Case Study
USDA: Reducing Risk to Meet Conservation Goals
Bridging the gap between in-office administration and what happens out in the field
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New York works with New York's farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial forest landowners to conserve our nation’s soil, water, air, and other natural resources. The NRCS' conservation programs help reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damages caused by floods and other natural disasters by providing funding opportunities to agricultural producers and other landowners.
In order to successfully administer these programs and meet important conservation goals, the USDA identified the need for additional staffing and comprehensive program management services to support the District Conservationist (DC), resulting in the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the NRCS’ New York State Office in Syracuse and in 12 area and field offices across the state. They brought in BESS to execute an effective solution.
Our Solution
BESS recruited and hired 16 General Clerk IIs for the State Office Syracuse, New York (NY), Field Office Lafayette, NY, Field Office Fultonville, NY, Field Office Cortland, NY, Field Office Binghamton, NY, Field Office Highland, NY, Field Office Riverhead, NY, Field Office Walton, NY, Field Office Ghent, NY, Field Office Batavia, NY, Field Office Ellicottville, NY, Field Office Rochester, NY, and Field Office East Aurora, NY. BESS is accountable for the day-to-day management of staff and provides ongoing training.
Additionally, BESS provides administrative support services to support the NRCS program staff with the assimilation of program documentation, development of correspondence, checking documents for accuracy, processing payments, and maintaining spreadsheets and records. BESS employees monitor and track commencement and expiration of agreements and prepare agreement modifications. Our team reviews documents and assists in internal auditing to ensure alignment with NRCS policies and procedures.
“BES Solutions is proactive in managing the employees for scheduling, training, and daily operations. The BESS staff is responsive and takes quick action in the 13 NRCS offices it supports.”
Our Results
The BESS management team remains engaged with on-site employees and promotes the retention of team members, providing continuity and reducing risk to NRCS operations. NRCS has praised BESS for our quick recruitment and hiring and our comprehensive and ongoing training for employees working on the contract. After the success of year one of the contract, the USDA expanded the scope of the work to include staffing and support at additional field offices.
The additional staffing and purposeful blend of employee skill sets bridged the gap between in-office administration work and what happens out in the field. The client noted that the BESS team is known for its error-free contracts and reports. Our work ensures the successful tracking and management of Wetland Compliance and Highly Erodible Land Assistance, as well as Food Security Act compliance - all critical elements to meet NRCS’ mission and goals.