15 U.S.C. § 9554 — Study and report

Page 2609 TITLE 15—COMMERCE AND TRADE § 9561 (viii) the ability to leverage relation- ships with rural minority business enter- prises; and (ix) a referral relationship with not less than 1 community-based organization; and (B) give priority to an eligible entity that— (i) is located in a State or region that has a significant population of socially or economically disadvantaged individuals; (ii) has a history of serving socially or economically disadvantaged individuals; or (iii) in the determination of the Under Secretary, has not received an equitable allocation of land and financial resources under— (I) the Act of July 2, 1862 (commonly known as the ‘‘First Morrill Act’’) (12 Stat. 503, chapter 130; 7 U.S.C. 301 et seq.); or (II) the Act of August 30, 1890 (com- monly known as the ‘‘Second Morrill Act’’) (26 Stat. 417, chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 321 et seq.). (3) Considerations In determining whether to enter into an MBDA Rural Business Center agreement with an eligible entity under this section, the Under Secretary shall consider the needs of the eligible entity. (Pub. L. 117–58, div. K, title III, § 100302, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1459.) Editorial Notes REFERENCES IN TEXT The Act of July 2, 1862, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B)(iii)(I), is act July 2, 1862, ch. 130, 12 Stat. 503, popularly known as the Morrill Act and also as the First Morrill Act, which is classified generally to sub- chapter I (§ 301 et seq.) of chapter 13 of Title 7, Agri- culture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 301 of Title 7 and Tables. The Act of August 30, 1890, referred to in subsec. (d)(2)(B)(iii)(II), is act Aug. 30, 1890, ch. 841, 26 Stat. 417, popularly known as the Agricultural College Act of 1890 and also as the Second Morrill Act, which is classified generally to subchapter II (§ 321 et seq.) of chapter 13 of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under sec- tion 321 of Title 7 and Tables. § 9553. Report to Congress Not later than 1 year after November 15, 2021, the Under Secretary shall submit to the appro- priate congressional committees a report that includes— (1) a summary of the efforts of the Under Secretary to provide services to minority busi- ness enterprises located in States that lack an MBDA Business Center, as of November 15, 2021, and especially in those States that have significant minority populations; and (2) recommendations for extending the out- reach of the Agency to underserved areas. (Pub. L. 117–58, div. K, title III, § 100303, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1461.) § 9554. Study and report (a) In general The Under Secretary, in coordination with rel- evant leadership of the Agency and relevant in- dividuals outside of the Department of Com- merce, shall conduct a study that addresses the ways in which minority business enterprises can meet gaps in the supply chain of the United States, with a particular focus on the supply chain of advanced manufacturing and essential goods and services. (b) Report Not later than 1 year after November 15, 2021, the Under Secretary shall submit to the appro- priate congressional committees a report that includes the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), which shall include rec- ommendations regarding the ways in which mi- nority business enterprises can meet gaps in the supply chain of the United States. (Pub. L. 117–58, div. K, title III, § 100304, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 1461.) SUBCHAPTER IV—MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS § 9561. Grants to nonprofit organizations that support minority business enterprises (a) Definition In this section, the term ‘‘covered entity’’ means a private nonprofit organization that— (1) is described in paragraph (3), (4), (5), or (6) of section 501(c) of title 26 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such title; and (2) can demonstrate that a primary activity of the organization is to provide services to minority business enterprises, whether through education, making grants or loans, or other similar activities. (b) Purpose The purpose of this section is to make grants to covered entities to help those covered entities continue the necessary work of supporting mi- nority business enterprises. (c) Designation of office (1) In general Not later than 180 days after November 15, 2021, the Under Secretary shall designate an office to make and administer grants under this section. (2) Considerations In designating an office under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall ensure that the of- fice designated has adequate staffing to carry out the responsibilities of the office under this section. (d) Application A covered entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the Under Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Under Sec- retary may require. (e) Priority The Under Secretary shall, in carrying out this section, prioritize granting an application