; and (2) all or a portion of the costs to the Federal Government of servicing the Federal credit instruments. (c) Servicer (1) In general The Assistant Secretary may appoint a financial entity to assist the Assistant Secretary in servicing the Federal credit instruments. (2) Duties A servicer appointed under paragraph (1) shall act as the agent for the Assistant Secretary. (3) Fee A servicer appointed under paragraph (1) shall receive a servicing fee, subject to approval by the Assistant Secretary. (d) Assistance From Expert Firms The Assistant Secretary may retain the services of expert firms, including counsel, in the field of municipal and project finance to assist in the underwriting and servicing of Federal credit instruments. (e) Expedited Processing The Assistant Secretary shall implement procedures and measures to economize the time and cost involved in obtaining approval and the issuance of credit assistance under the BIFIA program. (f) Assistance to Small Projects Of the amount appropriated under section 10(a), and after the set-aside for administrative expenses under section 10(b), not less than 20 percent shall be made available for the Assistant Secretary to use in lieu of fees collected under subsection (b) for small projects. 8. State and local permits The provision of credit assistance under the BIFIA program with respect to a project shall not— (1) relieve any recipient of the assistance of any obligation to obtain any required State or local permit or approval with respect to the project; (2) limit the right of any unit of State or local government to approve or regulate any rate of return on private equity invested in the project