Government Consultants

Maximus Inc

PEC Solutions, Inc.

Guide to Government Consultants

Government consulting services provide valuable perspectives, specialized skills and result-oriented objectives for political organizations
By Kristen McClung

Government consultants are invaluable when your business needs specialized talent or industry knowledge not currently available on your staff. With vast resources, government relations consultants offer perspective, experience, knowledge and skills to provide successful solutions for your business.

Government contract consultants provide important skills for businesses seeking to plan new initiatives, develop strategic planning, refresh current programming or transition staff responsibilities. A Federal consultant can increase productivity and efficiency by addressing essential issues, recognizing internal or external obstacles and providing specialized services to improve your organization.

Before beginning your search for government consultants, it is important to define your consulting needs. Clearly identify the goal of your consultancy service, project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help your organization select the best government consultant to meet your specific needs.

When selecting government consulting companies for your organization, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience do the political consulting firms offer that will benefit your specific business?

2. What services do the government policy consultants provide and how do those services match the needs of your organization?

3. How much should your business invest in government consulting services?

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire government relations consultants that specialize in politics Select government consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend:  Carmen Group, Inc., is a Washington, DC-based Federal lobbying and government relations firms that features an online client list. Alcalde & Fay, a lobbying, communications and government marketing firm, offers an extensive list of past and present clients.

Choose government consulting firms with proven skills Review the consulting work provided by each consulting for government firm. Evaluate the government consulting companies' experience, qualifications and certifications and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need.

I recommend:  Gotham Government Relations offers legal and government relations services, and has experience working with NY city and state government officials. American Continental Group, LLC, provides advocacy, public affairs, strategic communications and business development services to help corporations, associations and non profit organizations shape public policy. Get a free packet with samples of client work at Campaign Connections.

Select a government consultant that meets your budget Many government consultant firms operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your government consultant cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend:  Get a quote for political and public affairs strategic communication services at Franzen & Company or The Trammell Group. Phil Noble & Associates designs its business relationships to serve each client's individual budget needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Make sure that it is written into your contract that the Federal government consulting firm will not provide services to any competing candidate, issue or campaign during the course of your business relationship.
• It is tempting to save time by interviewing just one government consultant agency. However, it is in your organization's best interest to contact and interview contact several government consulting companies to discuss your potential project. Two or three choices will provide you with the best possible match in skills, services, price and rapport for both you and the government consultant firm.