March 21, 2003

 

USDA-NRCS Seeks Cost Information From Technical Service Providers

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking information on current market prices for conservation technical services from existing and potential technical service providers during the next several weeks.

"The pricing information we collect will help us establish payment rates for existing and potential technical service providers," says Tom Jewett, NRCS state conservationist for North Dakota. "USDA needs this information to ensure these providers receive fair market prices for the services they perform."

The 2002 Farm Bill expanded the availability of technical assistance to producers by encouraging the use of third parties, called technical service providers, to help landowners meet their conservation goals. This process allows USDA to provide more resources for technical assistance from private and nonprofit sectors and state and local governments. As a result, producers can select NRCS or technical service providers to help them meet conservation goals.

USDA is seeking sources of certified technical service providers and costs for the technical services they provide by March 30. Conservation technical services include conservation planning and design, layout, installation and review of approved conservation practices. The work completed by these technical service providers must meet NRCS standards and specifications, program requirements, and relevant laws and regulations.

Respondents can submit information via the Internet, e-mail or regular mail. Please submit information online at http://tspcost.sc.egov.usda.gov/ .  Mail responses to Edward M. Biggers, Director, Management Services Division, Room 5221-S, USDA-NRCS, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. Washington, DC 20250.

If you have questions about this cost data collection, contact edward.biggers@usda.gov. 

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Source: Tom Coleman, (701) 530_2002, Tom.Coleman@nd.usda.gov
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231_6136, Richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu