TechReg and TSP Orientation CNMP Core Curriculum Section 10 — TSP Certification and TechReg

CNMP Development Core Training Curriculum These course materials have been developed as a cooperative effort between five land-grant universities and The Natural Resources Conservation Service. Ames, Iowa 50011, (515) Copyright © , Iowa State University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved. Copyright Information

Objectives Upon completion the student will be able to: define general terms used by NRCS list the steps required for the eAuthentication recall websites for reference material explain TSP reporting responsibilities restate the purpose for NTE rates explain the roles and responsibilities of the TSP, the landowner and NRCS list the steps of de-certification and describe the differences between states in the verification process.

Required Materials USDA – NRCS. Conservation Planning Policy (GM-180, Part ). USDA – NRCS. Technical Service Categories and Criteria Options for Certification. (listed under Certification Criteria) USDA – NRCS. Technical Service Provider Final Rules USDA-NRCS. Tech Reg Website. Definitions for NTE rate components: TSP Policy: TSP Handbook: NRCS TSP Certification Agreement List of TSP, Producer and NRCS Roles & Responsibilities Federal and State TSP Fact Sheets

Supplemental Materials USDA – NRCS. National Bulletin No Draft TSP Manual. TSP Roadmap: Five easy steps to certification: Section 1242 of the Food Security Act of 1985 as amended by the Farm Security & Rural Investment Act of 2002, Public Law , (2002 Farm Bill) Conservation Program Manual Title 440, part 504 NRCS General Manual (CNMP Policy)- Federal Business Opportunities website: TSP Civil Rights Responsibilities:

To be discussed: Acquisition of technical services TSP certification process Maintaining Certification Producer reimbursement Roles and responsibilities

Why Technical Service Providers? Need basis –High NRCS Workload –Too few employees Who are technical service providers? –Individuals employed by: Private business Non-profit Public agency

Technical Service Acquisition Method #1 TSP certification not required Functions as a NRCS representative –Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA) Payment rate determined in by contract terms Payment is directly through NRCS Contractual relationship Technical Service Provider

Method # 1 - NRCS Acquisition Method of Contracting –FedBizOps –FedGrants Options available –Competitive Grants Contracts (A&E) Cooperative Agreements –Non-Competitive Contribution Agreements

Technical Service Acquisition Method #2 MUST be TSP certified for Program Reimbursement FOIA does not apply NTE rates or NTE Exception rates Payment is directly through Producer Contractual relationship Technical Service Provider

TechReg Web Site Current Events News Site Login (USDA login and password) Certification Options and Criteria Online Certification Application Help Online Resource Locator (

Certification Tools Available Online TechReg Web Site TechReg-Step by Step Guide Five Steps to Certification Certification Categories, Options, and Criteria

Steps to Registration on TechReg Choose certification categories Obtain e-Authentication Login to TechReg Website and review agreement Complete certification requirements Complete and sign TSP application

TSP Application “Common Errors” Wrong certification category Inaccurate/Incomplete documentation Inappropriate References

All TSP Categories Are Not Equal ALL CNMP Work

Verification Multi-state certification Single-state certification NRCS has 60 days to complete verification process

Re-Certification Every three years After expiration of de-certification May be required to provide CEU documentation

Decertification NRCS will decertify a TSP if –Technical assistance does not meet NRCS standards and specifications –TSP violates one of more terms of certification agreement –Provides false information on application –Other causes determined by NRCS to demonstrate TSP inability to fulfill terms of certification agreement

Your Hired – Now What? Project may require multiple site visits Schedule participant, TSP, NRCS preplanning meeting and discuss –Expectations and deadlines –Management of multiple contractors –Standards of Work –Forms –Other

Not-to-Exceed Rates Maximum rate reimbursed to producers for provided services Rates are based on NRCS cost for a similar service. TSP Rates should be negotiated with producer.

Exceptions NTE rates are based on time estimates for “typical” situations NTE Exception Rates are used in atypical situations

TSP Performance Reporting Provide copy to Producer or to NRCS upon completion of reportable item

Questions?