Virginia Technical Service Provider Program (TSP)

· INTRODUCTION

· TSP STATUS IN VIRGINIA

· CERTIFICATION

· TECHNOLOGY

· TRAINING

· PAYMENT RATES

· TSP POLICY

· TSP OPPORTUNITIES IN VIRGINIA

· TSP NEWSLETTER

· QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

· CONTACT US

· Using a Technical Service Provider

The Technical Service Provider program, authorized by the 1985 Farm Bill and amended by the 2002 Farm Bill (P.L. 107-171), expands the availability of technical services to carry out NRCS Conservation Programs. Technical Service Providers (TSPs) provide direct technical assistance and deliver conservation services to landowners and others.

Who can become a Technical Service Provider? Any individual, business, non-profit organization, or public agency that performs the categories of service specified on the TechReg website (employees of public agencies must only practice under the auspices of their employing agency).

Who can hire a Technical Service Provider and be reimbursed by USDA? Anyone who is eligible and subsequently receives funding through an NRCS conservation program (and a TSP is available in the geographic area for the types of services needed).

TechReg is the website for registering and locating Technical Service Providers (TSPs).

TSP STATUS IN VIRGINIA

Technical Service Providers are available in Virginia for a variety of technical services relating to implementation of the 2002 Farm Bill. To find a TSP in your state or county, use the TSP Locator by clicking here.

CERTIFICATION

The TSP program utilizes an online application process. Potential TSPs must obtain a Level 2 e-Government account (login and password) from the USDA e-Authentication web site at http://www.eauth.egov.usda.gov/. A government-issued photo ID must be presented at the nearest USDA service center to complete the account process. To find a nearby Service Center, click here.

Once an e-Government login and password have been set up, applicants can become certified by registering and completing the certification process through TechReg.

NRCS will review your application and verify that it meets NRCS requirements for certification within 60 days. If there is a problem, we will advise you and allow time for you to make corrections. If NRCS approves your application, you will electronically sign a Certification Agreement with NRCS. This grants you certification and places you on the list of approved TSPs.

To read the Certification Agreement, click on "View the Technical Service Provider Certification Agreement" under the blue heading "In the Spotlight."

State Engineering Licensing Requirements:

The state of Virginia regulates the practice of Engineering and Land Surveying. Individuals or firms offering Engineering or Surveying services must first be registered with the Virginia Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. The process of becoming certified as a Technical Service Provider through NRCS is not the same as registration as an engineer or land surveyor with the state of Virginia. Individuals having questions about whether the service they wish to offer or perform is considered engineering or surveying under the state of Virginia definition should contact the Virginia Licensing Board office in Richmond, Virginia. You may do so by calling 804-367-8512; FAX 804-367-2475, or review the requirements for engineering and land surveying and Board Rules and Regulations, which can be found on web page: www.dpor.virginia.gov

State Pesticide Licensing Requirements:

The state of Virginia regulates the use of pesticides and NRCS in Virginia requires all applicators to carry a minimum one the following categories: 1A Agricultural Plants Pest Control, 1B Agricultural Animal Pest Control and/or 10 Demonstration and Research Pest Control. The Office of Pesticide Services provides support to VDACS and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board. By certifying applicators, registering pesticide products, and issuing pesticide business licenses, they permit the safe and effective control of pests that attack our crops, structures and health and that of our domestic animals. Their Certification, Licensing, Registration and Training staff can assist you with applying for, and renewing, your commercial or private applicator's certificate or pesticide business license, or registering a pesticide product in Virginia. For additional information related to these and other services provided by the Office of Pesticide Services please contact them at 804-371-6558 or on the web at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticides/index.html

TECHNOLOGY

All technical services provided must meet NRCS Technical Standards and Specifications which are located in the electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG).

In addition, TSPs are required to follow NRCS and Departmental policies and guidelines as well as meet program requirements for the USDA program serviced. Policy, guidelines, program manuals, and handbooks can be found in the Online Resources on TechReg.

State and local information not available online can be obtained by contacting your local Service Center or Virginia’s Assistant State Conservationist (Programs) at 804-287-1663.

TRAINING

Certification for some categories of service requires the completion of national NRCS training courses (i.e., Conservation Planning Training Modules 1-5). National training opportunities can be accessed through TechReg (see Online Resources).

Virginia will post on this site, as available, local and state training opportunities. Professional organizations provide training for certain certifications. TSP Express may also list available training.

PAYMENT RATES

Not-to-exceed (NTE) rates can be found at http://techreg.usda.gov under the "In the Spotlight" heading.

TSP POLICY

National policy is located at http://techreg.usda.gov under Online Resources.

TSP OPPORTUNITIES IN VRIGINIA

For potential opportunities via federal contracts, grants, and agreements under the Technical Service Provider Program, click here.

TSP NEWSLETTER

The TSP Express, an electronic newsletter for certified Technical Service Providers, is available on TechReg, under the TSP Express heading. These reports will keep TSPs informed on a broad array of conservation activities.

To receive the TSP Express newsletter automatically, visit http://news-source.nrcs.usda.gov. Enter the email address at which you would like to receive the newsletter. Select the email lists to which you would like to subscribe. Click on "Subscribe to selected email lists" bar to submit. It is just as easy to unsubscribe.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Can I remove my name temporarily from the TechReg list?

Yes. You can control whether or not TechReg displays your information. Simply log into TechReg, go to Part A of your application. Click on "Change TSP Info" in the upper right hand corner of this section, and then uncheck the "Display" box. Hiding your listing does not affect your certification status. When you want to display your listing on TechReg again, just return to your TechReg application and recheck the "Display" box.

CONTACT US

VIRGINIA State TSP Contacts:

Barry D. Harris
1606 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 209

Richmond, VA 23229-5014

(804) 287-1658

barry.harris@va.usda.gov

The NRCS Mission: The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

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