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TSPs: What Landowners Need to Know Fact Sheet
TSPs are Here to Help...
The newest options landowners have for getting conservation on the ground is
using NRCS’ helping hands, the Technical Service Providers. Called “TSPs,” these
contractors are across the state of Illinois. They know conservation and have
acquired the technical skills and educational requirements to do much of the
same work NRCS employees typically do.
The fact is a TSP may be able to plan and install your conservation practice
sooner than NRCS can. You can hire an approved TSP to do the work you need. Once
the work is done and NRCS staff ensures it was done adequately, then you may be
reimbursed--up to the contract amount--for what the TSP bills you for the job.
Things to Consider...
Pick the right TSP. Use the same care in selecting a TSP as in choosing any
other contractor. A list of certified TSPs can be found on the TechReg website.
Check references and review qualifications. Ask for referrals from other
producers in the area who have used TSPs.
Remember the permits. You are responsible for obtaining all needed permits for
the job. If you expect the TSP to obtain them, put it in the contract. Be ready
to pay for it.
Quality work is critical. Both you and the TSP are responsible for ensuring that
the contract work conforms to the NRCS Illinois Field Office Technical Guide
Standards. If it does, NRCS provides a one-time reimbursement based on the
amount stipulated in the program contract.
Plan ahead. Once the completed job is approved, you’ll receive financial
assistance from NRCS. It is ultimately your responsibility to pay the TSP, so
consider working out payment arrangements prior to the start of a project.
When you use a TSP, it greatly reduces NRCS involvement, so remember to
Follow These Steps...
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Tell NRCS you’ll need TSP funding in your EQIP
contract and make sure TSP funds are available before you schedule the work.
NRCS needs to know your intent to use a TSP and considers this when
scheduling contract jobs for the year. TSP funds are limited so make sure
yours can be covered.
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Find a certified TSP. Go online and select
from the list of official and certified TSP contractors in your area.
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Establish a contract with the TSP of your choice.
Be sure they know your needs and agree on your price.
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Obtain clearance on cultural resource issues on
the jobsite. This ensures that earthwork will not disturb any cultural
artifacts that might be on the site.
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Monitor the progress of your TSP on the job.
Remember, they work for you.
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Ensure the TSP has properly installed the practice
as agreed upon in the contract. The design and installation must meet NRCS
requirements and standards.
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Submit completion documentation to NRCS. This
informs NRCS that the job is done.
Common Questions...
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Can NRCS recommend a TSP for me? No. NRCS is
not permitted to recommend one TSP over another. TSP qualifications are
listed on TechReg website (see below). Check and see if the TSP is certified
in the specific area you need.
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What if the TSP cost is more than my NRCS
reimbursement? It could cost you. Remember, the full cost of the TSP’s work is
your responsibility. Establish upfront what your maximum cost can be. NRCS
reimbursement is limited to the contract amount. If the TSP charges you more,
you pay the difference.
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What if the completed practice doesn’t meet NRCS
standards? If this happens, NRCS cannot pay you cost-share funds or cover TSP
costs for an inadequate job. Remember, NRCS is not liable for the TSP’s work. It
is critical that TSP work meet NRCS standards, otherwise the cost of the job
comes out of your pocket.
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What if the TSP I pick is on the certified list,
but is not certified for the particular practice I need? Do not select a TSP for
a job they aren’t certified to do. NRCS cannot reimburse you for work done by an
unqualified TSP or for work that does not meet NRCS standards.
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If I don’t have an EQIP (or other program)
contract, can I still hire a TSP and have NRCS pay for the work they do? No. You
must have an existing contract and a conservation plan with NRCS to be eligible.
However, you are free to hire a TSP to do perform any other project you want on
your farm since they are free agents, but NRCS is not involved.
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If I have reserved TSP funds in my NRCS contract
for this year, can I wait until next year to have them do the work? No. You risk
contract default. Talk to your District Conservationist for further information.
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Will NRCS help me settle conflicts I have with my
TSP? No. You have a contract with the TSP. There is no contract between your TSP
and NRCS. It is your responsibility to ensure you get what you need from the
TSP.
 To
Learn More...
This fact sheet offers an overview of the TSP initiative. More information is
available though the internet.
Visit NRCS at
www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/
View Standards and Specifications of Conservation Practices in e-FOTG:
www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/
Log into the TSP Site:
http://techreg.usda.gov/
February 2006
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of
race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex,
marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation,
genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an
individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all
prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require
alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large
print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600
(voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director,
Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.
20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).
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