What are the procedures for early graduation and termination?

(a) General. The same procedures apply to both early graduation and termination of Participants from the 8(a) BD program.

(b) Letter of Intent to Terminate or Graduate Early. When SBA believes that a Participant should be terminated or graduated prior to the expiration of its program term, SBA will notify the concern in writing. The Letter of Intent to Terminate or Graduate Early will set forth the specific facts and reasons for SBA's findings, and will notify the concern that it has 30 days from the date of service of the letter to submit a written response to SBA explaining why the proposed ground(s) should not justify termination or early graduation. Service is defined in Sec. 134.204.

(c) Recommendation and decision. Following the 30-day response period, the Assistant Administrator for DPCE (AA/DPCE) or designee will consider the proposed early graduation or termination and any information submitted in response by the concern. Upon determining that early graduation or termination is not warranted, the AA/DPCE or designee will notify the Participant in writing. If early graduation or termination appears warranted, the AA/DPCE will make such a recommendation to the AA/8(a)BD, who will then make a decision whether to early graduate or terminate the concern. SBA will act in a timely manner in processing early graduation and termination actions.

(d) Notice requirements. Upon deciding that early graduation or termination is warranted, the AA/8(a)BD will issue a Notice of Early Graduation or Termination. The Notice will set forth the specific facts and reasons for the decision, and will advise the concern that it may appeal the decision.

(e) Appeal to OHA. Procedures governing appeals of early graduation or termination to SBA's OHA. If a Participant does not appeal a Notification of Early Graduation or Termination within 45 days of the date of service, the decision of the AA/8(a)BD is the final agency decision effective on the date the appeal right expired.

(f) Effect of early graduation or termination. After the effective date of early graduation or termination, a Participant is no longer eligible to receive any 8(a) BD program assistance. However, such concern is obligated to complete previously awarded 8(a) contracts, including any priced options which may be exercised.

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