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