# Federal Register #2026-22499

USDA information collections for loan modernization and Emerging Markets Program grants

**Buyer:** Department of Agriculture (USDA)
**Posted:** November 04, 2026
**Respond By:** December 04, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-22499

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking public input on information collections supporting loan and grant programs, not soliciting products or services for purchase.
- Government buyers:
  - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS)
  - USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
- Loan Modernization Initiative:
  - Supports development and use of an online loan application system, initially for the RBCS Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program.
  - Planned later program coverage includes Rural Housing Service Community Facilities and Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs, with future functionality for loan guarantees, grants, and primary loan servicing applications.
  - Collected information will support eligibility reviews and financial decisions. Application principals must provide Social Security numbers for Do Not Pay compliance.
- Emerging Markets Program:
  - FAS seeks an extension of its information collection from applicants seeking program grants.
- No OEMs, vendors, products, part numbers, or purchase quantities are identified. This notice is not a procurement solicitation.

### Description

The Department of Agriculture submitted an information collection requirement to OMB for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The collection concerns the Rural Business-Cooperative Service’s Loan Modernization Initiative, including an online loan application system for applicants seeking direct loan assistance and future functionality for guarantees, grants, and loan servicing. The system is intended to support loan and grant programs, gather information for eligibility and financial decisions, and allow applicants to submit requests electronically. The notice requests comments on the collection, with comments received by December 4, 2026 to be considered.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/04/2026-22499/submission-for-omb-review-comment-request)