interest income and loan fees, if any, to the RLF; and (3) Certification from the RLF Recipient's legal counsel that the loan guaranty agreement is valid and enforceable under applicable State law; and (4) An amended RLF Plan accommodating the loan guaranty activities approved by EDA (as necessary). EDA may take such actions as appropriate to enable an RLF Recipient to sell or securitize RLF loans, except that EDA may not issue a federal guaranty covering any issued Security. With prior approval from EDA, an RLF Recipient may enter into a Sale or a Securitization of all or a portion of its RLF loan portfolio, provided: (a) An RLF Recipient must use all proceeds from any Sale or Securitization (net of reasonable transaction costs) to make additional RLF loans; (b) An RLF Recipient must request EDA to subordinate its interest in all or a portion of any RLF loan portfolio sold or securitized; (c) No Security collateralized by RLF loans and other RLF property and offered in a secondary market transaction pursuant to a Securitization shall be treated as an Exempt Security for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (15 U.S.C. 77a et seq.), or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) (the “Exchange Act”), unless exempted by a rule or regulation issued by the Commission; and (d) Except as provided in paragraph (c), no provision of this section supersedes or otherwise affects the application of the “securities laws” (as such term is defined in Section 3(a)(47) of the Exchange Act) or the rules, regulations or orders issued by the Commission or a self-regulatory organization under the Commission. (a) Partial liquidation. EDA may require an RLF Recipient to transfer any RLF loans that are more than one hundred and twenty (120) days delinquent to an RLF Third Party for liquidation. (b) Liquidation upon termination. When EDA approves the termination of an RLF Grant, EDA may assign or transfer assets of the RLF to an RLF Third Party for liquidation. (c) Terms. The following terms will govern any liquidation: (1) EDA shall have sole discretion in choosing the RLF Third Party; (2) The RLF Third Party may be an Eligible Applicant or a for-profit organization not otherwise eligible for Investment Assistance; (3) EDA may enter into an agreement with the RLF Third Party to liquidate the assets of one (1) or more RLFs or RLF Recipients; (4) EDA may allow the RLF Third Party to retain a portion of the RLF assets, consistent with the agreement referenced in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, as reasonable compensation for services rendered in the liquidation; and (5) EDA may require additional reasonable terms and conditions. (d) Distribution of proceeds. The proceeds resulting from any liquidation upon termination shall be distributed in the following order of priority: (1) First, for any third party liquidation costs; (2) Second, for the payment of EDA's Federal Share (as defined in §314.5 of this chapter); and (3) Third, if any proceeds remain, to the RLF Recipient. (a) EDA may suspend or terminate an RLF Grant for cause, including but not limited to the following reasons: (1) Failure to operate the RLF in accordance with the Plan, the RLF Grant or this part; (2) Failure to obtain prior EDA approval for material changes to the Plan, including provisions for administering the RLF; (3) Failure to submit timely progress, financial and audit reports as required by the RLF Grant and §307.14; and (4) Failure to comply with the conflicts of interest provisions set forth in §302.17. (b) EDA may approve a request from an RLF Recipient to terminate an RLF Grant. The RLF Recipient must compensate the Federal government for the Federal Share of the RLF property, including the current value of all outstanding RLF loans. However, with EDA's prior approval, upon a showing of compelling circumstances, the RLF Recipient may use for other economic development activities a portion of RLF property that EDA determines is attributable to RLF Income. (c) Upon termination, distribution of proceeds shall occur in accordance with §307.20(d). EDA may approve variances to the requirements contained in this subpart, provided such variances: (a) Are consistent with the goals of the Economic Adjustment Assistance program and with an RLF Plan; (b) Are necessary and reasonable for the effective implementation of the RLF; (c) Are economically and financially sound; and (d) Do not conflict with any applicable legal requirements, including federal, State and local law.
Title 13: Business Credit and Assistance
PART 307—ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE INVESTMENTS
Section Contents
§ 307.1 Purpose and scope.
§ 307.2 Criteria.
§ 307.3 Use of Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments.
§ 307.4 Award requirements.
§ 307.5 Application requirements.
§ 307.6 Economic Adjustment Assistance post-approval requirements.
§ 307.7 Revolving Loan Funds established for business lending.
§ 307.8 Definitions.
§ 307.9 Revolving Loan Fund Plan.
§ 307.10 Pre-loan requirements.
§ 307.11 Addition of lending areas; merger of RLFs.
§ 307.12 Revolving Loan Fund Income.
§ 307.13 Records and retention.
§ 307.14 Revolving Loan Fund semi-annual and annual reports.
§ 307.15 Prudent management of Revolving Loan Funds.
§ 307.16 Disbursement of funds to Revolving Loan Funds.
§ 307.17 Effective utilization of Revolving Loan Funds.
§ 307.18 Uses of capital.
§ 307.19 RLF loan portfolio Sales and Securitizations.
§ 307.20 Partial liquidation and liquidation upon termination.
§ 307.21 Termination of Revolving Loan Funds.
§ 307.22 Variances.
Subpart A—General
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§ 307.1 Purpose and scope.
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§ 307.2 Criteria.
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§ 307.3 Use of Economic Adjustment Assistance Investments.
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§ 307.4 Award requirements.
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§ 307.5 Application requirements.
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§ 307.6 Economic Adjustment Assistance post-approval requirements.
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Subpart B—Special Requirements for Revolving Loan Funds and Use of Grant Funds
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§ 307.7 Revolving Loan Funds established for business lending.
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§ 307.8 Definitions.
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§ 307.9 Revolving Loan Fund Plan.
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§ 307.10 Pre-loan requirements.
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§ 307.11 Addition of lending areas; merger of RLFs.
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§ 307.12 Revolving Loan Fund Income.
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§ 307.13 Records and retention.
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§ 307.14 Revolving Loan Fund semi-annual and annual reports.
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§ 307.15 Prudent management of Revolving Loan Funds.
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§ 307.16 Disbursement of funds to Revolving Loan Funds.
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§ 307.17 Effective utilization of Revolving Loan Funds.
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§ 307.18 Uses of capital.
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§ 307.19 RLF loan portfolio Sales and Securitizations.
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§ 307.20 Partial liquidation and liquidation upon termination.
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§ 307.21 Termination of Revolving Loan Funds.
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§ 307.22 Variances.
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