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Related Terms and Definitions

Updated 09/09/2004

Development and Maintenance of National Technical Standards, References, and Related Materials This term is contained and defined in Title 360, Personnel, Part 404 Organization, Section 404.92, National Technology Support Centers, A., Assignment of Functions. This reference defines this term as:

“1. Provides technical leadership, guidance, support, and expertise for development and maintenance of technical practice standards.

2. Ensure consistency of technical practice standards nationwide.”
 
 
Direct Assistance This term is contained and defined in Title 360, Personnel, Part 404 Organization, Section 404.92, National Technology Support Centers, A., Assignment of Functions. This reference defines direct assistance as:

“1. Provides consultative assistance to States, Pacific Basin and Caribbean Areas on technology issues; developing strategies to address natural resource issues; and addressing complex natural resource issues and/or identify additional sources of support.

2. Assists States, Pacific Basin, and Caribbean Areas with pilot projects and demonstration projects or field trials.

3. Provides technical support to NHQ [National Headquarters] Divisions and others, as they evaluate impacts of legislation, policy, and initiatives on natural resources conservation. “
 
 
 
National Centers This term refers to the National Cartography and Geospatial Center; National Employee Development Center; National Design, Construction and Soils Mechanics Center; National Information Technology Center; National Plant Data Center, National Soil Survey Center; National Water and Climate Center; National Water Management Center; as well as the National Agroforestry Center. Depending on the context, this term also refers to the National Technology Support Centers.
 
 
Prescribed Special Emphasis Areas This term refers to the nine technology areas, three in each of the three National Technology Support Center, identified by NRCS management, which require specific staffing to address natural resource conservation issues and concerns. These special emphasis areas include: air quality/atmospheric change, bioenergy, and water quality/quantity in the West National Technology Support Center; grazing lands, wetlands, and wildlife in the Central National Technology Support Center; and animal waste utilization, social sciences, and soil quality in the East National Technology Support Center.

Reference to these prescribed special emphasis areas is contained in Title 360, Personnel, Part 404 Organization, Section 404.92, National Technology Support Centers, A., Assignment of Functions:

“1. Carries out assigned functions for emerging technology development in the following areas: air quality/atmospheric change, animal waste utilization, bioenergy, grazing lands, social sciences, soil quality, water quality/quantity, wetlands, and wildlife."
 
 
Service Area This term refers to the geographic area, defined by names of the States and the Pacific Basin and Caribbean Areas, for which the National Technology Support Centers provide services.
 
 
Technology Acquisition and Development This term is contained and defined in Title 360, Personnel, Part 404 Organization, Section 404.92, National Technology Support Centers, A., Assignment of Functions. This reference defines this term as follows:

“1. Develops and enhances NRCS relationships with academia, non-governmental organizations, and other Federal agencies to improve support of locally based natural resources activities.

2. Works closely with the States [including the Pacific Basin and Caribbean Areas], other National Technology Support Centers, National Centers, National Headquarters, and others to identify and communicate technology development and research needs, and help develop strategies for addressing priority needs.

3. Acquires technology from other natural resource entities, to meet customer needs.

4. Provides assistance in the development and review of technical materials, such as practice standards, handbooks, and manuals.”
 
 
Technology Transfer  and Training This term is contained and defined in Title 360, Personnel, Part 404 Organization, Section 404.92, National Technology Support Centers, A., Assignment of Functions. This reference defines this term as follows:

“1. Provides leadership in technology transfer and training for natural resource technologies.

2. Works closely with States, other National Technology Support Centers, National Centers, National Headquarters, and others to identify and communicate technology transfer and training needs.

3. Collaborates with National Technology Support Centers and others to provide transfer and training for technologies.

4. Works to improve outreach and delivery of technology.

5. Provides leadership and assistance to help specialists in assigned States to develop the skills and tools needed to meet conservation objectives.”