Summary

Expands and clarifies how third‑party technical service providers (TSPs) are certified, paid, and overseen for designing and implementing conservation practices. Creates a process for USDA to approve non‑Federal certifying entities, requires the Secretary to set payment rates and publish data on payments and certifications, and establishes timelines and periodic review and outreach requirements to improve transparency and program administration.

Key Points

• Creates a formal approval process for non‑Federal certifying entities to certify third‑party technical service providers (TSPs).
• Requires the Secretary to set and publish payment rates for TSP services and related certifier activities.
• Mandates public reporting of payments and certification activity to increase transparency.
• Establishes timelines for certification, review, outreach, and public reporting actions by USDA.
• Adds a statutory definition for approved non‑Federal certifying entities and requires periodic review of certification rules.
• Directs outreach to inform potential certifiers and TSPs about new or revised certification requirements.
• Focuses on administrative and program rules rather than on new appropriations or tax changes.
• Aims to expand capacity and standardize oversight for conservation practice design and implementation.

Categories & Tags