# Federal Register #2026-19878

SBA Final Rule Removing Affirmative Action Requirements From SBA Programs

**Buyer:** Small Business Administration
**Posted:** September 29, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-19878
**NAICS:** 926150

This opportunity involves a regulatory update from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
- The SBA has published a final rule amending its regulations under 13 CFR Part 112
- Removes affirmative action requirements for SBA program applicants and recipients
- Addresses constitutional and statutory concerns regarding disparate-impact liability
- Aligns SBA regulations with Title VI, prohibiting only intentionally discriminatory conduct
- No products, OEMs, or vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory change
- Clarifies nondiscrimination requirements for recipients of federal financial assistance administered by SBA

### Description

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is publishing a final rule to remove certain unnecessary and potentially unlawful regulatory provisions requiring affirmative action by SBA program applicants or recipients. The rule revises a regulatory provision to make technical corrections and aligns SBA regulations with the language Congress enacted in Title VI prohibiting intentionally discriminatory conduct. The rule addresses constitutional and statutory concerns related to disparate-impact liability and affirmative action requirements. The final rule is effective on September 29, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/29/2026-19878/removing-constitutional-concerns-from-sba-programs)