source:
  type: guide
  id: usda-hb-3555-1.2
  authority: USDA SFH Guaranteed Loan Program Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 ¶1.2 —
    Using The Handbook
  description: USDA SFH Guaranteed Loan Program Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 ¶1.2
    — Using The Handbook.
  coverage_tier: operative
obligations:
- id: usda-hb-3555-1.2-full
  canonical_id: usda-hb-3555-1.2-full
  section: USDA SFH Guaranteed Loan Program Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 ¶1.2 — Using
    The Handbook
  type: do
  tags:
  - regulator-direct
  - usda
  - usda-handbook
  - corpus-expansion
  - tier-operative
  primary_source:
    tier: 1
    authority: USDA SFH Guaranteed Loan Program Technical Handbook HB-1-3555 ¶1.2
      — Using The Handbook
    source_class: usda-handbook
    source_url: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/hb-1-3555_consolidated.pdf
    snapshot_id: 0466acd1ea2d17a4
    fetched_at: '2026-05-25T14:10:13Z'
    content_hash: sha256:22ac6f998ff72578e318fca138ebe80fb18ae2fc701eb5936172f1842679a13a
    paragraph_quote: '1.2 USING THE HANDBOOK The Handbook is organized to allow the
      reader to look up information on specific topics easily. There is a detailed
      Table of Contents that provides a guide to finding particular topics. In addition,
      several graphic tools and conventions have been used to make information easier
      to find and understand. A. Citations x Regulatory citations. The regulation
      for the SFHGLP is provided in 7 CFR Part 3555 and the text of that regulation
      is provided in Appendix 1. To assist readers in locating the regulatory authority
      for procedures described here, references to HB-1-3555 (03-09-16) SPECIAL PN
      1-2 Revised (06-24-22) PN 563 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of
      law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract.
      USDA may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available through
      their guidance portal, except to establish historical facts. this regulation
      often appear in brackets, for example: [7 CFR 3555.55]. Other regulations or
      Rural Development instructions are simply referenced. x Cross references. Topics
      discussed in more than one place in the Handbook are cross-referenced to help
      the reader find other related information more easily. x Form references. Agency
      form names are shown in italics. A list of all forms referenced in this Handbook
      can be found in Appendix 2. B. Attachments and Appendices x Attachments. Attachments
      at the end of each chapter contain technical information that is specific to
      the topics covered in the chapter. Attachments are referenced in sequence using
      the chapter number and an attachment letter. For example, Attachment 4-A is
      the first attachment in Chapter 4. x Appendices. Appendices include forms and
      other reference materials that relate to multiple chapters. x Glossary and acronym
      lists. Key words and terms are defined in the glossary. A list of acronyms and
      their definitions is also provided. The glossary and acronym lists can be found
      after the appendices. C. Terminology The SFHGLP has a centralized delivery platform
      under the Origination and Processing Division (OPD). Servicing operations are
      located at the Servicing Office. This Handbook uses certain standard terminology
      to provide consistency. x Agency. The organizational unit within the United
      States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is responsible for administering
      the SFHGLP. x Lender. A financial institution that has been approved to participate
      in the SFHGLP. The term is used to refer to entities that underwrite and apply
      for loan guarantees, service SFHGLP loans, or purchase SFHGLP loans from other
      entities. x Servicing Office. The servicing center in St. Louis, Missouri where
      specific servicing functions, such as loss mitigation and loss claims, are processed.
      x Agency staff. An Agency employee who is responsible for implementing the requirements
      of the SFHGLP on behalf of the Agency. HB-1-3555 (03-09-16) SPECIAL PN 1-3 Revised
      (06-24-22) PN 563 Guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless
      expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract. USDA may not
      cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not available through their guidance
      portal, except to establish historical facts. x Applicant. One or more individuals
      who have applied for a guaranteed loan. x Borrower. One or more individuals
      who have received a guaranteed loan.'
  judgment: false
