|
Step 1: Obtain
a User ID and Password
|
|
|
You must have a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account (User ID and password) to register
as a TSP. All other features of TechReg are accessible without a User ID.
Access to all USDA web sites protected by eAuthentication (eAuth) is handled through
a common login screen. As a security precaution, you have three chances to login
using your USDA eAuthentication account. After three consecutive unsuccessful tries,
your account is temporarily locked. The lock on the account should release itself
after a period of 60 minutes of inactivity.
For issues related to account passwords, account usage, and account maintenance,
please contact the USDA eAuthentication Help Desk via email at:
eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov. Make sure that you are using the correct User
ID and password. Remember: If you haven’t used your eAuth login in six months, more
than likely it has been disabled. The Help Desk can enable your account. Do not
go to the eAuth web site and request another Level 2 account.
Once logged in, if you have questions navigating the TechReg web site, contact TechReg
technical support by email at Techreg@nrcs.usda.gov.
You can use the “Contact Us” button on TechReg to generate an email message to TechReg
technical support. Also under “Contact Us” is a link to the state TSP coordinators.
If you already have a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account and your account
is enabled, you may click “Login” on the TechReg home page and enter your User ID
and password to register as a TSP.
|
|
Remember: USDA eAuthentication accounts are disabled after 6 months of inactivity.
If you have not used your account for 6 months or more and cannot login or cannot
remember your password, contact eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov
for assistance.
|
If you do not have an account, go to:
- Obtain an eAuthentication level 2 Account.
- Fill out the fields (including a phone number which is required for TSP registration).
Be sure to enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your government-issued
photo ID, such as state driver’s license or U.S. passport. (You will later bring
that same ID to a USDA Service Center for verification.)
- Once you have submitted the information requested, you will receive an email that
will instruct you to Activate your Account within 7 days. Click on the ACTIVATE
MY ACCOUNT link in the email.
- After you click on the email link, visit a local USDA Service Center in person.
The USDA employee at the Service Center will verify your identity and activate your
account on the USDA side.
- Once your account is activated by the USDA employee, you should receive an email
stating that your account is ready for use to access USDA applications (i.e., TechReg).
|
|
|
Step 2: Apply Online for Certification as a TSP
|
|
|
- Applications may be submitted by individuals, businesses, or public agencies. A
prospective TSP is advised to review the certification categories and their requirements
and the certification agreement before beginning the application process.
- Fill out the sections that pertain to you as an individual, business, or public
agency. Potential TSPs must be able to demonstrate knowledge in their respective
areas of expertise through documentation of training or experience. To become certified,
applicants must meet all of the certification requirements contained in TechReg
for the specific category or categories of technical services they wish to provide.
For those categories that have multiple options, the TSP must meet all requirements
for one chosen option. The TSP must obtain licenses or certifications required by
local, state, or tribal law. Applicants must document their qualifications in TechReg
and indicate how they meet specific certification criteria.
- Please note that Conservation Planning Modules 1 – 5 and the TSP Orientation Course
are basic requirements for all categories and conservation activity plans.
NRCS provides TSPs access to The
Agriculture Learning (AgLearn) Service educational services for USDA federal
employees, contractors, partners and customers. NRCS provides http://www.aglearn.usda.gov to TSPs so that they may take
online courses needed for certification or recertification. Required courses and
available courses, along with upcoming training opportunities and instructions for
registering at AgLearn, are located on the upper right hand side TechReg home page
under “I Want to Receive TSP Training.”
- The TSP must sign a certification agreement electronically to complete the application
process. This is done within the TSP Profile in TechReg.
|
|
Step 3: Become Certified
|
|
|
|
A message will be transmitted to each state in which the TSP has applied. NRCS personnel
in those state(s) have up to 60 days to review your application and verify your
credentials. You should be contacted if discrepancies are noted. When the review
is completed and your application is found to meet requirements, the designated
State Conservationist will certify your application by electronically countersigning
the certification agreement. Once certified by NRCS, TSPs will be placed on an “approved
list” in TechReg to provide specific technical services in those specific states.
|
|
|
|
|
Step 4: Provide Services
|
|
|
Producers can search TechReg to find certified TSPs. Once selected and hired by
the producer, the TSPs can provide the technical services they are certified to
perform. TSPs can also check individual state web pages for potential business opportunities.
Please contact the TSP State Coordinator for specific information.
|
|
|