SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROGRAM EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION.

SEC. 404. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER PROGRAM EXAMINATION AND CERTIFICATION. Section 21(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(k)) is amended to read as follows: “(k) Program Examination and Certification.— “(1) Examination.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administration shall develop and implement a biennial programmatic and financial examination of each small business development center established pursuant to this section. “(2) Certification.—The Administration may provide financial support, by contract or otherwise, to the association 108 STAT. 4192authorized by subsection (a)(3)(A) for the purpose of developing a small business development center certification program. “(3) Extension or renewal of cooperative agreements.—In extending or renewing a cooperative agreement of a small business development center, the Administration shall consider the results of the examination and certification program conducted pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2).”.