Summary: Contractor Opportunity Protection Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to consolidate Small Business Administration (SBA) provisions relating to contract bundling (the consolidation of two or more procurement requirements into a solicitation for a single prime contract that is unlikely, because of its size or complexity, to be suitable for award to a small business). Requires the Procurement Activity (Activity) of a federal department or agency (agency), at least 45 days prior to the issuance of a solicitation, to provide to that Activity's procurement center representative a copy of the proposed procurement together with, among other things, the number of small businesses that could be excluded from bidding if the contract is a bundled contract. Requires the SBA Administrator, in the case of a previously bundled contract that is to be recompeted as a bundled contract, to determine, among other things, the amount of savings and benefits achieved under the bundling. Requires a procurement center representative who believes that a procurement as proposed will render small business prime contract participation unlikely to recommend to the Activity alternative procurement methods to increase small business contracting opportunities. Requires the head of an agency, before proceeding with an acquisition strategy that could lead to a bundling of contract requirements, to conduct market research to determine whether bundling is necessary and justified. Allows a small business, in the case of a bundled contract, to submit an offer that provides for the use of a team of subcontractors for contract performance. Directs the Administrator to develop and maintain a database of information on each bundled contract awarded by an agency and each small business displaced as a prime contractor as a result of such award. Requires annual reports from the Administrator to the congressional small business committees on federal contract bundling, including cost savings and impact on small businesses. Requires: (1) each federal agency to include in each solicitation for any multiple award contract above certain thresholds a provision soliciting bids from any responsible source, including small businesses and teams or joint ventures of small businesses; and (2) the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to establish and publish a government-wide policy regarding contract bundling.

contractor opportunity protection act amends small business act consolidate small_business_administration sba provisions relating contract bundling consolidation procurement requirements solicitation single prime contract unlikely size complexity suitable award small business requires procurement activity activity federal department agency agency days prior issuance solicitation provide activity procurement center representative copy proposed procurement things number small businesses excluded bidding contract bundled contract requires sba administrator case previously bundled contract bundled contract determine things savings benefits achieved bundling requires procurement center representative believes procurement proposed render small business prime contract participation unlikely recommend activity alternative procurement methods increase small business contracting opportunities requires head agency proceeding acquisition strategy lead bundling contract requirements conduct market research determine bundling necessary justified allows small business case bundled contract submit offer provides use team subcontractors contract performance directs administrator develop maintain database information bundled contract awarded agency small business displaced prime contractor result award requires annual reports administrator congressional small business committees federal contract bundling including cost savings impact small businesses requires federal agency include solicitation multiple award contract certain thresholds provision soliciting bids responsible source including small businesses teams joint ventures small businesses federal_acquisition_regulatory_council establish publish government wide policy contract bundling


Summary: Small Business Procurement Improvement Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to require (under current law, permit) federal agencies involved in procurement, to the maximum extent practicable, to include small businesses in multiple award contracts. Requires such agencies to make full use of the contract set-aside programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Directs the SBA Administrator, in consultation with the Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) and any agency that obtains 5% of its procurement requirements through a multiple award contract, to carry out a program to increase small business participation in such contracts. Requires the President to annually establish government-wide goals for the total value of all task and delivery orders placed against multiple award contracts, blanket purchase agreements, and basic ordering agreements awarded to small businesses, small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, qualified HUBZone small businesses, small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses owned and controlled by women. Requires each federal contract for the purchase of goods and services with an anticipated value greater than $2,500 but not greater than $200,000 (under current law, $100,000) to be reserved exclusively for small businesses (with an exception). Directs the Administrator to issue regulations concerning General Services Administration (GSA) oversight of task or delivery orders placed against multiple award contracts. Requires: (1) inclusion of the Administrator on the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council, and (2) the OFPP Administrator to have the deciding vote in case of a tie vote among Council membership.

small business procurement improvement act amends small business act require current law permit federal agencies involved procurement maximum extent practicable include small businesses multiple award contracts requires agencies use contract set aside programs small_business_administration sba directs sba administrator consultation administrator agency obtains procurement requirements multiple award contract carry program increase small business participation contracts requires president annually establish government wide goals total value task delivery orders placed multiple award contracts blanket purchase agreements basic ordering agreements awarded small businesses small businesses owned controlled service disabled veterans qualified hubzone small businesses small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals small businesses owned controlled women requires federal contract purchase goods services anticipated value greater greater current law reserved exclusively small businesses exception directs administrator issue regulations concerning general_services_administration gsa oversight task delivery orders placed multiple award contracts requires inclusion administrator federal_acquisition_regulatory_council administrator deciding vote case vote council membership


Summary: Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish and carry out a program to provide increased access to federal contract opportunities for early stage small businesses (no more than 15 employees and average annual receipts of no more than $1 million). Requires the Administrator to identify appropriate federal procurement contracts for award under the program. Allows a contracting officer to award: (1) a sole source contract under the program if an entity is determined to be a responsible contractor and the officer does not reasonably expect that two or more early stage businesses will submit offers, and (2) contracts on the basis of competition restricted to early stage businesses if the officer reasonably expects that at least two early stage businesses will submit offers and that the award can be made at a fair market price. Requires all program contract awards to be counted toward goals for small business participation in federal procurement contracts.

amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration sba establish carry program provide increased access federal contract opportunities early stage small businesses employees average annual receipts million requires administrator identify appropriate federal procurement contracts award program allows contracting officer award sole source contract program entity determined responsible contractor officer reasonably expect early stage businesses submit offers contracts basis competition restricted early stage businesses officer reasonably expects early stage businesses submit offers award fair market price requires program contract awards counted goals small business participation federal procurement contracts


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a permanent 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held for more than 5 years, (2) eliminate such tax exclusion as an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax (AMT) purposes, and (3) repeal the 28% capital gains tax rate on qualified small business stock.

amends internal revenue code allow permanent exclusion gross income gain sale exchange qualified small business stock held years eliminate tax exclusion item tax preference alternative minimum tax amt purposes repeal capital gains tax rate qualified small business stock


Summary: Women's Procurement Program Improvement Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act with respect to the procurement program for women-owned small businesses (providing a federal procurement contracting preference to such businesses) to remove current contract award price limits. Allow a contracting officer to award a sole source contract to any economically disadvantaged women-owned small business if: (1) the small business is determined to be responsible and the contracting officer does not expect two or more of such businesses to submit offers; (2) the anticipated contract price will not exceed $6.5 million in the case of a manufacturing contract, or $4 million in the case of all other contracts; and (3) the contract can be made at a fair and reasonable price. Provides identical contracting authority for women-owned small businesses in substantially underrepresented industries.

amends small business act respect procurement program women owned small businesses providing federal procurement contracting preference businesses remove current contract award price limits allow contracting officer award sole source contract economically disadvantaged women owned small business small business determined responsible contracting officer expect businesses submit offers anticipated contract price exceed million case manufacturing contract million case contracts contract fair reasonable price provides identical contracting authority women owned small businesses substantially underrepresented industries


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow a permanent 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held for more than 5 years, (2) eliminate such tax exclusion as an item of tax preference for alternative minimum tax (AMT) purposes, and (3) repeal the 28% capital gains tax rate on qualified small business stock.


Summary: Small Business Taxpayer Bill of Rights Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow businesses with average annual gross receipts of not more than $50,000 that prevail in an administrative or court proceeding involving the determination, collection, or refund of tax, interest, or penalty to recover their costs incurred in such proceedings; (2) increase the amount of civil damages against Internal Revenue Service (IRS) officers or employees for reckless, intentional, or negligent disregard of internal revenue laws and extend from two to five years the period for bringing a claim for damages; (3) increase the penalties against federal officers or employees for unlawful acts in connection with internal revenue laws and for unauthorized disclosures or inspections of tax returns; and (4) allow a taxpayer whose interest abatement claim does not exceed $50,000 to elect to bring a small tax case petition in U.S. Tax Court. Prohibits ex parte communications between officers in the IRS Office of Appeals and other IRS employees with respect to matters pending before such officers and employees. Authorizes new alternative dispute resolution procedures for taxpayer disputes with the IRS. Extends to three years: (1) the period in which taxpayer property that has been wrongfully levied upon may be returned, and (2) the period for bringing suit against the United States for a wrongful tax levy. Authorizes the waiver of the fee for establishing an installment agreement for payment of tax for certain low-income taxpayers who agree to make electronic debit payments. Allows a taxpayer seeking review of a claim for innocent spouse relief or of a collection case in U.S. Tax Court a 60-day suspension of the period for filing a petition for such review when the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has issued an automatic stay in a bankruptcy case involving the taxpayer's claim. Allows de novo review in U.S. Tax Court of any determination by the IRS with respect to a claim for equitable innocent spouse relief. Prohibits the IRS Office of Appeals from considering or deciding any new issue in an internal appeal that is not within the scope of the initial determination made in a taxpayer's case.

small business taxpayer bill rights act amends internal revenue code allow businesses average annual gross receipts prevail administrative court proceeding involving determination collection refund tax interest penalty recover costs incurred proceedings increase civil damages internal_revenue_service irs officers employees reckless intentional negligent disregard internal revenue laws extend years period bringing claim damages increase penalties federal officers employees unlawful acts connection internal revenue laws unauthorized disclosures inspections tax returns allow taxpayer interest abatement claim exceed elect bring small tax case petition prohibits parte communications officers irs_office_of_appeals irs employees respect matters pending officers employees authorizes new alternative dispute resolution procedures taxpayer disputes irs extends years period taxpayer property wrongfully levied returned period bringing suit united_states wrongful tax levy authorizes waiver fee establishing installment agreement payment tax certain low income taxpayers agree electronic debit payments allows taxpayer seeking review claim innocent spouse relief collection case day suspension period filing petition review issued automatic stay bankruptcy case involving taxpayer claim allows novo review determination irs respect claim equitable innocent spouse relief prohibits irs_office_of_appeals considering deciding new issue internal appeal scope initial determination taxpayer case


Summary: Small Business Tax Simplification Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt certain small business taxpayers from the requirements of using the accrual method of accounting and of using inventories. Allows such taxpayers to use a cash method of accounting if they meet the gross receipts test and are not engaged in farming as a corporation. Increases the amount of the gross receipts test to $10 million (currently, $5 million) and permits an annual inflation adjustment of that amount.

internal revenue code exempt certain small business taxpayers requirements accrual method accounting inventories allows taxpayers use cash method accounting meet gross receipts test engaged farming corporation increases gross receipts test million currently million permits annual inflation adjustment


Summary: Veterans Jobs Act of 2012 - Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, in carrying out the Transition Assistance Program, to establish a two-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using community business leaders as mentors to facilitate the transition of members of the Armed Forces being separated from active duty and their spouses. Requires the Secretary, if carrying out such program, to report findings to the congressional defense and veterans committees.

veterans jobs_act authorizes secretary labor carrying transition_assistance_program establish year pilot program assess feasibility advisability community business leaders mentors facilitate transition members armed_forces separated active duty spouses requires secretary carrying program report findings congressional defense veterans committees


Summary: Small Business Fairness Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to permit a contract between a federal agency and a small business teaming arrangement entity to be deemed awarded for purposes of the small business procurement and services contracting goals established by the head of that agency if the obligations of such entity are performed by a qualified HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) small business or a small business owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or women. Defines "teaming arrangement entity" as a prime contractor under a contractor team arrangement as defined under specified provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as in effect on October 1, 2009.

small business fairness act amends small business act permit contract federal agency small business teaming arrangement entity deemed awarded purposes small business procurement services contracting goals established head agency obligations entity performed qualified hubzone historically underutilized business zone small business small business owned controlled service disabled veterans socially economically disadvantaged individuals women defines teaming arrangement entity prime contractor contractor team arrangement defined specified provisions federal_acquisition_regulation effect october


Summary: Disaster Savings and Resilient Construction Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a business-related tax credit for the cost of constructing commercial and residential buildings that comply with resilient construction requirements in a federally-declared major disaster area. Defines "resilient construction requirements" as requirements that ensure that such buildings: (1) can resist hazards brought on by a major disaster and can continue to provide their primary functions after a major disaster, (2) can reduce the magnitude or duration of a disruptive event, and (3) have the absorptive capacity, adaptive capacity, and recoverability to withstand a potentially disruptive event. Terminates such credit for any any property for which a certificate of occupancy is issued after December 31, 2015.

resilient construction act amends internal revenue code allow business related tax credit cost constructing commercial residential buildings comply resilient construction requirements federally declared major disaster area defines resilient construction requirements requirements ensure buildings resist hazards brought major disaster continue provide primary functions major disaster reduce magnitude duration disruptive event capacity adaptive capacity withstand potentially disruptive event terminates credit property certificate occupancy issued december


Summary: Increasing Small Business Lending Act of 2012 - Amends the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to extend small business loan fee reductions and eliminations and small business loan guarantees under such Act to one year after the enactment of this Act.

increasing small business lending act amends american_recovery_and_reinvestment_act extend small business loan fee reductions eliminations small business loan guarantees act year enactment act


Summary: Startup Act 2.0 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust to conditional permanent resident status up to 50,000 aliens who have earned a master's or doctorate degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field (STEM field) and permit such an alien to remain in the United States: (1) for up to one year after the expiration of the alien's student visa, if the alien is searching for STEM field employment; and (2) indefinitely if the alien remains actively engaged in a STEM field. Removes a STEM alien's conditional status after five years of maintaining eligibility during the entire five-year period. Authorizes the Secretary to issue conditional immigrant visas to up to 75,000 qualified alien entrepreneurs. Removes such conditional basis after four years of maintaining qualified entrepreneur status. Eliminates the per-country numerical limitation for employment-based visas. Increases the per country numerical limitation for family based immigrants from 7% to 15% of the total number of family-sponsored visas. Amends the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 to eliminate the provision requiring the reduction of annual People's Republic of China immigrant visas to offset status adjustments under such Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) provide a permanent full tax exclusion on gain from the sale or exchange of qualified small business stock held for more than five years, (2) repeal the minimum tax preference and the 28% capital gains rate on such stock, and (3) provide a limited tax credit for certain startup small businesses. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to use certain federal agency extramural budget funds to award grants to institutions of higher education for initiatives to improve commercialization and transfer of technology. Requires the head of any federal or independent regulatory agency, before issuing a notice of rulemaking in connection with the issuance of a proposed major rule, to complete a review that, among other things, analyzes the problem that the rule intends to address, and identifies and analyzes the rule's expected impact on state, local, and tribal governments, as well as on the ability of new businesses to form and expand. Requires a cost-benefit analysis before rule issuance. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to regularly compile: (1) information from each of the states and the District of Columbia on laws that affect the formation and growth of new businesses, and (2) quantitative and qualitative information on U.S. businesses that are not more than one year old.

startup act amends immigration nationality act authorize secretary homeland_security dhs adjust conditional permanent resident status aliens earned master doctorate degree science technology engineering mathematics field stem field permit alien remain united_states year expiration alien student visa alien searching stem field employment indefinitely alien remains actively engaged stem field removes stem alien conditional status years maintaining eligibility entire year period authorizes secretary issue conditional immigrant visas qualified alien entrepreneurs removes conditional basis years maintaining qualified entrepreneur status eliminates country numerical limitation employment based visas increases country numerical limitation family based immigrants total number family sponsored visas amends chinese_student_protection_act eliminate provision requiring reduction annual immigrant visas offset status adjustments act amends internal revenue code provide permanent tax exclusion gain sale exchange qualified small business stock held years repeal minimum tax preference capital gains rate stock provide limited tax credit certain startup small businesses directs secretary commerce use certain federal agency extramural budget funds award grants institutions higher education initiatives improve commercialization transfer technology requires head federal independent regulatory agency issuing notice rulemaking connection issuance proposed major rule complete review things analyzes problem rule intends address identifies analyzes rule expected impact state local tribal governments ability new businesses form expand requires cost benefit analysis rule issuance directs secretary commerce regularly compile information states district_of_columbia laws affect formation growth new businesses quantitative qualitative information businesses year old


Summary: Workforce Infrastructure for Skilled Employees Investment Act or WISE Investment Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to local boards, community colleges, and postsecondary vocational institutions to promote local economic growth and eliminate gaps between the workforce skills available and the workforce skills needed with respect to small businesses in local areas or regions.

investment act amends workforce investment act authorize secretary labor award competitive grants local boards community colleges postsecondary vocational institutions promote local economic growth eliminate gaps workforce skills available workforce skills needed respect small businesses local areas regions


Summary: Small Business Contracting Opportunities Expansion Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to raise from 23% to 26% the governmentwide prime contract award goal for participation by small business concerns and make the governmentwide subcontract participation award goal 40% for such businesses. Increases percentage goals for awards to qualified HUBZone [historically underutilized business zone] small businesses and small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Requires such latter procurement goals, as well as goals for small businesses owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans and by women (collectively, the targeted groups), as established annually by the head of each federal agency participating in federal procurement contracts, to: (1) be at least the average percentage of participation that occurred over the last three fiscal years, (2) be in the same format as the goals established by the President, (3) address both prime contract and subcontract awards, and (4) meet or exceed the government-wide goals for each small business category. Requires each agency head to: (1) consult with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator in establishing agency goals, and (2) develop a plan for achieving agency goals. Prohibits the carrying out or establishing of any SBA pilot program if the Administrator does not issue a required annual report which compiles and analyzes each agency's performance with respect to procurement contract participation by small businesses. Requires the Comptroller General to study, and report to Congress on: (1) improving internal processes of federal procurement contracting agencies and increasing outreach to those groups that make up the small business categories, (2) legislative actions to improve participation in contracting by such groups, and (3) the feasibility of creating a governmentwide contract participation goal for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans. Increases, as of FY2017, the governmentwide small business participation goal as well as the goals for targeted groups.

amends small business act raise governmentwide prime contract award goal participation small business concerns governmentwide subcontract participation award goal businesses increases percentage goals awards qualified hubzone historically underutilized business zone small businesses small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals requires procurement goals goals small businesses owned controlled service disabled veterans women collectively targeted groups established annually head federal agency participating federal procurement contracts average percentage participation occurred fiscal years format goals established president address prime contract subcontract awards meet exceed government wide goals small business category requires agency head consult small_business_administration sba administrator establishing agency goals develop plan achieving agency goals prohibits carrying establishing sba pilot program administrator issue required annual report compiles analyzes agency performance respect procurement contract participation small businesses requires comptroller general study report congress improving internal processes federal procurement contracting agencies increasing outreach groups small business categories legislative actions improve participation contracting groups feasibility creating governmentwide contract participation goal small businesses owned controlled veterans increases fy2017 governmentwide small business participation goal goals targeted groups


Summary: America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the 100% exclusion from gross income of gain from the sale of certain small business stock, (2) carrybacks and alternative minimum tax rules relating to small business tax credits, (3) the reduction in the recognition period for the built-in gains from the sale of S corporation stock, (4) the increased limitation for the expensing of depreciable business assets, (5) the use of the percentage of completion accounting method for long-term contracts, (6) the increased tax deduction for business start-up expenditures, and (7) the allowance of a deduction for health insurance premiums in computing net earnings from self-employment income.

america small business tax relief act amends internal revenue code permanent exclusion gross income gain sale certain small business stock carrybacks alternative minimum tax rules relating small business tax credits reduction recognition period built gains sale corporation stock increased limitation expensing depreciable business assets use percentage completion accounting method long term contracts increased tax deduction business start expenditures allowance deduction health insurance premiums computing net earnings self employment income


Summary: Entrepreneur-in-Residence Act of 2012 - Directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish an entrepreneur-in-residence program to appoint in-house entrepreneurs who have demonstrated success in working with business concerns and entrepreneurs to: (1) assist federal agencies in improving outreach to business concerns and entrepreneurs, (2) provide recommendations on inefficient or duplicative agency programs and on methods to improve agency efficiency, (3) facilitate meetings and forums to educate business concerns and entrepreneurs on agency programs and initiatives, and (4) provide technical assistance or mentorship. Limits to 10 the number of entrepreneurs-in-residence that the Director may appoint in any year. Authorizes the Director to establish an informal working group to allow entrepreneurs-in-residence to meet to discuss best practices, experiences, and recommendations in order to create an informal knowledge base for current and future entrepreneurs-in-residence. Terminates such program after FY2016.

entrepreneur residence act directs director establish entrepreneur residence program appoint house entrepreneurs demonstrated success working business concerns entrepreneurs assist federal agencies improving outreach business concerns entrepreneurs provide recommendations inefficient duplicative agency programs methods improve agency efficiency facilitate meetings forums educate business concerns entrepreneurs agency programs initiatives provide technical assistance mentorship limits number entrepreneurs residence director appoint year authorizes director establish informal working group allow entrepreneurs residence meet discuss best practices experiences recommendations order create informal knowledge base current future entrepreneurs residence terminates program fy2016


Summary: Support Our Startups Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increased tax deduction for business start-up expenditures in 2012 and 2013.

support startups act amends internal revenue code allow increased tax deduction business start expenditures


Summary: Providing Assistance with the Paperwork from Excessive Regulations Act of 2012 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose a civil fine for a first-time paperwork violation by a small business concern unless: (1) there is potential for serious harm to the public interest; (2) the detection of criminal activity would be impaired; (3) the violation is a violation of an internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt; (4) the small business concern fails to correct such violation within six months after receiving notice of the violation; or (5) the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within five days after receipt by the small business concern of notification of the violation in writing. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business concern of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business concern previously violated any requirement regarding the collection of information by that agency.

providing assistance paperwork excessive regulations act amends paperwork reduction act direct agency heads impose civil fine time paperwork violation small business concern potential harm public interest detection criminal activity impaired violation violation internal revenue law law concerning assessment collection tax debt revenue receipt small business concern fails correct violation months receiving notice violation violation presents danger public health safety permits agency determine fine imposed violation presents danger public health safety violation corrected days receipt small business concern notification violation writing makes act inapplicable violation small business concern requirement collection information agency small business concern previously violated requirement collection information agency


Summary: Main Street Stabilization Act of 2012 - Directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a grant program for small business development centers. Requires program funding to be used for: (1) the development of business advisory capacity, (2) the development of online tools and resources for struggling small businesses, (3) the deployment of additional resources to help industry sectors with a high presence of small businesses, and (4) the development of a listing of financing options for small business capital access. Prohibits the SBA from awarding an entity under this Act more than $250,000 in grant funds.

directs small_business_administration sba establish grant program small business development centers requires program funding development business advisory capacity development online tools resources struggling small businesses deployment additional resources help industry sectors high presence small businesses development listing financing options small business capital access prohibits sba awarding entity act grant funds


Summary: Small Business Investment Company Modernization Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase from $225 million to $350 million the maximum amount of outstanding leverage to be made available by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to two or more commonly controlled small business investment companies not under capital impairment.

small_business_investment_company_modernization act amends small_business_investment_act increase million million maximum outstanding leverage available small_business_administration sba commonly controlled small business investment companies capital impairment


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from passive loss rules any activity of a taxpayer carried on by a high technology research small business pass-thru entity. Defines "high technology research small business pass-thru entity" as any domestic pass-thru entity that: (1) spends a specified percentage of its income on research, (2) is a small business with 250 or fewer employees, and (3) does not have aggregate gross receipts in excess of $150 million.

amends internal revenue code exempt passive loss rules activity taxpayer carried high technology research small business pass entity defines high technology research small business pass entity domestic pass entity spends specified percentage income research small business fewer employees aggregate gross receipts excess million


Summary: Independent Contractor Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to set forth criteria for classifying a worker as an employee or an independent contractor. Prohibits: (1) any retroactive assessment of employment tax, except with respect to certain skilled workers, for tax periods after December 31, 1978, unless the employer had no reasonable basis for not treating a worker as an employee, and (2) the issuance, after the enactment of this Act, of Treasury regulations with respect to the employment status of any individual for purposes of the employment tax. Establishes safe harbor provisions upon which a service recipient or payor may rely in classifying a service provider as an independent contractor rather than as an employee where the service provider: (1) incurs significant financial responsibility for providing and maintaining equipment and facilities to perform work under a contract; (2) incurs unreimbursed expenses or risks income fluctuations because remuneration is directly related to sales or other output rather than solely to the number of hours actually worked or expenses incurred; (3) is compensated on factors related to the work performed and not solely on the basis of hours or time expended; and (4) substantially controls the means and manner of performing the contract services, the specifications of the service recipient or payor, and any additional contractual requirements.

simplification act amends internal revenue code set forth criteria classifying worker employee independent contractor prohibits retroactive assessment employment tax respect certain skilled workers tax periods december employer reasonable basis treating worker employee issuance enactment act treasury regulations respect employment status individual purposes employment tax establishes safe harbor provisions service recipient payor rely classifying service provider independent contractor employee service provider incurs significant financial responsibility providing maintaining equipment facilities perform work contract incurs unreimbursed expenses risks income fluctuations remuneration directly related sales output solely number hours actually worked expenses incurred compensated factors related work performed solely basis hours time expended substantially controls means manner performing contract services specifications service recipient payor additional contractual requirements


Summary: Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to direct agency heads not to impose civil fines for first-time paperwork violations by small business concerns unless there is potential for serious harm to the public interest, the detection of criminal activity would be impaired, the violation is not corrected within six months, the violation is a violation of internal revenue law or a law concerning the assessment or collection of any tax, debt, revenue, or receipt, or the violation presents a danger to the public health or safety. Permits an agency to determine that a fine should not be imposed for a violation that presents a danger to public health or safety if the violation is corrected within 24 hours after receipt by the small business owner of notification of the violation. Makes this Act inapplicable to any violation by a small business of a requirement regarding the collection of information by an agency if the small business previously violated any requirement concerning the collection of information by that agency.

small business paperwork relief act amends paperwork reduction act direct agency heads impose civil fines time paperwork violations small business concerns potential harm public interest detection criminal activity impaired violation corrected months violation violation internal revenue law law concerning assessment collection tax debt revenue receipt violation presents danger public health safety permits agency determine fine imposed violation presents danger public health safety violation corrected hours receipt small business owner notification violation makes act inapplicable violation small business requirement collection information agency small business previously violated requirement concerning collection information agency


Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to exclude from the definition of "Indian tribe" any Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) or Alaska Native Village (ANV). Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that, for purposes of eligibility for procurement contracts provided through the Small Business Administration (SBA), whether an ANC or ANV is socially or economically disadvantaged shall be determined by the SBA Administrator according to eligibility standards for SBA 8(a) general small business loans. Makes members of socially and economically disadvantaged ANCs or ANVs eligible for such loans. Directs the Administrator to apply to small businesses owned by an ANC or ANV the competitive thresholds for awarding SBA sole source contracts that are applicable to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. Prohibits the Administrator from extending or waiving, for small businesses owned by an ANC or ANV, the time limitations applicable to participants in the small business capital ownership development program. Outlines annual report requirements for program participants who are ANCs or ANVs. Requires the Administrator to amend SBA regulations to incorporate amendments made by this Act.

amends small_business_act exclude definition indian tribe alaska_native_corporation anc amends alaska native claims settlement act provide purposes eligibility procurement contracts provided small_business_administration sba anc socially economically disadvantaged shall determined sba administrator according eligibility standards sba general small business loans makes members socially economically disadvantaged eligible loans directs administrator apply small businesses owned anc competitive thresholds awarding sba sole source contracts applicable small businesses owned controlled socially economically disadvantaged individuals prohibits administrator extending waiving small businesses owned anc time limitations applicable participants small business capital ownership development program outlines annual report requirements program participants requires administrator amend sba regulations incorporate amendments act


Summary: American Opportunity Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 25% of a qualified equity investment in a qualified small business entity. Defines "qualified small business entity" as a domestic corporation or partnership that: (1) is a small business headquarted in the United States, (2) is engaged in a high technology trade or business, (3) has been in existence for less than five years as of the date of the qualified equity investment, and (4) employs less than 100 full-time employees, more than 50% of whom perform substantially all of their services in the United States. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $500 million for each of calendar years 2011 through 2015. Requires: (1) the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations on the allocations of such credit to a small business entity, and (2) the Comptroller General to audit the investment tax credit program.

american opportunity act amends internal revenue code allow tax credit qualified equity investment qualified small business entity defines qualified small business entity domestic corporation partnership small business united_states engaged high technology trade business existence years date qualified equity investment employs time employees perform substantially services united_states limits dollar credit million calendar years requires secretary treasury prescribe regulations allocations credit small business entity comptroller general audit investment tax credit program


Summary: Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2011 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to assign an SBA employee to coordinate SBA programs and activities relating to broadband and emerging information technology (BEIT). Requires the Administrator to provide SBA employees BEIT training in order to assist small businesses in the use of such technologies. Requires reports from the coordinator to the congressional small business committees on coordinator activities and on federal programs that provide BEIT assistance to small businesses. Includes accessing and using BEIT as an authorized activity of small business development centers. Authorizes the use of capital provided under certain SBA loans for the purchase of equipment for BEIT. Directs the Administrator to report on ways to assist with the development of broadband and wireless technology that would benefit small businesses.

small business broadband emerging information technology enhancement act amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration sba assign sba employee coordinate sba programs activities relating broadband emerging information technology requires administrator provide sba employees training order assist small businesses use technologies requires reports coordinator congressional small business committees coordinator activities federal programs provide assistance small businesses includes accessing authorized activity small business development centers authorizes use capital provided certain sba loans purchase equipment directs administrator report ways assist development broadband wireless technology benefit small businesses


Summary: Seven Point Plan for Growing Jobs Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish a Manufacturing Job Training National Program and make grants to state governors and agencies with responsibility for labor programs to plan and develop a new program of employment and training activities that targets the specific needs of manufacturers. Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary to provide workplace development and economic assistance to eligible recipients affected by the base realignment and closure (BRAC) activities established by the Secretary of Defense (DOD) in 2005. Directs the Secretary to review job training programs to identify ways to increase efficiency and reduce duplicative and unnecessary processes and activities in such programs. Directs the Secretary of Energy to: (1) carry out an offshore wind energy research and deployment program, and (2) award grants to institutions of higher education to establish one or more national offshore wind centers. Amends the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 to extend reductions in the employment tax to employers and certain self-employed individuals. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent accelerated depreciation for qualified leasehold and restaurant buildings and improvements, nonresidential real property and residential rental property, and increased depreciation and expensing allowances for business and investment property; (2) extend through 2016 the tax credit for increasing research activities; (3) increase the rate of the alternative simplified research tax credit; (4) repeal provisions added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that require reporting of payments made to corporations of $600 or more; and (5) eliminate the tax credit for ethanol used as fuel. Imposes new requirements on federal agencies relating to regulatory actions. Allows a reduction or waiver of civil penalties on small entities for failures to comply with regulatory requirements. Extends to all portions of the Interstate Highway System in Maine and Vermont the application of vehicle weight limit laws and regulations of those states in lieu of federal vehicle weight limits. Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to eliminate the additional tariff on ethanol and ethanol fuel mixtures. Prohibits the consideration by Congress of any legislation that would cause discretionary spending limits to exceed levels specified for FY2012-FY2014. Amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to impose limits on farm subsidies based upon the adjusted gross income of the recipient.

seven point plan growing jobs act amends workforce investment act direct secretary labor establish manufacturing job training national program grants state governors agencies responsibility labor programs plan develop new program employment training activities targets specific needs manufacturers amends public_works_and_economic_development_act direct secretary provide workplace development economic assistance eligible recipients affected base realignment closure brac activities established secretary defense dod directs secretary review job training programs identify ways increase efficiency reduce duplicative unnecessary processes activities programs directs secretary energy carry offshore wind energy research deployment program award grants institutions higher education establish national offshore wind centers amends tax relief unemployment insurance reauthorization job creation act extend reductions employment tax employers certain self employed individuals amends internal revenue code permanent accelerated depreciation qualified leasehold restaurant buildings improvements nonresidential real property residential rental property increased depreciation expensing allowances business investment property extend tax credit increasing research activities increase rate alternative simplified research tax credit repeal provisions added patient_protection affordable care act require reporting payments corporations eliminate tax credit ethanol fuel imposes new requirements federal agencies relating regulatory actions allows reduction waiver civil penalties small entities failures comply regulatory requirements extends portions maine vermont application vehicle weight limit laws regulations states lieu federal vehicle weight limits amends harmonized_tariff schedule united_states eliminate additional tariff ethanol ethanol fuel mixtures prohibits consideration congress legislation cause discretionary spending limits exceed levels specified fy2012-fy2014 amends food security act impose limits farm subsidies based adjusted gross income recipient


Summary: Amends the Small Business Act to require an offeror with respect to a contract let by a federal agency that is to be awarded pursuant to the negotiated method of procurement that intends to identify a small business as a potential subcontractor: (1) notify the small business that the offeror intends to identify it as a potential subcontractor, and (2) include with the offer a written acknowledgment by the small business that it has received such notice. Provides penalties against offerors failing to provide such notification. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a reporting mechanism that allows subcontractors to report fraudulent activity by a contractor with respect to a federal small business subcontracting plan.

amends small_business_act require offeror respect contract let federal agency awarded pursuant negotiated method procurement intends identify small business potential subcontractor notify small business offeror intends identify potential subcontractor include offer written acknowledgment small business received notice provides penalties offerors failing provide notification directs administrator small_business_administration sba establish reporting mechanism allows subcontractors report fraudulent activity contractor respect federal small business subcontracting plan


Summary: Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act of 2011 - Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) to revise the regulatory process (rulemaking) with respect to small entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). Defines "economic impact" with respect to a proposed or final rule to mean: (1) any direct economic effect of a rule on small entities, and (2) any indirect economic effect on such entities, including potential job creation or job loss. Expands judicial review of agency rulemaking to permit small entities to seek judicial review of initial regulatory flexibility analyses and to obtain an injunction of a proposed rule that is noncompliant with RFA requirements. Requires each agency to establish a plan for the periodic review (every eight years) of: (1) its rules that have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities, and (2) any small entity compliance guide required to be published by an agency. Sets forth criteria for review of a rule, including the continued need for the rule, the complexity of the rule, and the impact of the rule on small entities. Terminates any rule if the issuing agency has failed to complete a required periodic review. Expands to all agencies the procedures for gathering comments on rules that will have a significant economic impact on small entities. Extends RFA requirements to informal agency guidance documents. Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require each agency to review on a periodic basis its policies or programs for imposing regulatory penalties on small entities. Imposes certain additional requirements on agencies prior to the issuance of a final rule, including requirements for: (1) publication of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis, (2) a determination of the average cost of a rule for affected small entities and the number of small entities affected or reasonably presumed to be affected, and (3) consultation with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy for the Small Business Administration (SBA). Requires the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA to be an attorney with business experience and expertise in or knowledge of the regulatory process.

small business regulatory freedom act amends regulatory flexibility act rfa revise regulatory process rulemaking respect small entities small businesses small organizations small governmental jurisdictions defines economic impact respect proposed final rule mean direct economic effect rule small entities indirect economic effect entities including potential job creation job loss expands judicial review agency rulemaking permit small entities seek judicial review initial regulatory flexibility analyses obtain injunction proposed rule noncompliant rfa requirements requires agency establish plan periodic review years rules significant adverse economic impact small entities small entity compliance guide required published agency sets forth criteria review rule including continued need rule complexity rule impact rule small entities terminates rule issuing agency failed complete required periodic review expands agencies procedures gathering comments rules significant economic impact small entities extends rfa requirements informal agency guidance documents amends small_business_regulatory_enforcement fairness act require agency review periodic basis policies programs imposing regulatory penalties small entities imposes certain additional requirements agencies prior issuance final rule including requirements publication initial regulatory flexibility analysis determination average cost rule affected small entities number small entities affected reasonably presumed affected consultation chief counsel advocacy small_business_administration sba requires chief counsel advocacy sba attorney business experience expertise knowledge regulatory process


Summary: SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Title I: Reauthorization of the SBIR and STTR Programs - (Sec. 101) Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize through FY2019 the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA). (Sec. 102) Directs the SBA to maintain an Office of Technology to carry out oversight, reporting, and public database responsibilities as assigned by the SBA Administrator. (Sec. 103) Increases by 0.1% per year, from FY2013-FY2023, the percentage of participating federal agencies' extramural research budget to be set aside for SBIR program activities. Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) to use the increased amounts for activities in their departments that further the readiness levels of technologies developed under Phase II SBIR awards. (Sec. 104) Increases the set-aside allocation under the STTR from 0.3% to 0.6% by increasing such percentage by 0.1% every two years from FY2013-FY2017. (Sec. 105) Increases, for both the SBIR and STTR programs, the individual small business award levels from: (1) $100,000 to $150,000, for participation at the Phase I level; and (2) $750,000 to $1 million, for participation at the Phase II level. Changes from every five years to annually the required SBA inflation adjustment of such awards. Prohibits an agency from issuing an SBIR or STTR award if the award size exceeds established guidelines by more than 50%, and requires participating agencies to maintain specified information on awards exceeding such guidelines. (Sec. 106) Allows a small business that receives an: (1) SBIR award from one agency to receive an award for a subsequent phase from another agency, as long as the head of each agency determines that the topics of the relevant awards are the same; and (2) award under either the SBIR or STTR program to receive an award for a subsequent phase under either program. (Sec. 107) Requires federal agencies to conduct solicitations of Phase II SBIR and STTR proposals without any invitation, pre-screening, pre-selection, or down-selection process between the first and second phases. (Sec. 108) Authorizes the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Secretary of Energy, and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), 30 days after notifying the Administrator and the congressional small business committees, to award through competitive, merit-based procedures up to 25% of their respective SBIR funds to small businesses majority-owned by multiple venture capital companies. Permits other federal agencies to award up to 15% of their SBIR funds to such small businesses. Provides conditions under which a small business which was not majority-owned by multiple venture capital companies at the time of application for an SBIR award, but is so owned on the date of the award, may still be eligible for such award. Directs the Administrator to establish requirements relating to the affiliation of small businesses with venture capital companies for such purposes, and requires such small businesses to register with the SBA. Provides for federal agency compliance with such percentage limits. Directs the Administrator to post on the SBA website information on SBIR and STTR program affiliation rules. (Sec. 109) Requires federal agencies and federal prime contractors, to the greatest extent practicable, to issue Phase III awards relating to technology, including sole source awards, to the SBIR and STTR award recipients that developed the technology. (Sec. 110) Authorizes the head of each participating federal agency to issue SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that have entered, or intend to enter, into a collaborative research and development (R&D) agreement with a federal laboratory or federally funded research and development center. Prohibits a federal agency from: (1) conditioning an award upon entering into such an agreement; (2) approving an agreement if the small business performs a lesser portion of the R&D activities than required by the Act and by SBIR and STTR Policy Directives; or (3) approving an agreement that violates any SBA provision or such Directives. Requires the Administrator to modify such Directives to ensure that small businesses may use the resources of federal laboratories or federally funded research and development centers without entering into such agreements. (Sec. 111) Requires any federal agency involved in a judicial or administrative case or controversy concerning the SBIR or STTR program to provide timely notice thereof to the Administrator. (Sec. 112) Allows a small business that receives a Phase II SBIR or STTR award to receive an additional Phase II SBIR or STTR award for that project. Title II: Outreach and Commercialization Initiatives - (Sec. 201) Reauthorizes through FY2016 the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) program (a program of grants and cooperative agreements for strengthening the technological competitiveness of small businesses participating or desiring to participate in SBIR or STTR programs). Provides reduced matching funds requirements for FAST recipients in low-income and rural areas, recipients in one of the states receiving the fewest SBIR Phase I awards, and recipients in rural areas which are also in one of states receiving the fewest number of awards. Limits such grants and cooperative agreements to five years. Requires an annual report during such period from the Administrator to the small business committees on awards made and agreements entered into. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 202) Allows each federal agency conducting an STTR program (under current law, only an SBIR program) to contract for the provision of technical assistance to small businesses participating in that program. Extends from three to five years the authorized period of such assistance. Increases from $4,000 to $5,000 the amount authorized to be provided to SBIR or STTR participants under the first and second phases of such projects. (Sec. 203) Redesignates the Commercialization Pilot Program as the Commercialization Readiness Program, and includes STTR technology projects under such Program. Makes such Program permanent. Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to: (1) establish goals for the transition of phase III technologies in subcontracting plans; and (2) require prime contractors to report on the number and amount of contracts entered into for phase III SBIR or STTR projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish goals for increasing the number of phase II STIR and STTR contracts awarded that lead to technology transition into programs of record or fielded systems; (2) use incentives or create new incentives to encourage agency program managers and prime contractors to meet such goals; and (3) include in a required annual report to Congress information on projects funded through the Program and efforts to transition their technologies into programs of record or fielded systems. (Sec. 204) Allows the head of each federal agency to allocate up to 10% of SBIR and STTR program funds to establish a pilot program: (1) for awards for technology development, testing, and evaluation of SBIR and STTR phase II technologies; or (2) to support the progress of research or research and development conducted under such programs to phase III. Outlines pilot program application requirements, and requires such agency heads to include pilot program information in required annual reports to the SBA Administrator. Terminates the pilot program at the end of FY2014. (Sec. 205) Establishes an independent advisory board at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct periodic evaluations of the SBIR program at each of the NIH institutes and centers in order to improve program management through data-driven assessment. Requires the director of the NIH SBIR program to address gaps and deficiencies in data collection identified in a NAS report assessing the NIH's SBIR program. Authorizes such director to initiate a pilot program to spur innovation and test new strategies that may enhance the development of cures and therapies. Requires such director to report annually to Congress and the advisory board on NIH SBIR activities. Requires such director, to the greatest extent practicable, to reduce to 90 days the period between Phase I and II funding of grants under the NIH SBIR program. Terminates the requirements of this section five years after the enactment of this Act. (Sec. 206) Directs the head of each federal agency participating in an SBIR or STTR program to develop performance measures relating to commercializing research or research and development activities for SBIR or STTR participants that have been awarded multiple Phase I awards but have not been awarded Phase II awards. (Sec. 207) Further defines "Phase III" for purposes of the SBIR and STTR programs, including what will qualify as "commercialization" under such phase. (Sec. 208) Requires final decisions on SBIR or STTR program proposals or applications within 90 days after the close of solicitations, or within 180 days thereafter if extended by the Administrator. Allows the NIH Director to make an award under an NIH SBIR or STTR program if the application for the award has undergone technical and scientific peer review under requirements of the Public Health Service Act. Title III: Oversight and Evaluation - (Sec. 301) Directs the SBA, in currently-required annual reports concerning SBIR and STTR programs, to include information on: (1) proposals received from small businesses with venture capital investment; (2) efforts to increase outreach to small businesses owned and controlled by women and socially or economically disadvantaged individuals; (3) implementation and compliance with requirements concerning the allocation of funding to small businesses owned and controlled by multiple venture capital companies; and (4) appeals of Phase III awards, as well as notices of noncompliance with SBIR and STTR Policy Directives. Directs the SBA to coordinate the implementation of electronic databases at participating federal agencies. (Sec. 302) Requires agencies with an SBIR or STTR program to annually collect information similar to that outlined above for program assessment purposes. (Sec. 304) Requires specified information concerning SBIR and STTR awardees to be included in public and government databases maintained by the SBA. (Sec. 306) Directs the Comptroller General (CG), in each of the five years following the enactment of this Act, to: (1) conduct a fiscal and management audit of the SBIR and STTR programs; and (2) report audit results to the small business committees. (Sec. 307) Amends the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 to continue NAS evaluation of the SBIR program, as well as reports on such evaluation from the National Research Council to participating agency heads and the small business committees. Requires updates every four years. (Sec. 308) Requires the SBA to include in an annual report to Congress specified information on Phase III awards issued by federal agencies participating in SBIR or STTR programs. (Sec. 309) Directs the CG to conduct a study of, and report to the small business committees on, federal agency compliance with data rights and technologies protection for SBIR awardees. (Sec. 310) Requires each federal agency conducting an SBIR or STTR program to obtain consent from program applicants to release their contact information to economic development organizations. (Sec. 311) Directs the Administrator to allow each federal agency required to conduct an SBIR program to use up to 3% of such funds for costs relating to administrative, oversight, and contract processing activities, including added costs necessitated by amendments made under this Act. (Sec. 312) Requires the CG to conduct a study of, and report to Congress on, the impact of requirements of this Act relating to venture capital company involvement in SBIR and STTR programs. (Sec. 313) Directs the Administrator to: (1) amend the SBIR and STTR Policy Directives to include measures to prevent fraud, waste, and abuse in SBIR and STTR programs; and (2) establish a telephone hotline for reporting such fraud, waste, and abuse. Requires the CG to: (1) conduct a study evaluating federal agency implementation of the amendments made to such Directives; and (2) report study results to the small business committees and SBIR/STTR-participating federal agencies. (Sec. 314) Requires the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an Interagency SBIR/STTR Policy Committee to review, and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of, SBIR and STTR programs. Requires three reports from the Committee to the small business committees concerning such review and recommendations. (Sec. 315) Directs the Administrator to issue regulations to ensure that each federal agency required to carry out an SBIR or STTR program simplifies and standardizes the program proposal, selection, contracting, compliance and audit procedures to reduce the paperwork and regulatory compliance burden on small businesses participating in such program. Title IV: Policy Directives - (Sec. 401) Requires the Administrator to: (1) promulgate amendments to the SBIR and STTR Policy Directives to conform them to this Act and its amendments; and (2) publish the amended Directives in the Federal Register. Title V: Other Provisions - (Sec. 501) Directs federal agencies required to establish an SBIR or STTR program, when determining appropriate research topics, to give special priority to applications for the support of projects relating to nanotechnology, rare diseases, security, energy, transportation, or improving the security and quality of the water supply and the efficiency of water systems through the use of technology. Requires such agencies to: (1) give consideration to research topics identified by the NAS, the NIH, and the national nanotechnology strategic plan; and (2) encourage applications from small businesses located in underrepresented or rural areas or areas with excessive unemployment rates, as well as small businesses owned and controlled by women, veterans, or Native Americans. Removes a requirement that certain specified DOD technology or research plans be utilized when identifying appropriate DOD research and development focus under SBIR or STTR programs. (Sec. 502) Directs each federal agency required to participate in an SBIR or STTR program to: (1) develop metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and benefit of such program; (2) conduct an annual evaluation of their program using such metrics; and (3) report evaluation results annually to the Administrator and Congress. (Sec. 503) Requires all SBIR or STTR funds to be awarded pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures.

title reauthorization sbir sec amends small_business_act act reauthorize sbir small_business_technology_transfer sttr programs small_business_administration sba sec directs sba maintain office_of_technology carry oversight reporting public database responsibilities assigned sba administrator sec increases year percentage participating federal agencies extramural research budget set aside sbir program activities requires department_of_defense dod department_of_energy doe use increased amounts activities departments readiness levels technologies developed phase_ii_sbir awards sec increases set aside allocation sttr increasing percentage years sec increases sbir sttr programs individual small business award levels participation phase level million participation phase_ii level changes years annually required sba inflation adjustment awards prohibits agency issuing sbir sttr award award size exceeds established guidelines requires participating agencies maintain specified information awards exceeding guidelines sec allows small business receives sbir award agency receive award subsequent phase agency long head agency determines topics relevant awards award sbir sttr program receive award subsequent phase program sec requires federal agencies conduct solicitations phase_ii_sbir sttr proposals invitation pre screening pre selection selection process second phases sec authorizes director national_institutes_of_health nih secretary energy director national_science_foundation nsf days notifying administrator congressional small business committees award competitive merit based procedures respective sbir funds small businesses majority owned multiple venture capital companies permits federal agencies award sbir funds small businesses provides conditions small business majority owned multiple venture capital companies time application sbir award owned date award eligible award directs administrator establish requirements relating affiliation small businesses venture capital companies purposes requires small businesses register sba provides federal agency compliance percentage limits directs administrator post sba website information sbir sttr program affiliation rules sec requires federal agencies federal prime contractors greatest extent practicable issue phase iii awards relating technology including sole source awards sbir sttr award recipients developed technology sec authorizes head participating federal agency issue sbir sttr awards small businesses entered intend enter collaborative research development agreement federal laboratory federally funded research development center prohibits federal agency conditioning award entering agreement approving agreement small business performs lesser portion activities required act sbir sttr policy directives approving agreement violates sba provision directives requires administrator modify directives ensure small businesses use resources federal laboratories federally funded research development centers entering agreements sec requires federal agency involved judicial administrative case controversy concerning sbir sttr program provide timely notice thereof administrator sec allows small business receives phase sbir sttr award receive additional phase sbir sttr award project title outreach sec reauthorizes fy2016 federal_and_state_technology_partnership fast program program grants cooperative agreements strengthening technological competitiveness small businesses participating desiring participate sbir sttr programs provides reduced matching funds requirements fast recipients low income rural areas recipients states receiving fewest awards recipients rural areas states receiving fewest number awards limits grants cooperative agreements years requires annual report period administrator small business committees awards agreements entered authorizes appropriations sec allows federal agency conducting sttr program current law sbir program contract provision technical assistance small businesses participating program extends years authorized period assistance increases authorized provided sbir sttr participants second phases projects sec redesignates commercialization_pilot_program includes sttr technology projects program makes program permanent authorizes secretary defense establish goals transition phase iii technologies subcontracting plans require prime contractors report number contracts entered phase sttr projects directs secretary establish goals increasing number phase sttr contracts awarded lead technology transition programs record fielded systems use incentives create new incentives encourage agency program managers prime contractors meet goals include required annual report congress information projects funded program efforts transition technologies programs record fielded systems sec allows head federal agency allocate sbir sttr program funds establish pilot program awards technology development testing evaluation sbir sttr phase technologies support progress research research development conducted programs phase iii outlines pilot program application requirements requires agency heads include pilot program information required annual reports sba administrator terminates pilot program end fy2014 sec establishes independent advisory board national_academy_of_sciences nas conduct periodic evaluations sbir program nih institutes centers order improve program management data driven assessment requires director nih_sbir program address gaps deficiencies data collection identified nas report assessing nih sbir program authorizes director initiate pilot program spur innovation test new strategies enhance development cures therapies requires director report annually congress advisory board nih_sbir activities requires director greatest extent practicable reduce days period phase funding grants nih_sbir program terminates requirements section years enactment act sec directs head federal agency participating sbir sttr program develop performance measures relating commercializing research research development activities sbir sttr participants awarded multiple phase awards awarded phase_ii awards sec defines phase iii purposes sbir sttr programs including qualify commercialization phase sec requires final decisions sbir sttr program proposals applications days close solicitations days extended administrator allows nih director award nih_sbir sttr program application award undergone technical scientific peer review requirements public_health_service_act title iii oversight evaluation sec directs sba currently required annual reports concerning sbir sttr programs include information proposals received small businesses venture capital investment efforts increase outreach small businesses owned controlled women socially economically disadvantaged individuals implementation compliance requirements concerning allocation funding small businesses owned controlled multiple venture capital companies appeals phase_iii awards notices noncompliance sbir sttr policy directives directs sba coordinate implementation electronic databases participating federal agencies sec requires agencies sbir sttr program annually collect information similar outlined program assessment purposes sec requires specified information concerning sbir sttr awardees included public government databases maintained sba sec directs comptroller general years following enactment act conduct fiscal management audit sbir sttr programs report audit results small business committees sec amends small_business_reauthorization_act continue nas evaluation sbir program reports evaluation national_research_council participating agency heads small business committees requires updates years sec requires sba include annual report congress specified information phase_iii awards issued federal agencies participating sbir sttr programs sec directs conduct study report small business committees federal agency compliance data rights technologies protection sbir awardees sec requires federal agency conducting sbir sttr program obtain consent program applicants release contact information economic development organizations sec directs administrator allow federal agency required conduct sbir program use funds costs relating administrative oversight contract processing activities including added costs necessitated amendments act sec requires conduct study report congress impact requirements act relating venture capital company involvement sbir sttr programs sec directs administrator amend sbir sttr policy directives include measures prevent fraud waste abuse sbir sttr programs establish telephone hotline reporting fraud waste abuse requires conduct study evaluating federal agency implementation amendments directives report study results small business committees participating federal agencies sec requires director office_of_science_and_technology_policy establish interagency sbir sttr policy committee review recommendations improving effectiveness efficiency sbir sttr programs requires reports committee small business committees concerning review recommendations sec directs administrator issue regulations ensure federal agency required carry sbir sttr program simplifies program proposal selection contracting compliance audit procedures reduce paperwork regulatory compliance burden small businesses participating program title policy directives sec requires administrator promulgate amendments sbir sttr policy directives conform act amendments publish amended directives federal_register title provisions sec directs federal agencies required establish sbir sttr program determining appropriate research topics special priority applications support projects relating nanotechnology rare diseases security energy transportation improving security quality water supply efficiency water systems use technology requires agencies consideration research topics identified nas nih national nanotechnology strategic plan encourage applications small businesses located underrepresented rural areas areas excessive unemployment rates small businesses owned controlled women veterans native americans removes requirement certain specified dod technology research plans utilized identifying appropriate dod research development focus sbir sttr programs sec directs federal agency required participate sbir sttr program develop metrics evaluate effectiveness benefit program conduct annual evaluation program metrics report evaluation results annually administrator congress sec requires sbir sttr funds awarded pursuant competitive merit based selection procedures


Summary: Patriot Express Authorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Patriot Express Loan Program to guarantee loans made by express lenders to eligible members of the military community. Includes as eligible members: (1) a veteran, including a service-disabled veteran; (2) a member of the Armed Forces on active duty who is eligible to participate in the Transition Assistance Program; (3) the spouse of the above individuals; (4) the widowed spouse of a deceased veteran or member who died due to a service-connected disability; and (5) the widowed spouse of a deceased member to whom the Department of Defense (DOD) may provide for the recovery, care, and disposition of the remains of an individual who died while on active duty or during inactive-duty training. Allows such loans to be used for any business purpose. Limits: (1) individual loans to $1 million, and (2) the loan fee charged to 75% of that charged for SBA general small business loans. Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to coordinate with the heads of executive departments and independent establishments to: (1) develop a strategy to reduce government printing costs during the 10-year period beginning on September 1, 2011; and (2) issue government-wide guidelines for printing that implements the strategy.

authorization act amends small business act direct administrator small_business_administration sba establish guarantee loans express lenders eligible members military community includes eligible members veteran including service disabled veteran member armed_forces active duty eligible participate transition_assistance_program spouse individuals spouse deceased veteran member died service connected disability spouse deceased member department_of_defense dod provide recovery care disposition remains individual died active duty inactive duty training allows loans business purpose limits individual loans million loan fee charged charged sba general small business loans requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb coordinate heads executive departments independent establishments develop strategy reduce government printing costs year period beginning september issue government wide guidelines printing implements strategy


Summary: Greater Accountability in the Lending Fund Act of 2011 - Amends the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 relating to the Small Business Lending Fund Program to: (1) remove a requirement that the capital investment received by an eligible small business under the Program be evidenced by stock or other financial instrument that carries the highest dividend or interest rate payable; (2) terminate the Program 15 years after the enactment of such Act; (3) prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury from making capital investments under the Program if the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is appointed receiver of 5% or more of the institutions receiving an investment under the Program; (4) prohibit Program participation by any institution in which the Secretary made an investment under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008; (5) revise provisions concerning consideration of private investment under the Program; (6) require the approval of (under current law, requires consultation with) appropriate financial regulators when determining whether an institution should receive a capital investment; and (7) revise the benchmark against which changes in the amount of small business lending shall be measured.

greater accountability lending fund act amends small business jobs act relating small_business_lending_fund_program remove requirement capital investment received eligible small business program evidenced stock financial instrument carries highest dividend interest rate payable terminate program years enactment act prohibit secretary treasury making capital investments program federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic appointed receiver institutions receiving investment program prohibit program participation institution secretary investment troubled_asset_relief_program tarp emergency_economic_stabilization_act revise provisions concerning consideration private investment program require approval current law requires consultation appropriate financial regulators determining institution receive capital investment revise benchmark changes small business lending shall measured


Summary: Voluntary Protection Program Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to enter into cooperative agreements with employers to: (1) encourage establishment of comprehensive safety and health management systems to protect employees from occupational hazards, and (2) establish a voluntary protection program to encourage excellence and recognize its achievement in both the technical and managerial protection of employees from occupational hazards. Requires the Secretary to take necessary steps for the orderly transition from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cooperative agreements and voluntary protection programs existing before enactment of this Act to agreements and programs authorized under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program to increase small business participation in the voluntary protection program.

secretary labor enter cooperative agreements employers encourage establishment comprehensive safety health management systems protect employees occupational hazards establish voluntary protection program encourage excellence recognize achievement technical managerial protection employees occupational hazards requires secretary necessary steps orderly transition occupational_safety_and_health_administration osha cooperative agreements voluntary protection programs existing enactment act agreements programs authorized act directs secretary establish program increase small business participation voluntary protection program


Summary: PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 to extend until June 1, 2015, provisions concerning roving electronic surveillance orders and requests for the production of business records and other tangible things. Amends the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to extend until June 1, 2015, a provision revising the definition of an "agent of a foreign power" to include any non-U.S. person who engages in international terrorism or preparatory activities ("lone wolf" provision).

patriot sunsets extension act amends usa_patriot_improvement reauthorization act extend june provisions concerning roving electronic surveillance orders requests production business records tangible things amends intelligence reform terrorism prevention act extend june provision revising definition agent foreign power include non person engages international terrorism preparatory activities lone wolf provision


Summary: Freedom from Restrictive Excessive Executive Demands and Onerous Mandates Act of 2011 - Amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) to revise the regulatory process (rulemaking) with respect to small entities (e.g., small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions). Defines "economic impact" with respect to a proposed or final rule to mean: (1) the economic effects on small entities directly regulated by the rule, and (2) the reasonably foreseeable economic effects of the rule on small entities resulting from their transactions with other businesses and entities directly regulated by the rule. Expands judicial review of agency rulemaking to permit small entities to seek judicial review of initial regulatory flexibility analyses and to obtain an injunction of a proposed rule that is noncompliant with RFA requirements. Requires each agency to establish a plan for the periodic review (every nine years) of: (1) its rules that have a significant adverse economic impact on small entities, and (2) any small entity compliance guide required to be published by an agency. Sets forth criteria for review of a rule, including the continued need for the rule, the complexity of the rule, and the impact of the rule on small entities. Expands to all agencies the procedures for gathering comments on rules that will have a significant economic impact on small entities. Extends RFA requirements to informal agency guidance documents. Amends the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 to require each agency to review on a periodic basis the civil penalties it imposes on small entities for violations of statutory or regulatory requirements. Imposes certain additional requirements on agencies prior to the issuance of a final rule, including requirements for: (1) publication of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis, (2) a determination of the average cost of a rule for affected small entities and the number of small entities affected or reasonably presumed to be affected, and (3) consultation with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy for the Small Business Administration (SBA) with respect to the accuracy of information relating to the cost and impact of a final rule. Authorizes appropriations to the Small Business Administration for FY2012-FY2014 to carry out this Act. Repeals certain provisions of the Small Business Act and the Energy Security and Efficiency Act of 2007 to offset the costs of carrying out this Act and to reduce the federal deficit.

freedom mandates act amends regulatory flexibility act rfa revise regulatory process rulemaking respect small entities small businesses small organizations small governmental jurisdictions defines economic impact respect proposed final rule mean economic effects small entities directly regulated rule reasonably foreseeable economic effects rule small entities resulting transactions businesses entities directly regulated rule expands judicial review agency rulemaking permit small entities seek judicial review initial regulatory flexibility analyses obtain injunction proposed rule noncompliant rfa requirements requires agency establish plan periodic review years rules significant adverse economic impact small entities small entity compliance guide required published agency sets forth criteria review rule including continued need rule complexity rule impact rule small entities expands agencies procedures gathering comments rules significant economic impact small entities extends rfa requirements informal agency guidance documents amends small_business_regulatory_enforcement fairness act require agency review periodic basis civil penalties imposes small entities violations statutory regulatory requirements imposes certain additional requirements agencies prior issuance final rule including requirements publication initial regulatory flexibility analysis determination average cost rule affected small entities number small entities affected reasonably presumed affected consultation chief counsel advocacy small_business_administration sba respect accuracy information relating cost impact final rule authorizes appropriations small_business_administration fy2012 fy2014 carry act repeals certain provisions small_business_act offset costs carrying act reduce federal deficit


Summary: Small Business Health Relief Act of 2011 - Repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as added by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), that: (1) impose fines on large employers (employers with more than 50 full-time employees) who fail to offer their full-time employees the opportunity to enroll in minimum essential health insurance coverage; and (2) require such large employers to file a report with the Secretary of the Treasury on health insurance coverage provided to their full-time employees. Repeals provision of PPACA that: (1) set limits on the annual deductible on health plans offered in the small group market, (2) allow catastrophic plans to be offered in the individual market to individuals under the age of 30, and (3) impose an annual fee on health insurance entities. Deems high deductible health plans to meet essential health benefits coverage requirements if the enrollee has established a health savings account. Amends the Public Health Service Act, as amended by PPACA, to repeal provision that allow a premium rate variance by age in the individual or small group market. Repeals restrictions on payments for medications from health savings accounts, medical savings accounts, and health flexible spending arrangements to prescription drugs or insulin. Repeals provisions limiting annual salary reduction contributions by an employee to a health flexible spending arrangement under a cafeteria plan to $2,500. Allows a health plan to maintain its status as a grandfathered health plan regardless of any modification to the cost-sharing levels, employer contribution rates, or covered benefits. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate regulations to clarify the application of such provision. Makes this provision effective as if included in PPACA. Voids any regulations promulgated related to such provisions before enactment of this Act.

small business health relief act repeals provisions internal_revenue_code irc added patient_protection affordable care act ppaca impose fines large employers employers time employees fail offer time employees opportunity enroll minimum essential health insurance coverage require large employers file report secretary treasury health insurance coverage provided time employees repeals provision ppaca set limits annual deductible health plans offered small group market allow catastrophic plans offered individual market individuals age impose annual fee health insurance entities deems high deductible health plans meet essential health benefits coverage requirements enrollee established health savings account amends public_health_service_act amended ppaca repeal provision allow premium rate variance age individual small group market repeals restrictions payments medications health savings accounts medical savings accounts health flexible spending arrangements prescription drugs insulin repeals provisions limiting annual salary reduction contributions employee health flexible spending arrangement cafeteria plan allows health plan maintain status grandfathered health plan regardless modification cost sharing levels employer contribution rates covered benefits requires secretary health_and_human_services hhs promulgate regulations clarify application provision makes provision effective included ppaca voids regulations promulgated related provisions enactment act


Summary: Small Business Additional Temporary Extension Act of 2011 - Extends through July 31, 2011, under the same terms and conditions, the authorization for any program, authority, or provision, including any pilot program, that is currently authorized through May 31, 2011, under the Small Business Act or the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to reauthorize through FY2011 the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA), as well as the SBA's commercialization pilot program. Requires all SBIR or STTR funds to be awarded pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures.

extends july terms conditions authorization program authority provision including pilot program currently authorized small business act small_business_investment_act amends small_business_act act reauthorize sbir small_business_technology_transfer sttr programs small_business_administration sba sba commercialization pilot program requires sbir sttr funds awarded pursuant competitive merit based selection procedures


Summary: Small Business Fairness Act of 2011 - Amends the Small Business Act to permit a contract between a federal agency and a small business teaming arrangement entity to be deemed awarded for purposes of the small business procurement and services contracting goals established by the head of that agency if the obligations of such entity are performed by a qualified HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) small business or a small business owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or women. Defines "teaming arrangement entity" as a prime contractor under a contractor team arrangement as defined under specified provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, as in effect on October 1, 2009.

small business fairness act amends small business act permit contract federal agency small business teaming arrangement entity deemed awarded purposes small business procurement services contracting goals established head agency obligations entity performed qualified hubzone historically underutilized business zone small business small business owned controlled service disabled veterans socially economically disadvantaged individuals women defines teaming arrangement entity prime contractor contractor team arrangement defined specified provisions federal_acquisition_regulation effect october