Environmental Quality Incentives Program Payment Schedules

Assess the current EQIP payment schedule process, identify opportunities to make it more manageable and effective, and then make changes to the process as appropriate.

Develop and implement a process to validate component prices by collecting and reviewing a sufficient number of receipts from EQIP producers, or by comparing actual costs on receipts to the estimated costs from the payment schedule, and take action when actual costs on the receipts do not validate the estimated costs from the payment schedule.

Ensure the national cost team has followed the process established in Recommendation 1. Also, ensure the national cost team has sufficient resources to complete these tasks.

Ensure that the EQIP payment schedule includes necessary components and scenarios to address State and regional needs and exceptions.

Provide employees with comprehensive, nationwide training in administering EQIP, including EQIP payment schedules, allowable costs and services, and certification of practices.