Frequently Asked Questions

• What does the PMT stand for?

• What is the purpose of the PMT?

• Who can submit a research need?

• How do I submit a research need?

• What happens to a research need once it is submitted?

• Who do I contact if I have additional questions about the PMT or the process to submit research and technology needs?

What does the PMT stand for?

PMT is an acronym for the the USDA ARS/NRCS/CSREES Partnership Management Team

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What is the purpose of the PMT?

The PMT makes recommendations to ARS, CSREES,  and NRCS top management based upon a process that identifies and prioritizes research and technology development needs.

Graphic of PMT Research and Technology Needs Acquisition Process

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Who can submit a research need?

Research or technology development needs are  submitted by employees of the Natural Resource Conservation Service or in collaboration with one of its conservation partners.

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How do I submit a research need?

A research or technology need is submitted using the need request   form. The form standardizes the submittal information making it easier and quicker to evaluate and compare needs during the prioritization process.  To access the needs form, select FY99 Needs Initiative at the top of the menu on the left side of this page.

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What happens to a research need once it is submitted?

Once a research or technology development need has been submitted, it will automatically be entered into a tracking database. Multistate Technical Specialists (MST's) will access this database to review needs from the field within their geographic location and area expertise. MST's will first review the needs to see if the need can be met with existing technology, if not, the need may be consolidated with other similar needs and submitted to the executive secretary of the PMT through the tracking database. The executive secretary will oversee a needs prioritization process where all the needs are prioritized and specific project proposals are developed to address the priority needs. Once the prioritization process is complete, the PMT will recommend to ARS and NRCS top management priority projects to be implemented.

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Who do I contact if I have additional questions about the PMT or the process to submit research and technology needs?

If you have additional questions on either the function/purpose of the PMT or questions relating to submitting a research and technology need please contact the Acting Executive Secretary of the PMT, Jim Bonta.    

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