NMP The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service manages the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program for farmers and ranchers that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and non-structural conservation practices on eligible agricultural land. EQIP activities are carried out according to an EQIP plan of operations developed in conjunction with the producer that identifies the appropriate conservation practice or system of practices to address natural resource concerns. The practices are subject to NRCS technical standards adapted for local conditions. The local conservation district approves the plan. The standards for NRCS conservation practices are located in Section IV of the electronic Field Office Technical Guide (Efotg) on the Ohio NRCS home page: http://www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/ The Ohio office of USDA-NRCS intends to select several individuals and/or firms to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers for technical assistance in the preparation of "Nutrient Management Plans" as a component of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans or Resource Management System Conservation Plans. Includes the following tasks: 1. Development of Nutrient Management Plans that addresses all the sources of nutrients to be applied, the timing of all nutrient applications, rates of all nutrients to be applied, the methods of application of all nutrients, identification of sensitive areas with appropriate setbacks, and risk assessments for nitrogen and phosphorus. The Nutrient Management Plan is to meet the minimum standards of the Ohio NRCS Nutrient Management Standard Code 590; and where applicable, the Ohio NRCS Waste Utilization Standard Code 633 as approved within the Ohio Field Office Technical Guide 2. Ensures that all conservation assistance meets requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. 3. Reports or provides the documentation needed to report implementation in the NRCS progress reporting system. Firms and individuals must be certified as a Nutrient Management Specialist by Ohio NRCS. To be certified, firms and individuals must attend Ohio NRCS approved training sessions on regulations, NRCS standards and specifications, and documentation requirements. In addition, applicants will need to complete the "Technical Service Provider" application and include their nutrient management experience, certifications, and education. Individuals lacking appropriate certifications may be required to complete additional education and/or NRCS nutrient management training courses before being certified. Individuals must demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities by developing at least one nutrient management plan involving manure application that meets all NRCS policy and standards and specifications. Solicitation for assistance will be announced for specific jobs, areas, or regions of Ohio. Any firm or individuals that believe they can furnish the desired technical assistance are encouraged to give written notice to the Contracting Officer. Selected applicants must be certified Nutrient Management Specialists. If an individual or firm wishes to provide this assistance, but holds no Ohio NRCS certification for Nutrient Management, they are encouraged to state this request in their response to this solicitation. This is a Sources Sought Notice. Separate "Request for Proposal" will be advertised for specific jobs, areas, or regions of Ohio after April 1, 2003.

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