If you work in the water industry, you’ve probably encountered the term “technical assistance” (TA) before, but what does it actually involve? Recently, WaterTA has become more widely available, thanks to significant changes in infrastructure funding through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), to name a few. Programs like these have injected billions of dollars into water and wastewater infrastructure, creating a surge in funding opportunities and an increased need for expert guidance to navigate this complex and evolving landscape.
Despite its growing availability, TA can seem vague and confusing, leaving many wondering what it truly entails and how it can benefit their community. The approach outlined here reflects how we approach TA here at the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN). However, it’s important to recognize that different organizations, from state agencies to private firms, may have different approaches and scopes for the technical services they provide.
We created the “WaterTA Menu” to help clarify some of the confusion. These infographics are intended to help community members and water professionals learn about the range of services available to them. Additionally, this can serve as a tool for state agencies and organizations to help demystify and effectively communicate the value of TA. At its core, TA provides expert guidance and support to help communities tackle various challenges, from infrastructure planning to financial management. But there’s more to it than that.
What TA Is:
- Customized Support: TA is a professional service, typically offered at no-cost to help communities build capacity and address technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) challenges. It offers tailored support to meet specific needs. Whether you need a capacity boost, or are struggling with a larger issue, TA provides expert guidance to tackle these challenges effectively.
- Flexible and Diverse: TA is highly adaptable, accommodating different time commitments and intensity levels based on a community’s needs. It can range from formal, structured work plans to informal guidance, with the flexibility to adjust as needs evolve over time.
- Coordinated Assistance Network: TA is provided by a range of organizations, including non-profits, state and federal agencies, industry associations, and educational institutions. If one provider is not able to help you properly, they’ll typically connect you with another that’s a better fit.
What TA Isn’t:
- A Quick Fix: TA focuses on long-term capacity building rather than providing easy instant solutions. It often requires background information and multiple meetings to develop the most effective strategies.
- Replacement for Professional Services: TA does not replace specialized services such as legal advice or professional engineering. When such needs arise, TA works best alongside other professional services, giving communities the extra capacity boost they need to move their projects forward.
- Not a Generic Solution: TA is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the communities, systems, or organizations being served. Rather than offering generic solutions, TA provides personalized support that aligns with the unique challenges being faced.
Now that we’ve clarified what TA is and isn’t — let’s explore how it can be tailored to meet diverse needs. Think of technical assistance like a diverse menu, where there’s something for everyone — from quick, satisfying bites to hearty main courses, and even indulgent desserts. Similarly, TA provides a spectrum of services tailored to fit different community needs. Whether you’re looking to tackle a small project, address complex challenges, or sweeten your team’s skills, the WaterTA Menu has something for everyone.
Appetizers – Small Bites of Assistance
Sometimes all you need is a little help to make a big difference. Think of TA appetizers as quicker, yet impactful services that require a shorter time commitment but also provide significant value. Perfect for those small tasks that you want off your plate, these services give you a taste of the full support providers can offer.
Appetizer Menu Examples:
- Meeting Facilitation
- Job Description Review
- Visioning Session
- Print and Digital Outreach Materials
- Budgeting Tips
- Funding Source Identification
Entrees – The Main Course of Support
You can view entrees as the heart of the WaterTA Menu, designed to tackle complex challenges and address a community’s most pressing needs. These services require a greater time investment but provide substantial, long-lasting support. Like a hearty meal, TA entrees offer the robust assistance necessary to achieve a community’s goals and create a meaningful impact.
Entree Menu Examples:
- Creating an Asset Management Plan
- Financial Planning and Rate Setting
- Project Development Support
- Funding Application Support
- Community Engagement Strategies and Implementation
Desserts – Extras to Sweeten Your Experience
Just like a delightful dessert can complete a meal, these additional services are designed to sweeten a community’s experience and help build their team’s skills. Often, desserts are shared among friends and families at a restaurant, much like how these offerings focus on collaborative team skill-building. These offerings can enrich a community’s TA experience and promote long-term success and stability.
Dessert Menu Examples:
- Professional Development
- Board and Staff Training
- Succession Plan Help
Are you in need of assistance or looking for help with navigating your community’s challenges? Whether you’re facing complex issues or need guidance on a specific project, we’re here to help. At the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN), we work across all US states and territories to create lasting change one community at a time–starting with clean, safe water and how to pay for it. Our resources and services support thriving communities and protect critical environmental resources while building the TMF capacity of those we serve. With support from centers like ours–the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center–and other university- and non-profit based organizations across the country, our goal is to support diverse communities by offering tailored solutions to meet local challenges.
At the end of the day, we believe that receiving technical assistance (TA) should be as satisfying as a well-crafted meal.
Craving support?
Get help today by reaching out to us through our TA Request Form and let us serve up the perfect blend of assistance for your team.