Soil Health Training for Technical Service Providers

Description:

Qualified producers and agriculture professionals in Hawai’i can now become certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs) with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). TSP’s offer conservation planning, design and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS, expanding the number and availability of conservation technical experts capable of offering customized conservation advice to local producers. TSP’s include individuals, private businesses, American Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies.

Learn more by watching the information session recorded on February 12, 2024. Topics covered on the webinar include: Types of TSP certifications available and required qualifications, pay schedules and steps for applying to become a TSP.

How to Use the TSP Information Site for Hawai’i: 

This site is intended to raise awareness of opportunities for qualified professionals and producers in Hawai’i to become NRCS certified TSPs. It also provides general information on how landowners can use TSP’s locally. 

Much of the information on this webpage is derived from the USDA NRCS Technical Service Provider site.

Additionally, this site includes: 

  • TSP information, resources and guides specific to Hawai’i, 
  • TSP Payment Fees/Schedule for Hawaii;
  • An updated list of the TSP certifications applicable to Hawai’i (organized by types of NRCS TSP Conservation Activity and Practice);
  • Upcoming opportunities for Hawai’i TSP information sessions or training (or national virtual trainings which will count towards obtaining TSP certification in Hawai’i);
  • Networking opportunities for TSPs and Landowners.
Top TSP Resource Links

FOR LANDOWNERS

Who Can Use a TSP?

When funds are available, agricultural producers participating in certain activities in NRCS conservation programs can hire a TSP within the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.  As a producer, you will need to work with your local NRCS office staff to apply for financial assistance and secure an obligated contract prior to hiring a TSP.  NOTE: Producers may also choose to pay for services from qualified individuals at their own expense.

NRCS reimburses the producer at a contracted rate established by the program the participant is participating in. The maximum rates for technical services are available in the most recent State Payment Schedule for Hawaii can be viewed here.

Participants in NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) may be eligible to receive financial assistance to work with TSPs to develop conservation planning activity plans or to plan, design and implement individual or group of conservation practices. Only certified TSPs can assist with the development of conservation planning activities.

If approved for an EQIP contract that includes TSP services, the participant chooses a TSP from an NRCS-approved list and negotiates payment for the selected TSP’s services. Once technical services are completed, the TSP provides documentation and an invoice to the participant who then provides the documentation (invoices) and/or notification of completion to NRCS for certification and reimbursement.

How Do You Locate a TSP?

Eligible NRCS conservation program participants can locate a certified TSP through the NRCS Registry national directory for Hawaii.

Program participants also can contact their local USDA service center or our Hawaii State TSP Program Coordinator, Jason Hansen at: jason.h.hanson@usda.gov

FOR THE TSP

Should You Become a Technical Service Provider? 

Individuals, private businesses, American Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and public agencies are eligible to become Technical Service Providers (TSPs).

Here are tips to help you determine whether you qualify to become a TSP and to help you better understand the TSP process:

  • Read more about the TSP process and the expertise NRCS is seeking on behalf of its program participants below under benefits.
  • Determine the TSP-oriented tasks you would like to do based on two broad categories
    • planning, designing, and implementing conservation practices through participation in Farm Bill programs (including 900 series funds); or 
    • development of conservation planning activities (CPAs) to address specific natural resource challenges.
  • Inventory your qualifications including education and professional licenses you currently hold. Make sure you include any additional requirements needed by state, local or tribal laws or regulations.
  • Contact our Hawaii State TSP Coordinator for additional information to help you determine whether to become a TSP,  Jason Hansen at: jason.h.hanson@usda.gov

TSPs can learn more about conservation practices at Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs), Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs).

Becoming a NRCS TSP?

A full set of instructions can be found here.

Step 1: Make a Plan

Before you apply to become a TSP, you must determine the services you want to offer NRCS program participants and whether you have the necessary skills, abilities, licenses, certifications, and other qualifications to provide services based on Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards and specifications as well as certification criteria.  You will also need to investigate any state laws which may apply to the activities and practices for which you wish to become certified. 

It is highly encouraged to contact your state TSP coordinator to gain an understanding of what types of assistance their program participants need to help address the resource concerns on their property.  The state coordinators have a wealth of knowledge to help you along this journey to becoming a TSP.  A list of state coordinators can be found here.

Once you have evaluated your own qualifications to become a TSP, you must follow the steps outlined here.  The TSP certification process includes required training and verification of education, knowledge, skills and abilities. Visit the Additional Resources page for links to NRCS Registry User Guides and Videos. 

Step 2: Create Your USDA Verified Login.gov Account

To get started becoming a TSP, individuals will need to sign up for a verified USDA Login.gov account (formerly eAuthentication account or Level 2).

Step 3: Verify your Identity – Authentication Methods

Login.gov requires a one-time multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts. Account holders must set-up a secondary authentication method in addition to your password. For example, a one-time code can be sent to your phone or authentication app at each login.

Step 4: Logging into NRCS Registry

NRCS uses an online system called NRCS Registry to accept, approve and manage TSP applications and certifications.  This system will track a TSPs Licenses, trainings, work experience, and all other items required for certification.

Step 5: TSP Training Requirements – Requesting an AgLearn Account

Training is a critical component of the TSP certification process. NRCS offers an expansive list of training opportunities for new TSP applicants and certified TSPs. NRCS offers courses through the Agricultural Learning Service (AgLearn) and the USDA Science and Technology Library.

To register for an AgLearn account:

  1. Obtain a Verified Login.gov account.
  2. Log into NRCS Registry and start an application.
  3. Contact your state TSP point of contact to request an AgLearn account.
  4. Complete the required “Safeguarding PII Fact Sheet”. 
  5. Once you have been notified your AgLearn account has been created, you may log into AgLearn and enroll in courses required for certification.

Visit the AgLearn website.

All TSP applicants seeking TSP certification to provide technical services to eligible NRCS program participants must also complete the TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning Course (Course ID#NRCS-NEDC-000191) and the Introduction to Field Office Technical Guide (Course ID# NRCS-NEDC-000149).

STEP 6: Obtaining TSP Certification

Upon submission of your application NRCS has 60 days to review the information provided, verify your credentials and samples of work and make a decision on your application.  Upon approval you will be certified for a period of three years and your information will be added to the NRCS Registry Find a TSP look up. 

If your application is deferred, you will receive a notice detailing the issues that caused the deferment and the steps needed to address the issues. You will have the option to resubmit the application for review after you address the issues.  Samples of work may be reviewed up to three times before deferment.  If there are noted deficiencies with your sample of work it is important to work with the state discipline experts to resolve any issues prior to resubmitting your application for further consideration. 

Business Registrations for Technical Service Providers

Businesses are defined as private businesses, American Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and public agencies. A business profile and application must be created and maintained by an Official Business Representative (OBR) or the individual authorized by the business to make decisions on its behalf.   The OBR must apply for and maintain a USDA Verified eAuth account, but the OBR does not need to be a certified TSP.  In order for the business to apply and become certified, the business must have at least one certified TSP always associated with the business. The OBR must be able to legally sign the Certification Agreement on behalf of the business.  Certified businesses must maintain a current certification agreement and are posted on the NRCS Registry Find a TSP look up.

Note: A business entity cannot register for a USDA eAuth account. Only individuals known as the Official Business Representative can register for a Verified eAuth account.

For Official Business Representatives Who Plan to Work as TSPs:

  • Log into NRCS Registry
  • Follow the process above to become a TSP first
  • Complete the business registration.
  • Navigate to the TSP Associations sub tab and click Add TSP following the rest of the directions.

Note: For detailed directions, visit the User Guide for Business Certification found under “Additional Resources”

Local Resources for TSPs:
What is NRCS’s Online TSP Registry?

NRCS Registry allows individuals seeking TSP certification to begin the application process and once certified to maintain and renew their certification.  NRCS Registry also allows agricultural producers and private forest landowners to locate a certified TSP in their local area.  

YouTube TSP Training Videos

This training program is being organized and administered by Oahu RC&D through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Pacific Islands Area State Office.