[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 6]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR652.3]

[Page 456-457]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
   CHAPTER VI--NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 652--TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDER ASSISTANCE--Table of Contents
 
                      Subpart A--General Provisions
 
Sec. 652.3  Administration.

    (a) As provided in this part, the Department will provide technical 
assistance to program participants directly, or at the option of the 
program participant, through a technical service provider in accordance 
with the requirements of this part.
    (b) The Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will 
direct and supervise the administration of the regulations in this part.
    (c) NRCS will:
    (1) Provide overall leadership and management for the development 
and administration of a technical service provider process;
    (2) Consult with the Farm Service Agency and other appropriate 
agencies and entities concerning the availability and utilization of 
technical service providers and the implementation of technical service;
    (3) Establish policies, procedures, guidance, and criteria for the 
certification, recertification, decertification, certification renewal, 
and implementation of the use of technical service providers;
    (4) Certify, decertify, and recertify technical service providers as 
well as renew certification for technical service providers.
    (5) Encourage development and availability of training opportunities 
for individuals interested in becoming technical service providers;

[[Page 457]]

    (6) Track payment and accomplishment data related to technical 
services delivery; and
    (7) Provide quality assurance for technical services provided by 
technical service providers.
    (d) The Department will not make payments under a program contract 
or agreement, a contract, contribution agreement, or cooperative 
agreement for technical services provided by a technical service 
provider unless the technical service provider is certified by NRCS and 
is identified on the approved list.
    (e) The Department will evaluate the terms and conditions of 
existing agreements with technical service providers to ensure that they 
are consistent with this part.