Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative

1. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Streamlining Delivery of Conservation Assistance October 2011 Dave White Chief, USDA-NRCS For more information: www.nrcs.usda.gov search “CDSI”

2. Background • Analysis began in 2009 and NRCS Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative (CDSI) was formalized in 2010 to: • Increase technical staff time in the field with landowners • Simplify conservation delivery – for landowners & employees • Ensure science-based conservation assistance • Streamline business processes • Integrate and improve information technology • Enhance financial management and accountability

3. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative CDSI uses today’s technology and streamlined, integrated business processes to improve conservation delivery. It is : • Good for Landowners • 75% of technical staff time spent in the field with landowners • Simplified, streamlined processes make conservation easier • Improved, increased science-based conservation planning • Integrated technical and financial assistance delivery • Expedited delivery of financial assistance • 24/7 online access • “Mobile” field office reduces need for travel • Good for NRCS • Ability to track and report environmental outcomes • Improved financial accountability • Good for healthy working lands • More conservation on the ground

4. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Current Process *most steps performed by NRCS technical staff Landowner completes application & signs Eligibility determined Schedule appt. Landowner drives to NRCS office Start field planning Eligibility issues resolved Rank tentative practices in office WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT Landowner signs contract WAIT START Batching period Contract developed Final planning Schedule appt. Landowner signs final plan Landowner signs ranking

5. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Future Process Landowner applies for assistance online Plan is developed & ranked Plan finalized Plan implemented START Administrative/clerical support tasks either automated or handled through centralized support staff • Landowners have the option to apply, review documents, and sign documents online or in person, either in the office or field

6. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative

7. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative CDSI Strategies: 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services

8. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Reduce steps and eliminate unnecessary tasks 1. Streamline Business Processes Automate workflow 2. Align IT with Business Needs Integrate technical and financial assistance 3. Fully Integrated Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services

9. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Aligning IT around business needs will result in integrated technology and 24/7 online access Enable mobile computing 1. Streamline Business Processes Integrated technical and financial assistance tools 2. Align IT with Business Needs Integrate GIS technology 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services

10. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Science and technology will streamline planning processes and document environmental outcomes 1. Streamlined Business Processes Minimize data entry 2. Align IT with Business Needs Simplify plan criteria 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools Measure & report outcomes 4. Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services

11. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Integrated technology and realigned administrative support will result in more timely financial assistance 1. Streamline Business Processes Centralize administrative support 2. Align IT with Business Needs 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools E-Signature 4. Simplify Financial Assistance Streamline Ranking 5. Client-Focused Products & Services

12. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Clients will be able to do many tasks with NRCS on-line 24/7, adding convenience and eliminating trips to the office 1. Streamline Business Processes 2. Align IT with Business Needs Web-based client gateway, 24/7 online access 3. Fully Integrate Science & Tools Redesign conservation plan format Simplify Financial Assistance 5. Client-Focused Products & Services

13. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Integrated CDSI Technology Mobile Planner Client Gateway NRCS Technical Staff Landowners Conservation Desktop NRCS Technical Staff Centralized Administrative Support Staff

14. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Client Gateway – Landowners have 24/7 online access to conservation activities Apply for NRCS programs and assistance Schedule appointments Check on program eligibility issues Ask technical or financial assistance questions E-sign plans and contracts View soils & natural resource information Check status of payments View plans & contracts Identify goals or problem areas

15. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Mobile Planner– NRCS technical staff can access data and tools in the field Evaluate concerns and alternatives Define fields to meet client needs Plan and schedule practices Rank financial assistance application Document progress with photographs E-sign plans and contracts Certify applied practices View environmental outcomes View plans and contracts Request additional assistance View & analyze resource information

16. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Conservation Desktop (Conservation Planning) View and manage landowner’s technical & financial assistance information Schedule tasks & manage workload Track performance Access tools to design practices Conduct quality assurance Streamline NEPA and other compliance documentation Access tools to estimate outcomes Automatically link data between science-based tools Prepare final plan documents & maps

17. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Conservation Desktop (Contract Management) – Integrated tool used by 350 dedicated centralized administrative support staff Manage requests for assistance Assist landowners with eligibility determinations Assist landowner with legal & financial forms Process contract status reviews Develop contract Process payments Complete financial assistance document reviews Obtain landowner e-signatures Update landowner on contract progress Prepare client correspondence

18. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative 2012-2013 Timeline CONSERVATION DESKTOP CLIENT GATEWAY Jan – Mar 2012 Client Gateway and Conservation Desktop pilots tested in 15 States _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mid-2012 Launch Nationwide centralized document storage Pilot test mobile conservation planning tools Sept 2012 Release Client Gateway and full Conservation Desktop Nationwide 2013 Release Mobile Planner Nationwide Add new functionality to Client Gateway and Desktop, including environmental outcomes tracking and reporting

19. Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative NRCS Conservation Delivery Streamlining Initiative Landowner-focused CDSI seamlessly integrates technical and financial assistance to make conservation easier for America’s farmers and ranchers. CDSI …Using Today’s Technology …Simplifying Processes …Spending More Time in the Field with Landowners Getting more conservation on the ground For more information, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov and search “CDSI”