This bill streamlines certification for Technical Service Providers who help farmers with USDA conservation programs. It allows nonfederal entities to certify TSPs, creates faster approval for those with specialty credentials, requires equal pay rates to USDA technical assistance, and improves public information on provider utilization.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill streamlines certification for Technical Service Providers who help farmers with USDA conservation programs. It allows nonfederal entities to certify TSPs, creates faster approval for those with specialty credentials, requires equal pay rates to USDA technical assistance, and improves public information on provider utilization.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Increased TSP Access Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors).</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA.</p><p>Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, certification results, and utilization rates.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Streamlines TSP certification for conservation technical services
Allows nonfederal organizations to certify providers
Creates fast-track for specialty credential holders
Requires payment rates equal to USDA assistance
Improves public information on TSP utilization rates
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Farmers would have access to more certified technical service providers for conservation projects. Providers with relevant certifications could be approved faster. Pay rates would match what USDA charges for similar services.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Agriculture and Food
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
156, 119th Congress (2025). "Increased TSP Access Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-156
