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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

Home About NRC Contracting Opportunities Information for Small Businesses

Small Business Regulatory Assistance

The Small Business Program staff under 15 U.S.C. 644(K) of the Small Business Act is tasked with supporting small entities in resolving regulatory challenges. Areas of support include:

  • Overly restrictive requirements that impede the ability of the small business to compete for contract awards.
  • Assist with prime or subcontracting payments which are not timely in accordance with current law.
  • Contract conversions which include converting from contract type to another, converting a contractor to a federal employee and novation agreements.
  • Ensure that no additional requirements or conditions that were not part of the original procurement are introduced, making it difficult or impossible for the party to perform their duties.

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Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) requires all federal agencies to perform a regulatory flexibility analysis, provide guidance, help small entities comply with the agency’s statutes and regulations; and establish a program to respond to small business inquiries about such issues. Additionally, SBREFA federal agencies are required to make assistance, and other compliance information available to small businesses through a central source. At the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), your central contact point is the Small Business Program.

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Compliance Guides for New Regulations

For new regulations issued after June 28, 1996, agencies are required to write compliance guides that explain in plain language what the new regulations require. The guides are available from Small Entity Compliance Guides and Section 610 Periodic Reviews.

Under the provisions of the SBREFA, the SBA requires that each Federal agency draft a policy that an agency will not retaliate against small entities that question or complain about the business practices conducted by said agency. If a small entity has any questions or lodges a complaint regarding an NRC policy or pursues action against this agency, NRC will not retaliate against them. For additional information concerning the SBREFA and a list of agency contacts, please visit the SBA’s Office of the National Ombudsman’s (ONO). If a small entity wishes to comment on the enforcement actions of NRC, it may call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247) or write to the Ombudsman at 409 3rd Street, SW, Suite 7125, Washington, DC 20416.

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New Regulations

NRC is required to obtain and consider small entity input and interests when writing a new regulation that will have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. Alternatives that would reduce the economic burden on small entities must be considered.

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Small Entities

Examples of small entities are:

  • Small Businesses
  • Start-ups and Entrepreneurs
  • Small Governments and Localities
  • Small Colleges and Universities
  • Small Non-Profits

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Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, August 08, 2025