International Technical Assistance
Introduction
The Natural Resources Conservation Service receives numerous requests
to provide technical assistance in foreign countries. NRCS helps improve the
management and conservation of natural resources globally by providing long- and
short-term technical assistance and leadership with our foreign partners.
Due to lack of statutory authority to fund technical assistance outside the
U.S., NRCS participates in these activities on a reimbursable basis, through
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service/International Cooperation and Development
(FAS/ICD). Under provisions of the Economy Act, NRCS may provide technical
expertise to another federal agency on a reimbursable basis. Funding agencies
include the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, the World Bank, and host countries.
Long-Term Technical Assistance
Over the years, 196 employees have provided long-term (resident)
international technical services for natural resource
conservation projects in 16 countries on every continent except Antarctica. They
resided in country with their families for a minimum of one year, usually two or
more.
Short-Term Technical Assistance
NRCS has provided short-term
technical assistance and leadership, usually two weeks in duration, in
developing programs and projects in over 140 other countries to conserve and
improve natural resources. During FY 1999, NRCS specialists participated in 32
assignments in ten foreign countries to develop and implement policies and
programs for the conservation of natural resources.
Procedures
- Scope of Work
- Requests for nominations originate outside NRCS and are forwarded to IPD
directly or through FAS/ICD. IPD works with FAS/ICD to evaluate the scope of
work to determine whether NRCS has and can make available the required
expertise.
- Evaluation and SelectionSpecific detailed selection criteria are generated from the scope of
work and generally include the following:
- Technical expertise
- Availability (duration of assignment)
- International experience
- Language capability
NRCS consults with the funding agency in reviewing the scope of work for
completeness and accuracy in describing the technical expertise required.
Appropriate technical divisions in NHQ will be involved in this step of
the process.
Through the networks within NRCS (such as technical
divisions, program managers, and special emphasis program managers), a list of viable
candidates will be developed. Candidates are evaluated against the
established selection criteria.
After the top candidate is identified, but before contact with the
staff member, a contact will be made with the supervisor and state conservationist to
ensure they are aware of the request and concur in the candidate’s
participation.
Processing
Once the selection process is complete, an International Travel Request
Form (ITRF) is completed by the traveler and forwarded to IPD, either
electronically or by fax. The ITRF ensures that all necessary information
is provided, as follows:
- Name, organizational unit, discipline
- Purpose of travel
- Benefit to NRCS, if any. (Avoid generalities and include assessment of
nominee’s effectiveness in carrying out the assignment and transferring
technology upon return).
- Passport information
- Approvals of supervisor and state conservationist
The ITRF is shared with FAS/ICD for purposes of arranging travel and
securing country clearance.
Responsibilities
The employee, NRCS, and FAS/ICD each have specific responsibilities in
the process of implementing a technical assistance activity. NRCS will
provide overall guidance in this process.
Employee Responsibilities:
- Complete ITRF and secure approvals of supervisor and state
conservationist.
- Work with NRCS to secure official passport and visa.
- Secure necessary immunizations.
NRCS Responsibilities:
- Advise the traveler on immunizations and other travel preparations.
- Secure official passport and visa.
- Develop budget and submit to FAS/ICD for issuance of Form AD-52, an
Interagency Reimbursable Agreement.
FAS/ICD Responsibilities:
- Issue travel authorization and tickets.
- Secure country clearance.
- Issue Form AD-672 for reimbursement of costs.
Funding
NRCS will develop a budget to support the services provided and forward
the budget to the funding agency.
Funding for the project is held by the funding agency and obligated by
Form AD-672.
NRCS bills against the AD-672 when the activity is completed and actual
costs are known.
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