This bill makes it easier for private businesses, nonprofits, and other outside organizations to become approved Technical Service Providers (TSPs) who help farmers and landowners with conservation work. Right now, the government's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has a lengthy certification process for these third-party providers. The new law streamlines this by allowing outside organizations to certify TSPs themselves, as long as USDA approves those certifying organizations first. If someone already has a specialty certification—like being a certified crop advisor—they can get TSP certification faster without jumping through as many hoops.

The bill also ensures that TSPs get paid fairly for their work, at rates equal to what the government would pay for the same services. Additionally, USDA must make information about TSPs publicly available so farmers and landowners know who's available, how much they cost, and how often they're being used. Overall, this makes it simpler and faster for qualified conservation experts outside the government to help people implement conservation practices on their land, while still maintaining quality standards through USDA oversight.

Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

Baird, James R.

Increased TSP Access Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the&nbsp;certification process for Technical Service Providers (TSPs) at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by establishing an approval process for nonfederal certifying entities and a streamlined certification process for TSPs that hold certain specialty certifications.As background, TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, that work on behalf of customers to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meet NRCS criteria.The bill specifies that USDA must ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, third-party providers with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation practice design, implementation, and evaluation are eligible to become approved TSPs.USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors).In determining the eligibility of a nonfederal certifying entity, USDA must consider the ability, experience, expertise, and history of the entity. USDA must decide whether to approve an application submitted by a nonfederal certifying entity to certify&nbsp;TSPs&nbsp;within a specified time period. &nbsp;USDA must also review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity within a specified time period. If the certification is satisfactory, USDA must include the&nbsp;TSP on a USDA-maintained registry of certified TSPs.The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA.Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, certification results, and utilization rates.