Becoming a Technical Service Provider: SCIMS Information and eAuthentication Account

1. Becoming a Technical Service Provider: SCIMS Information and eAuthentication Account NRCS Presentation March 17, 2005 Belfast, Maine

2. Please Note: • To function effectively as a TSP you must have an e-mail address and access to the internet. • Access can be remote such as through a library, community center, or other public access system. • Your information must be entered into SCIMS • You must have a Level 2 eAuthentication account to conduct business as a TSP

3. What is SCIMS? • Service Center Information Management System (SCIMS) is a repository for common customer and land data for the three partner agencies - FSA, NRCS, and RD. • SCIMS links the Service Centers to a central database combining common customer data.

4. What information must I provide for SCIMS? • NRCS Field Office staff will enter information into SCIMS for you. You will not have the ability to enter information into this system yourself. • Required information includes Name, Address, e-mail address, phone number. • You can provide this information during the eAuthentication account validation process at the Service Center. • If you wish to have the ability to have payments assigned directly to you, you should also provide the NRCS Field Office staff your SSN or Tax ID to enter into SCIMS. • You can also provide this information at time of first payment.

5. What is an eAuthentication Account? • USDA eAuthentication is the system used by USDA agencies to enable customers to obtain accounts that will allow them to access USDA Web applications and services via the Internet. • TSPs must have a Level 2 eAuthentication account in order to conduct official business and report completion of contracted tasks.

6. Why a Level 2 account and how do you apply for one? • You will need to have a Level 2 eAuthentication account because you will be conducting official electronic business transactions via the Internet • You can apply for a Level 2 eAuthentication account through a link on the TechReg website: https://techreg.sc.egov.usda.gov/

7. Apply Online

8. Register for a e-Authentication log-in Click here

9. Create an e-Authentication Account Click on “Create an account”

10. TSP’s need a Level 2 Account Click Here

11. Fill out the online form and submit…

12. Print this Confirmation Page NewMaineTSP! NewTSP newMaineTSP@myemail.com

13. Next Steps • Receive a confirmation e-mail within an hour • If not, follow directions on confirmation page • Click on e-mail confirmation link within 7 days • If you don’t, your account will be terminated • Visit eAuthentication website to ensure information is correct • www.eauth.egov.usda.gov, then click on “Update Account” link • Take government issued photo ID to USDA Service Center for activation of your account. • There’s a link to NRCS office locations on TechReg

14. Activation of Account Until a USDA Service Center employee activates your account, you will NOT be able to conduct official electronic business transactions with the Agency via the Internet.

15. Questions?