USDA Rural Development implemented an improved review process that will help applicants through the Federal application process with a goal of streamlining the agencies review of contract and construction documents. This new policy will improve communication with our applicants, clarify USDA requirements, create consistency and shorten review times on project documents. Ultimately, the new policy will benefit South Dakota communities by improving the application/approval to construction timelines.
“I am excited to roll out this new process change for USDA South Dakota,” said Bruce Jones, USDA Rural Development Acting State Director. “This improved process will allow USDA to strengthen our partnerships with our applicants and improve our existing process by implementing a transparent review process and ultimately simplifying the entire process for all parties when working with USDA on their community projects. Increased one on one interaction between USDA staff and applicants throughout South Dakota communities will create efficiencies and help to reduce the number of reviews. ”
The focus of this process improvement will create consistency, reduce delays in process times, and contribute to the success of USDA program delivery and project completion.
“The new project review process will ensure a thorough and complete review of the project Preliminary Engineering Report’s (PER’s), plans, specifications, professional, and construction contracts. It assures all stakeholders of a complete and timely review process and will greatly enhance the project delivery,” said Terry Helms, P.E., R.L.S., Helms and Associates.
Dean Marske, with HKG Architects of Aberdeen, said, “The new policy that will move a project to the bidding stage in a timely manner is welcomed and hopefully, will speed the process for the communities and our applicants.” Marske has worked on USDA projects for years. He is presently handling the Faulkton Area Medical Center and Wilmot Assisted Living expansion projects. He commented that HKG is working on another new hospital and assisted living in the north central part of South Dakota and he is excited to see how the policy will help the community get the project to the finish line.
In the near future, USDA Rural Development will host a series of stakeholder meetings to discuss the new process and provide technical assistance/training to our customers. To receive a copy of the guidelines in advance, or to learn more about the process and which programs are effected, contact USDA Rural Development Engineer Jon Schmidt, jon.schmidt@sd.usda.gov, (605) 330-4515, Ext. 4.
USDA Rural Development in South Dakota has offices in Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, and Yankton. For more information on programs and services, visit the USDA Rural Development website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/sd.