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Selecting a Technical Service Provider
Why Technical Service Providers?
The 2002 Farm Bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical
assistance under its conservation programs to a producer eligible for that
assistance "directly ... or at the option of the producer, through a payment ...
to the producer for an approved third party, if available."
Who are TSPs?
TSPs are individuals or businesses certified to provide technical assistance to
USDA conservation program participants.
Why would I choose a TSP?
Current NRCS staffing levels are insufficient to meet technical assistance needs
under the 2002 Farm Bill conservation programs. With numerous TSPs available,
you should be able to get assistance when you need it.
How do I obtain TSP assistance?
It is your responsibility to select, hire, and pay the TSP. Any contract
arrangements established between you and the provider, including his/her costs,
are sole responsibility of you and the TSP. For a name and contact listing of
certified TSPs, with their credentials, visit:
http://techreg.usda.gov/
and click on the "TSP Locater" button. If you do not have access to the
Internet, your district conservationist can help you obtain a list of certified
TSPs approved to provide technical assistance, by category, for your county.
How do I receive reimbursement?
You will submit a request for reimbursement in accordance with the procedures
for the conservation program being used. Reimbursement is based on “Not to
Exceed” rates established for each conservation practices. The “Not to Exceed”
rate for the conservation practice you wish to obtain TSP services for must be
included in your program contract or other applicable agreement (e.g., EQIP
contract) prior to obtaining the service. Your district conservationist can
provide you the “Not-to-Exceed” rates. The rate for technical assistance is not
a cost-share item. It is a payment based on the extent of the practice. You are
authorized to receive 50 percent of the savings for services obtained below the
“Not-to-Exceed” rate to apply to the cost of practice installation within the
cost-share limits of the program. You are responsible for any amount in excess
of the “Not-to-Exceed” rate if the rate is not adequate to reimburse the amount
charged by the TSP.
Can I choose NRCS?
To obtain technical assistance from NRCS, contact your USDA service center. The
district conservationist will schedule the assistance in accordance with current
NRCS commitments and workload. Where current commitments and workload preclude
timely delivery of technical assistance, the state conservationist may procure
the services of a certified TSP. For more information about he 2002 Farm Bill
visit
http://www. nrcs.usda.gov/ programs/farmbill/2002/index.html.
What assurance do I have
that TSP technical assistance will be acceptable to NRCS?
TSP certification is self-certified. TSP resumes can be reviewed at
http://techreg.usda.gov. TSPs are required to sign a Technical Service
Provider Certification Agreement as a condition of certification. This agreement
constitutes a warrant in writing that the TSP will meet the conditions of the
agreement.
Who is responsible if something goes wrong?
TSPs are required to provide certification to you and NRCS that the service
provided complies with all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws and
requirements; and meets applicable departmental standards, specifications, and
program requirements. Although you are responsible for obtaining all approvals,
authorities, rights, permits, and easements necessary for implementation,
operation, and maintenance of the conservation practice prior to installation,
the TSP is required to work with you to secure such items. Although the
likelihood of something going wrong is small, TSPs are legally responsible for
the services they provide. In accordance with their written declaration, they
must indemnify and hold the department and you harmless for any costs, damages,
claims, liabilities, and/or judgments arising from past, present, and future
negligent or wrongful acts or omissions in connection with the services they
provide.
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