S. 156 — Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

This section revises the delivery of technical assistance for USDA conservation programs by expanding the third-party provider (TSP) certification process to increase provider capacity and availability. (As background, the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides technical assistance for conservation planning and implementation directly or through certified TSPs to eligible agricultural producers, landowners, and entities.) Specifically, the section (1) adds a definition of "non-Federal certifying entity" (i.e., approved non-Federal entities or State agencies); (2) revises the purpose of technical assistance to include "timely" assistance for practice design and implementation; (3) clarifies that non-Federal entities providing assistance include private sector entities; (4) expands required expertise for TSP regulations to encompass conservation practice design, implementation, evaluation, and other skills determined by the Secretary; (5) requires certification of TSPs by the NRCS Chief, approved non-Federal entities, or approved State agencies with relevant statutory authority; (6) mandates a process for non-Federal certifying entity approvals (within 40 business days of application) and TSP certification reviews (within 10 business days of notification), with specified duties for such entities including training and notices to the Secretary; (7) directs a streamlined certification process (within 180 days of enactment) for holders of specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors, professional engineers); and (8) requires the Secretary to review and adjust certification requirements no later than one year after enactment, with outreach to stakeholders.