DC Talking Points

May 2008

New ID Cards: LincPass

Personal Identity Verification (PIV) cards are part of the entire Federal Government’s move toward compliance with the President’s Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12, commonly known as HSPD-12. USDA is calling their card the LincPass, and it will be required for all USDA employees and partners working on common computing environment (CCE) computers by October 2009.

The process for obtaining a card will begin when you receive an e-mail to make an appointment at an enrollment station. Enrollment stations are available at the FSA State Office in Indianapolis, and in surrounding states. When you receive an e-mail to make an appointment, a choice of enrollment stations near your duty station will be provided.

At the appointment fingerprints will be scanned, a digital photo will be taken, and two forms of ID (one government issued) will be scanned. Employees and partners must also have a background investigation on record to obtain a card. Cards are issued at a central location and mailed to enrollment stations. In about two weeks you will be notified by e-mail that you can pick up your card, no appointment necessary. When you return to the enrollment station, you will need one form of ID, and will activate your card with a 6-8 digit pin number.

Phase I of implementing LincPass PIV cards will be issuing cards to all USDA employees and partners using laptops in the common computing environment (CCE). Phase II will be issuing cards to all CCE desktop users. The LincPass will be used to log on to CCE computers through a card reader installed on your computer. By October 2011, LincPass will also be utilized as an electronic key to enter USDA Service Centers.

New Composting System: EQIP Pilot Project

New technology has emerged in the livestock production industry using a mechanical rotary drum composting system. It is becoming popular for small poultry (20,000-40,000 birds) operations. However, industry information indicates it will work with other types of livestock. Indiana NRCS has decided to do a pilot program to test the effectiveness of the mechanical rotary drum composter through the EQIP program. The mechanical rotary drum composting system will be allowed to be used following Indiana NRCS Standard 316, Animal Mortality Facility specifications and will be eligible for EQIP financial assistance on a limited basis.

Computer Support

NRCS and ITS at the national level have been working on a reimbursement method for ITS services. A “cost per computer” charge is being phased in, with an annual cost of $3,000 per computer above a state’s baseline numbers of CCE machines. NRCS will continue to cover costs for a baseline number of CCE machines, including partners. NRCS appreciates the field offices’ efforts to reduce the number of workstations in order to control ITS costs. For SWCDs that are not co-located, NRCS will still be supporting CCE machines where districts are supporting NRCS programs. This support was outlined in a letter dated April 15, 2008 to all SWCD offices and Chairpersons.

Farm Bill Update

The House and Senate both passed an additional two-week extension of the 2002 farm bill. This sixth extension runs through May 16th.