Wisconsin Technical Service Providers (TSP) Plan

The following slides are the frame work for the incorporation of Technical Service Provider Rules into NRCS Wisconsin Programs

Wisconsin Technical Service Providers Guiding Principles These principles are established to guide the incorporation of the technical service policy into Wisconsin NRCS workload. These principles are based upon current draft policy and continuation of fiscal year 2002 operating budget; further refinements will be necessary.

1.Core tasks/functions will not be a priority for TSP opportunities. 2.Contracted TSP tasks must be beneficial to NRCS by reducing workloads that allow agency staff to carry out the implementation of farm bill programs. TSP Guiding Principles (continued)

3.Contracting of work will result in clearly defined products that require very little additional NRCS staff time to implement. 4.When technically possible, contracts and agreements will require TSP tasks to be entered into PRMS prior to certification for payment. TSP Guiding Principles (continued)

5.Local District Conservationist will serve as agreement manager and provide coordination of TSP activities to assure TSP contracts benefit field office workload. 6.All items identified in TSP policy will be followed. TSP Guiding Principles (continued)

Technical Service Providers Program/Contract Process

TSP Priority Selection By March 1, a process will need to be completed that identifies what TSP tasks will be accomplished through direct contacts with Private TSP Providers and agreements with Public Sector and Non-profit Organizations. Listed below are the steps that will complete this priority process.

This information will then be used to select and evaluate any TSP opportunities to assure they maximize the use of the private and public TSP sector, to carry out workloads that exist over and above the core agency functions. TSP Priority Selection (continued)

ASTC for Programs assembles small working group(Program Managers/ASTCs/DCs) by Feb. 15th. This group compiles the data listed below for the completion of a workload assessment. Recommendations regarding the budgetary and geographic TA needs and the distribution between the Private Sector and Public/Non- profit Sector of TSP tasks are forwarded to the management team for approval. TSP Priority Selection (continued)

Budget available overall and TSP (TA). Identify existing and potential program workload. Assess NRCS and partner personnel capability. Assess eligibility and past working relationship of partners. National Priorities. Determine Private and Public/Non-profit TSP provider allocations. TSP Priority Selection (continued)

Technical Services Delivery Processes These processes will utilize non-federal entities to assist NRCS in providing technical services. They will be used to meet increased technical service demand before hiring additional Federal employees.

A.Program participant acquisition of technical services (652.5) *It is anticipated that most technical service providers will be hired directly by the program participant.

Steps: 1.Program participant applies for program and is informed of technical service options; supplied with list of TSP vendors (selects one). 2.Certified conservation planner establishes initial project needs. (NRCS or TSP) 3.Application Ranked, offer accepted. 4.Contract with program participant developed by NRCS using TSP payment process.

Steps (continued): 5.NRCS completes cursory design review. 6.Vendor and program participant complete project. 7.TSP submits certification of technical adequacy to program participant. 8. Program participant submits invoice, supporting documentation and request for payment to NRCS. 9. NRCS certifies 1245 for payment.

B.Procurement Contracts for Technical Services (652.6) *NRCS competitively selects and contracts with non-federal TSP * This method would typically be carried out through the NRCS state office. Could include: Blanket purchase agreements Purchase orders Service contracts

TSP Agreement Process Involves agreements with non-federal technical service providers.

A. Cooperative Agreements *Cooperative agreements are competitive arrangements in which NRCS reimburses the TSP for 100% of the technical service provided, based on TSP payment process.

Steps 1.NRCS identifies priorities through TSP priority selection process. 2.NRCS solicits bids. 3.NRCS selects TSP. 4.NRCS and provider complete cooperative agreement. 5.NRCS reimburses provider with 100% of provider’s successful bid for providing technical services.

B. Contribution Agreements *Contribution agreements are non-competitive arrangements in which NRCS reimburses the TSP for 50% of the technical service provided, based on the TSP payment process. NRCS identifies priorities through TSP priority selection process and then chooses option 1 or 2.

Option 1 1.NRCS issues call for TSP proposals. 2.NRCS evaluates proposals and makes decision whether to enter agreement. 3. Draft agreement developed. 4.Management team concurs and State Conservationist approves.

Option 2 1.NRCS approaches entity (1 or more). 2.Draft agreement developed. 3.Management team concurs and State Conservationist approves.

Technical Service Provider Certification Process

All TSP tasks require one of the following certifications: PC = Planning Certification PM = Pest Management Certification NM = Nutrient Management Certification WC = Wetland Certification GPC = Grazing Plan Certification LPE = Licensed Professional Engineer JAA = Job Approval Authority SCC = Specific Category Certification

Policy and Guidelines 7CFR Part 652, Technical Service Provider Assistance. General Manual Part , Minimum Standards for Providers of Conservation Technical Assistance. National Engineering Manual Part 505, Non-NRCS Engineering Services.

7CFR Part 652, Subpart B Certification General Requirements: Possess training, education, and experience to perform the task for which certification is sought. Meet applicable licensing requirements. Familiarity with NRCS guidelines, standards, specifications, and reference manuals.

General Requirements (continued): Make application to NRCS for certification. Enter into a certification agreement with NRCS. Valid for 3 years. Decertification is possible at any time.

Certifications Available: Individual Public Agency  Other than NRCS  Federal, state, local, or tribal governments Private Sector Entity  For profit companies  Nonprofit organizations

Individual Certification Must Comply with General Requirements. Request certification through a recommending organization or through a private sector entity or public agency. Submit Application Directly to NRCS

Private Sector Entity Certification Must comply with General Requirements. Identify individuals authorized to act on its behalf that:  have been certified as individuals, or  seek certification as an individual as part of the entity’s certification.

Public Agency Certification Must comply with General Requirements. Identify individuals authorized to act on its behalf that:  have been certified as individuals, or  seek certification as an individual as part of the entity’s certification.

Application for Certification NRCS will make public additional instructions, guidance, and forms by December 31, NRCS will begin to accept applications on January 2, Certifications will not be effective prior to March 1, 2003, the anticipated effective date of the final 7CFR 652.

It is anticipated that Wisconsin will be adding requirements to the application for certification provided by NHQ.  Interim planning certification requirements Final planning certification policy 12/31/02  Engineering requirements.  NRCS Job Approval, or  Joint NRCS Job Approval/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification, or  Wisconsin Professional Engineer License. Certification Application (cont..)

Non-Engineering Certifications General Manual/WI Amendment Conservation Planner CNMP Specific Certification Pest Management Prescribed Grazing Wetland

Certification Agreement for Public Agencies Identifies the certified individuals. Requires that a certified individual be on staff at all times. Agreements are revised any time the list of certified individuals changes. Requires that work of non-certified staff be warranted by certified staff.

Requires that the public agency assume liability for all work performed. Prohibits individuals under the public agency certification from providing services to program participants as an individual or private sector entity. Public Agency Agreement (continued)

Anticipated Web Site Information Technical Service Provider Policy Wisconsin Policy Application Forms Certification Agreement Samples Certified Providers Lists Training Available