Common use of Interview Phase Clause in Contracts

Interview Phase. The interview must involve two NRCS employees who have both received training in handling potentially volatile situations. This phase of the investigation could very well determine the success in resolving any dispute. · Identify yourself and the assisting employee and state that you represent the NRCS of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The individual must know that he or she is meeting with a Federal employee. This may be extremely important if the interview results in an NRCS employee being assaulted. · Establish the identity of the individual to be interviewed. Initially, this may be the landowner or tenant. Obtain the individual’s address. · Identify the manager of the land in question. · Try to establish who is responsible for the activity that is considered a violation. It may also be possible to establish who ordered the activity and whether it was done by an alleged violator’s employee or through contract. · Identify all persons involved and conduct an interview with each, as necessary. · Share photos and location maps of the violation. Do not take the case file to the meeting. The whole file is not open for viewing by the landowner, operator, or the general public. Only USDA, NRCS, and OGC officials are permitted to have access to the file. · If at any point during the conversation issues arise that may confuse the issues surrounding the case, it is best to tell the individual that you will get back to them after completing your investigation. Contact the local OGC for a legal opinion before you make any demands. NRCS personnel should withdraw from any situation that becomes hostile.