Increased TSP Access Act of 2025
Increased TSP Access Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What It Does:** This bill would make it easier for private businesses, nonprofits, and other outside organizations to become approved service providers for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's conservation programs. Currently, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) certifies "Technical Service Providers" (TSPs)—third-party experts who help farmers and landowners with conservation planning and implementation.
The bill would streamline this certification process, particularly for providers who already hold relevant professional certifications (like certified crop advisors), and allow nonfederal organizations to help certify these providers as well. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects agricultural service providers, farmers, and landowners. It would make it simpler for private consultants, nonprofits, and tribal organizations to get approved to work with USDA conservation programs, potentially expanding the pool of available expertise and reducing bureaucratic barriers. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 575) was introduced by Representative James Baird (R-IN) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Increased TSP Access Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the 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 TSPs within a specified time period. 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 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.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.