USDA-NRCS Seeks Cost Information From Technical Service Providers

DES MOINES, IA, March 21, 2003—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking information on current market prices for conservation technical services from existing and potential technical service providers during the next several weeks.

The pricing information collected will help the agency establish payment rates for existing and potential technical service providers. USDA needs this information to ensure these providers receive fair market prices for the services they perform.

The 2002 Farm Bill expanded the availability of technical assistance to producers by encouraging the use of third parties—called technical service providers—to help landowners meet their conservation goals. This process allows USDA to provide more resources for technical assistance from private and nonprofit sectors and state and local governments. As a result, producers can select NRCS or technical service providers to help them meet these conservation goals.

Technical experts wanting to become technical service provides must register online. TechReg—the technical service provider registry—will allow interested individuals and organizations to apply and request certification on the Internet.  Users of TechReg will be able to list their services, credentials, accomplishments and progress.  In addition, farmers and ranchers will be able to locate and choose technical service providers authorized to provide services to their area. Additional information on TechReg is available at http://techreg.usda.gov

USDA is seeking sources of certified technical service providers and costs for the technical services they provide by March 30. Conservation technical services include conservation planning and the design, layout, installation and review of approved conservation practices. The work completed by these technical service providers must meet NRCS standards and specifications, program requirements, and relevant laws and regulations.

Respondents can submit information via the Internet, e-mail and regular mail. Please submit information online at http://tspcost.sc.egov.usda.gov/. Mail responses to Edward M. Biggers, Director, Management Services Division, Room 5221-S, USDA-NRCS, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. Washington, DC 20250.

If you have questions about this cost data collection, contact edward.biggers@usda.gov.

Iowa Contact:

• Tom O’Connor, Iowa NRCS:  515-284-4353

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