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Technical Service Provider

Fact Sheet          

September 2003    
 

Use this link for a .PDF version of Technical Service Provider  Fact Sheet.       This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. 

 

Overview:

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now in the process of utilizing technical service providers (TSP) to help implement the 2002 Farm Bill programs. With the increased scale of the conservation programs NRCS needs additional assistance to meet producer's demands. The same high quality standards used by NRCS will be available through TSPs. 

Technical assistance includes conservation planning, design, layout, installation and certification of approved conservation practices. Those participating in USDA programs may use NRCS or a certified TSP for technical assistance.

Technical Service Provider:

NRCS in Washington State currently has about 50 individuals, businesses, entities and agencies certified as TSPs. Those interested in the certification process and criteria can go to http://techreg.usda.gov/ for detailed information. Once an applicant becomes a certified TSP by NRCS their name will be placed on the national register. The register contains a resume of the TSPs qualifications and the states they are registered to work in. The list of certified TSPs can be accessed on the techreg web site. 

Also included on the web site is the not-to-exceed rates that NRCS will use for the basis of determining payments to TSPs. Because this is a new process, NRCS is anticipating that these rates will change over time. NRCS will be providing orientation training to certified TSPs in the near future. The orientation will include basic information relating to farm bill programs, forms, payment, billing process, specifications, documentation and progress reporting.

Providing Assistance:

Farmers, ranchers and others participating in USDA programs may use NRCS or a certified TSP for technical assistance.

Questions:

If you have questions, visit your local NRCS office. Office locations can be found at http://offices.usda.gov/ click on Washington State and your county.

 

NRCS Farm Bill Fact Sheets:  http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/products.html

Visit USDA on the Web at:  http://www.usda.gov/farmbill/index.html

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