TSP Program Adapting for the Future Needs of Clients
by Acting National TSP Program Manager Stacy Koch
NRCS has two new information technology resources on the horizon for assisting with conservation planning and management of the TSP Program. Conservation Desktop and TSP Registry will be available to TSPs in 2020 and 2021.
Conservation Desktop will provide additional functionality for field users to conduct conservation planning activities. The intent is to make the capabilities available for technical service providers in the future to provide and document technical assistance for clients. Field offices began beta testing the software in 2019 and will continue to transition in 2020 from older versions. As the software is built and feedback from early versions improves its capabilities, functionality will be added in later versions that will allow TSPs the same opportunities.
By calendar year 2020, we plan to launch the new TSP Registry which will replace the current TechReg system. TSP Registry will offer the same functionality users experience with the existing system: TSP applications, verification/certification and a public website to find certified TSPs. The new TSP Registry will have added functionality for the convenience of TSPs and TSP Program managers which include:
Questions about the TSP Program can be directed to Stacy Koch, acting National TSP Program Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at 570-925-5531.
Conservation Desktop will provide additional functionality for field users to conduct conservation planning activities. The intent is to make the capabilities available for technical service providers in the future to provide and document technical assistance for clients. Field offices began beta testing the software in 2019 and will continue to transition in 2020 from older versions. As the software is built and feedback from early versions improves its capabilities, functionality will be added in later versions that will allow TSPs the same opportunities.
By calendar year 2020, we plan to launch the new TSP Registry which will replace the current TechReg system. TSP Registry will offer the same functionality users experience with the existing system: TSP applications, verification/certification and a public website to find certified TSPs. The new TSP Registry will have added functionality for the convenience of TSPs and TSP Program managers which include:
- Reverse the order of TSP Application and Profile so as a TSP adds practices and CAPs to their application and confirm qualifications that criteria has been met, the credentials provided will automatically build the TSP’s resume.
- Extend the renewal period from 60 days to 120 days
- Streamlined application process for a member of a professional society that NRCS formally has an agreement with for TSP certification
- Internal communications module to track and store communications between TSP and State TSP Coordinators
- Completed Work module to allow TSPs to upload work completed for NRCS and clients.
- Quality Assurance module allowing all quality assurance reviews completed can be tied back to a specific TSP and client
- Training module to allow some training to be offered within TSP Registry
- Decertification module to allow information from the Quality Assurance module feed the decertification process when needed
Questions about the TSP Program can be directed to Stacy Koch, acting National TSP Program Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at 570-925-5531.