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  Frequently Asked Question- Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
 
Q.   I was the unsuccessful bidder on a government contract. I believe the federal agency acted unfairly. Can the Office of the National Ombudsman help me or petition the agency on my behalf?
 
A.   No. An award of a government contract is not a regulatory enforcement action by a federal agency. The National Ombudsman can only act when a federal agency has taken unfair enforcement or compliance action against a small entity.
 
Q.   I applied for an SBA loan and believe I was unfairly turned down. Can the Office of the National Ombudsman assist me?
 
A.   No. Application for a government loan is not a regulatory enforcement or compliance action by a federal agency. The National Ombudsman can only act when a federal agency has teken unfair enforcement or compliance action against a small entity.
 
Q.   A federal agency has requested an audit of my records. Can the Office of the National Ombudsman stop or delay the audit?
 
A.   No. Some federal agencies are granted the power to reuest documents and perform audits and inspections. These are not generally considered enforcement or compliance actions.
 
Q.   A federal employee has taken retaliatory action against me because I complained of an unfair enforcement of compliance action. Can the Office of the National Ombudsman assist me?
 
A.   Yes. The Office of the National Ombudsman takes a tough stand against retaliation by any federal employee and encourages agencies to maintain a zero tolerance policy against retaliation.
 
Q.   I represent a small town. Can I file a comment or compliant with the Office of the National Ombudsman regarding an unfair regulatory or enforcement action taken by a federal agency?
 
A.   Yes. The Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 specifically authorizes the National Ombudsman to take comments from small entities, including small businesses, small governments, and non-profit organizations.

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Last Modified: 10/29/2001 11:15:43 PM