Technical Service Providers
Information for prospective TSPs,
interested landowners and NRCS employees in Iowa
TSP Program Purpose
Technical Service Providers (TSPs) are individuals, private businesses,
nonprofit organizations and public agencies outside of the U.S. Department of
Agriculture that help agricultural producers apply conservation practices on the
land.
The 2002 Farm Bill authorized the use of TSPs to increase the technical
assistance available to landowners, ensuring quality technical assistance at a
time when conservation work is at an historic high.
Through the TSP program, producers have the option of obtaining technical
assistance from TSPs in addition to traditional assistance from the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation (NRCS). The same high quality standards used by NRCS
conservation professionals are available through certified Technical Service
Providers.
This brochure offers an overview of the Iowa TSP program, including TSP
eligibility, partnering organizations, work and payment agreements,
verification, legal responsibilities, and confidentiality of records.
TSP Eligibility
To become a certified TSP, the applicant must log on to the TechReg website,
http://techreg.usda.gov/, and follow the instructions for obtaining a USDA user
ID account and password. Instructions are available online or through any USDA
Service Center.
After obtaining level 2 authorization, the TSP application can be completed.
A step-by-step instruction guide is provided online at the
TechReg website.
An NRCS Technical Service Provider Coordinator will verify applicant
qualifications and certify qualified applicants within 60 days of submission of
the application. Applicants wishing to work in multiple states must register
individually for each state certification. Members of partnering organizations
have a streamlined application process.
Exact qualifications vary, depending on selected categories and practices.
TSP Categories
Names of certified TSPs are placed on the national register which can be
accessed on the TechReg website, http://techreg.usda.gov/. The register contains
a resume of the qualifications and the individual categories in which the TSP is
certified to provide technical service, as well as listing the states where the
TSP is registered to work.
Potential TSPs can choose from a multitude of categories in which to be
certified, however, not every category or practice is reimbursed through any one
Farm Bill program. Each state determines which practices a TSP will be permitted
to provide. The categories and practices authorized in Iowa are listed on the
TechReg website under TSP Not-To-Exceed Rates.
States are permitted to develop TSP certification criteria that exceed the
national minimum standards. This may include obtaining specific state or county
licensing, attending general or technical workshops, and/or meeting additional
educational requirements such as obtaining yearly continuing education credits.
TSP Selection Guidelines
A producer should use the same care in selecting a TSP as
in choosing any other contractor. A list of certified TSPs can be found on the
TechReg website. The following is a guideline for selecting a TSP:
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It is the producer’s responsibility to check references
and review qualifications. The producer should take care to ensure that the
TSP understands local conditions and concerns.
-
Ask for referrals from other producers in the area who
have used TSPs. Cost should not be your final criteria for choosing a TSP.
Communication skills, experience, and satisfaction of previous clients should
also factor into the decision.
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Have a face-to-face interview with more than one TSP.
-
Expect the unexpected. Discuss with the TSP how
unexpected events will be handled. Ask for specific examples of how the TSP
has resolved project problems in the past.
-
Discuss which services will be provided by the TSP and
which, if any, services will be provided by NRCS or other entity. This
includes design, construction/implementation, quality assurance, and final
certification.
-
Discuss who will coordinate service schedules in order to
complete practices in a timely manner. The producer is responsible for
obtaining all permits. If the TSP is expected to obtain the appropriate
permits, that should be agreed upon well in advance of project implementation
or construction.
-
While TSP costs may be reimbursed by NRCS, it is the
responsibility of the producer to pay the TSP. Work out payment arrangements
prior to the start of a project.
TSP Work and Payment Agreements
After the practice is implemented and the producer and TSP certify the
practice is completed, NRCS will provide the producer with a one-time
reimbursement payment. Producers will be paid only the amount stipulated in the
program contract. This payment is based on the Not-to-Exceed (NTE) rates posted
on the TechReg website.
The actual contract reimbursement rates will be determined by NRCS. These
rates are based on the type, size, and complexity of the service performed. The
producer is responsible for TSP payments that exceed the NTE rate.
TSP Verification
A TSP must be able to demonstrate knowledge of NRCS standards and
specifications, down to the county level. Iowa quality assurance procedures for
verification of applicants requires the submission of several documents prior to
final certification. This includes, but is not limited to, college transcripts,
licenses, and training certificates, as well as a narrative documenting
knowledge and/or experience down to the county level. Only copies of original
documents should be submitted for verification by NRCS and will not be returned
to the applicant.
Once certified, TSP names are placed in a national register. The register
contains a resume of the TSPs’ qualifications and the individual categories in
which the TSP is certified to provide technical service, as well as a list of
the states and counties where the TSP is registered to work.
TSP Legal Responsibilities
TSPs are legally responsible for the technical assistance they provide to the
landowner. NRCS is responsible for the technical assistance that the agency
provides to the landowner.
The landowner is responsible for meeting regulatory and program requirements
as well as obtaining any federal, state, county or local approvals, permits or
easements required for the project.
The landowner is responsible for all payments to the TSP. The landowner and
the TSP are responsible for ensuring that the work agreement conforms to Iowa
Field Office Technical Guide Standards.
Confidentiality of TSP Records
NRCS is governed by the Freedom of Information Act and
Privacy Act of 1974. The agency cannot share privacy information with TSPs
without the participant’s permission. The producer must waive the right to
privacy in order to authorize release of non-public information to their
contracted TSP. The same restrictions and penalties on releasing non-public
information that pertain to federal employees also pertain to TSPs. Technical
Service Providers may not release any information that reflects on the
producer’s personal, commercial or financial matters or which causes substantial
harm to the competitive position of the producer.
TSP Information
Iowa TSP Contact
Judy Martinson,
NRCS Resource Conservationist
210 Walnut Street, Room 693, Des Moines, IA, 50309
Phone: 515-323-2229
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