Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-17731
SBA Rescinds Notice and Comment Procedures for Non-APA Rulemaking
Buyer
Small Business Administration
Posted
August 31, 2026
Identifier
2026-17731
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a final rule change regarding its internal rulemaking procedures. - SBA will no longer require notice and comment rulemaking for matters where the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) does not mandate it - The agency will follow the APA's default requirements, streamlining its regulatory process - SBA retains the option to voluntarily seek public input on a case-by-case basis - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are involved in this rule change - The rule is intended to increase regulatory efficiency and responsiveness by removing unnecessary procedural steps - No procurement actions, purchase quantities, or part numbers are associated with this notice
Description
This final rule by the Small Business Administration rescinds the policy of engaging in notice and comment rulemaking where the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) does not require it. The SBA will now follow the default requirements of the APA but reserves the right to engage in voluntary notice and comment rulemaking on a case-by-case basis. The rule aims to increase regulatory efficiency and responsiveness by removing self-imposed procedural burdens, allowing quicker policy changes and streamlining agency decision-making. The rule is effective August 31, 2026.