The Small Business Administration (SBA) hereby amends its regulations governing the Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development program authorized by sections 7(j)(10) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 636(j)(10), 637(a). This final rule amends both eligibility requirements for and contractual assistance provisions within the 8(a) program. It is designed to streamline the operation of the 8(a) program and to ease certain restrictions perceived to be burdensome on Program Participants.