Developing Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) or Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) projects and proposals usually does not happen during the 60- or 90-day proposal submission period. Successful proposals are developed over months or even a year or more. Time is needed to develop partnerships, producer relationships, and a project plan conducive to success. Building relationships with NRCS State Conservationists and staff is critical.

Nine Steps helps with all these activities, drawing on decades of NRCS experience and relationships to develop project ideas, partnerships and relationships that set partners on path to RCPP or CIG success.