Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative October 2011 Dave White Chief, USDA-NRCS Streamlining Delivery of Conservation Assistance For more information: search “CDSI” SLIDE 1

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Background Analysis began in 2009 and NRCS Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative (CDSI) was formalized in 2010 to: Increase technical staff time in the field with landowners Simplify conservation delivery – for landowners & employees Ensure science-based conservation assistance Streamline business processes Integrate and improve information technology Enhance financial management and accountability SLIDE 2

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative CDSI uses today’s technology and streamlined, integrated business processes to improve conservation delivery. It is : Good for Landowners 75% of technical staff time spent in the field with landowners Simplified, streamlined processes make conservation easier Improved, increased science-based conservation planning Integrated technical and financial assistance delivery Expedited delivery of financial assistance 24/7 online access “Mobile” field office reduces need for travel Good for NRCS Ability to track and report environmental outcomes Improved financial accountability Good for healthy working lands More conservation on the ground SLIDE 3

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Current Process * most steps performed by NRCS technical staff Landowner completes application & signs Eligibility determined Schedule appt. Landowner drives to NRCS office Batching period Final planning Schedule appt. Contract developed START WAIT Landowner signs contract WAIT Eligibility issues resolved WAIT Start field planning Rank tentative practices in office WAIT Landowner signs ranking Landowner signs final plan SLIDE 4 WAIT

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Future Process Plan is developed & ranked Landowner applies for assistance online Plan finalized Plan implemented Landowners have the option to apply, review documents, and sign documents online or in person, either in the office or field SLIDE 5 Administrative/clerical support tasks either automated or handled through centralized support staff START

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative SLIDE 6

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services CDSI Strategies: SLIDE 7

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrated Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services Reduce steps and eliminate unnecessary tasks Automate workflow Integrate technical and financial assistance SLIDE 8

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services Aligning IT around business needs will result in integrated technology and 24/7 online access Enable mobile computing Integrate GIS technology Integrated technical and financial assistance tools SLIDE 9

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 1. Streamlined Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services Science and technology will streamline planning processes and document environmental outcomes Minimize data entry Measure & report outcomes Simplify plan criteria SLIDE 10

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services Centralize administrative support Integrated technology and realigned administrative support will result in more timely financial assistance E-Signature Streamline Ranking SLIDE 11

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4.Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services Clients will be able to do many tasks with NRCS on-line 24/7, adding convenience and eliminating trips to the office Web-based client gateway, 24/7 online access Redesign conservation plan format SLIDE 12

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Integrated CDSI Technology SLIDE 13 Conservation Desktop Client Gateway Mobile Planner Landowners NRCS Technical Staff Centralized Administrative Support Staff

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Client Gateway – Landowners have 24/7 online access to conservation activities Apply for NRCS programs and assistance E-sign plans and contracts Identify goals or problem areas Schedule appointments Ask technical or financial assistance questions View plans & contracts Check status of payments Check on program eligibility issues View soils & natural resource information SLIDE 14

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Mobile Planner– NRCS technical staff can access data and tools in the field Define fields to meet client needs Plan and schedule practices View & analyze resource information Rank financial assistance application Document progress with photographs Request additional assistance Certify applied practices E-sign plans and contracts View environmental outcomes Evaluate concerns and alternatives View plans and contracts SLIDE 15

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Conservation Desktop (Conservation Planning) Schedule tasks & manage workload View and manage landowner’s technical & financial assistance information Track performance Access tools to design practices Access tools to estimate outcomes Prepare final plan documents & maps Automatically link data between science-based tools Conduct quality assurance Streamline NEPA and other compliance documentation SLIDE 16

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Conservation Desktop (Contract Management) – Integrated tool used by 350 dedicated centralized administrative support staff Manage requests for assistance Assist landowners with eligibility determinations Assist landowner with legal & financial forms Develop contract Obtain landowner e-signatures Complete financial assistance document reviews Prepare client correspondence Process payments Process contract status reviews Update landowner on contract progress SLIDE 17

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Timeline Jan – Mar 2012Client Gateway and Conservation Desktop pilots tested in 15 States _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mid-2012Launch Nationwide centralized document storage Pilot test mobile conservation planning tools Sept 2012Release Client Gateway and full Conservation Desktop Nationwide 2013Release Mobile Planner Nationwide Add new functionality to Client Gateway and Desktop, including environmental outcomes tracking and reporting CLIENT GATEWAY CONSERVATION DESKTOP SLIDE 18

Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative NRCS Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Landowner-focused CDSI seamlessly integrates technical and financial assistance to make conservation easier for America’s farmers and ranchers. CDSI …Using Today’s Technology …Simplifying Processes …Spending More Time in the Field with Landowners Getting more conservation on the ground For more information, visit and search “CDSI” SLIDE 19