NRCS 2009 CCA Update October 20, 2009 Slide 1

Key Updates TSP Streamlining TSP Proficiency Criteria TSP Payment Rates Nutrient Management Integrated Pest Management Slide 2

TSP Streamlining Outsource TSP Application and Certification Process –Explore the potential to outsource TechReg –Take applications –Evaluate applications –Approve certifications –Updates to certifications –Would still use certifying organizations Slide 3

TSP Streamlining Create Training Templates for States to use for training TSP –National training templates for state use –May reduce on-line training Slide 4

TSP Streamlining Evaluate On-line Training Requirements –Evaluate AgLearn –Promote more on-site or in person training –Reduce frustrations Slide 5

TSP Streamlining Establish Mentoring Opportunities –Assist new TSPs –Experienced personnel on a fee-basis Slide 6

TSP Streamlining National TSP State Coordinator Training –Provide training to NRCS state coordinators –Update on policy and procedures –Maintain consistency Slide 7

TSP Streamlining Acquisition Of TSP Services –Explore acquisition options Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity –Minimize landowner time and ease for TSP Slide 8

TSP Streamlining TSP Payment Rate Issues –Revise and Evaluate the Technical Services Payment Rate Process Market based – Fair and Reasonable Slide 9

TSP Streamlining Quality Assurance –Automate with the NRCS contracting and payment processes –Determine who and what will be checked for quality assurance –Open and transparent. Slide 10

TSP Streamlining Implementation Of The Plug In Tool –Allow TSP access to the client records to do planning and application documentation Slide 11

TSP Streamlining Training Documentation –Automate so when training is completed it is uploaded into the TSPs records TechReg Improvements To Track Certification Updates –Improve the ease and approval of updates Adding new certiifcations Slide 12

TSP Proficiency Criteria National Criteria –Exception state licensing requirements Considering Certification Categories –Evaluate existing categories –Do we need new categories –Can we combine some categories –Revise or simplify Slide 13

TSP Payment Rates Continue review to be representative of the local or geographical area. Slide 14

Nutrient Management Revisions to 590 Nutrient Management –Adaptive Management –Precision / Variable Rate Plan Criteria –Soil Test Phosphorus levels for manure application Slide 15

(595) Integrated Pest Management Previous (595) Pest Management Focus on mitigating risk of pest control –Cultural –Biological –Chemical Focus on IPM concepts Slide 16