Working with a Technical Service Provider (TSP)

TSPs are conservation professionals certified by NRCS. TSPs provide specialized expertise to offer planning, design, and implementation services to address any resource concerns and meet NRCS criteria. 

Technical service providers include individuals, private businesses, American Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies.

Farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners often use TSPs to address specific natural resource goals such as: 

• developing nutrient management plans
• developing sustainable forestry plans
• developing grazing and feed management plans
• developing an integrated pest management plan
• increasing irrigation efficiency
• transitioning from traditional agriculture to organic. 

Working with a TSP can provide customized solutions to your conservation goals on your land. Many TSPs work with NRCS programs, which can provide additional funding to help cover part of the cost of their technical assistance. They can also help you determine what NRCS programs you might be eligible for.

How to get started: 

1. Explore NRCS funding opportunities.
   • NRCS offers a variety of programs to help farmers implement conservation practices, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). 
2. Contact your local NRCS office.
   • Speaking with your local NRCS contact can help you identify the type of assistance you need and suggest qualified TSPs in your area. You can also look up certified TSPs through the NRCS website. 
3. Identify your goals.
   • Before you contact a TSP, ensure you know what resource conservation needs you have. Identifying your goals will allow TSPs to understand your needs and develop a plan to achieve those goals.
4. Apply.
   • Funding is not guaranteed. You will need to work with your local NRCS office to make an application for financial assistance and have an obligated contract before hiring a TSP. NRCS reimburses the farmer at a contracted rate that is established for the program they have enrolled in. You can find the most recent payment schedule online.
5. Review Qualifications and Services.
   • Not all TSPs are the same. Some may specialize in crop management or erosion control, while others are forestry or livestock management experts. Take the time to review a TSPs qualifications and expertise to make sure they are the right fit for you. You can ask your local NRCS contact which TSP they would recommend. TSP work falls into two categories: planning, design, and implementation of practices, as well as conservation planning activities.
6. Develop a plan.
   • Once you have selected a TSP, you will work together to develop a plan. This plan will outline the conservation practices and strategies they recommend, as well as any necessary equipment or resources, and should include an estimated budget and timeline.
7. Implement the plan.
   • Once everything has been developed, it is time to implement the plan. The TSP can help with the implementation process.
8. Monitor and adjust.
   • Monitoring your plan's progress is critical to seeing how well your conservation strategies are working. A TSP can help you track progress and adjust as is necessary to optimize results and meet your goals.

Tips for working with a TSP:

• Clearly communicate your goals, concerns, and budget from the start.
• Stay involved in the process and keep communication open.
• Have patience. This process will take time, and you should not expect immediate answers or results. If you have concerns or questions about the process, reach out to your TSP to ensure everything is on track and that the TSP is communicating with your local NRCS office as needed. 

TSPs are a valuable resource for projects requiring specialized knowledge and can help ensure compliance with NRCS standards. TSPs are trained by NRCS to ensure they meet the standards required by NRCS. Working with a TSP ensures that your contract will meet the requirements established by NRCS and meet your conservation goals.